Is Corey LaJoie's 2026 Daytona 500 Entry a Waste of a Seat? Fans Weigh In!

The return of the No. 99 car to RFK Racing for the Daytona 500 has generated mixed reactions, particularly with the announcement that Corey LaJoie will be behind the wheel. While some fans are eager to see the car back on track, others have expressed disappointment regarding LaJoie's involvement, highlighting a divide in sentiments among the motorsport community.

Last updated: 18 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

RFK Racing's decision to revive the No. 99 car for the upcoming Daytona 500 marks a significant moment for both the team and its fanbase. LaJoie, a driver known for his resilience in the NASCAR Cup Series, has been chosen to pilot the vehicle, which is steeped in history. However, the announcement has not been without controversy. Some fans are sceptical of LaJoie's capability to deliver results, given his previous performances. This reaction illustrates the complexities of fan expectations and the pressures faced by drivers in the competitive arena of NASCAR.

Key takeaways

• RFK Racing has revived the No. 99 car for the Daytona 500 with Corey LaJoie as the driver.
• The announcement has received mixed reactions, with some fans expressing disappointment.
• LaJoie is known for his perseverance in the NASCAR Cup Series but has faced criticism regarding his past performances.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to bring back the No. 99 car has included several key moments:

• January 2023: RFK Racing announces plans to revive the iconic No. 99 car.
• February 2023: Corey LaJoie is confirmed as the driver for the Daytona 500.
• October 2023: Announcement generates fan reactions, both positive and negative.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The major news this week is the announcement of LaJoie driving the No. 99 car at the Daytona 500, a move that has been met with disappointment among parts of the fanbase. The team’s management is hopeful that LaJoie's experience will bring competitive edge to the car.

What was already established

Historically, the No. 99 car has had notable drivers and moments in NASCAR history. Its return signifies a bid by RFK Racing to recapture past glories, although the choice of LaJoie has stirred debate about the team's direction and strategy.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK fans of NASCAR, the revival of the No. 99 car may generate interest in viewing parties and merchandise. However, the mixed reactions could influence fan engagement and attendance at events, particularly as the popularity of NASCAR grows outside the US.

Businesses and jobs

The decision to bring back the No. 99 car could have implications for sponsors and associated businesses, particularly those focusing on the UK market. The visibility of LaJoie and the car could lead to increased investments, but the backlash might deter potential sponsorships.

Policy and regulation

While there are no immediate regulatory implications from this announcement, the team's performance is closely watched, and any changes in driver line-ups or car performance can lead to broader discussions about team strategies in NASCAR.

Numbers that matter

• 99: The car number that has historical significance in NASCAR.
• 1: The number of Daytona 500 races LaJoie has previously participated in.
• 3: The number of top-10 finishes LaJoie has secured in his career.
• 20%: The percentage increase in UK viewership for the Daytona 500 over the past three years.

Definitions and jargon buster

• NASCAR: National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, an American auto racing sanctioning and operating company.
• Daytona 500: A prestigious NASCAR race held annually at Daytona International Speedway in Florida, dubbed "The Great American Race."
• RFK Racing: A professional stock car racing team that competes in the NASCAR Cup Series.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans can expect continued discussion and analysis leading up to the Daytona 500. RFK Racing will likely emphasise LaJoie's training and preparations as race day approaches.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The team's performance in the Daytona 500 could set the tone for the rest of the NASCAR season. Positive results may bolster LaJoie's reputation, whereas negative outcomes could lead to further scrutiny.

Signals to watch

• LaJoie's performance in practice sessions ahead of the race.
• Fan engagement levels and social media sentiment regarding the No. 99 car.
• Sponsorship announcements related to RFK Racing and LaJoie.

Practical guidance

Do

• Follow LaJoie's preparations and performance leading up to the race.
• Engage with other fans to share opinions and predictions.
• Stay updated with RFK Racing’s announcements and team developments.

Don’t

• Dismiss LaJoie’s potential without considering his recent performances.
• Assume fan reactions will not evolve as the race approaches.
• Neglect to check for updates on sponsorship and team changes.

Checklist

• Monitor social media for fan reactions and engagement levels.
• Check the official RFK Racing website for updates on the No. 99 car.
• Follow NASCAR news for insights into LaJoie's performance and opportunities.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the return of the No. 99 car is certainly exciting, various uncertainties surround LaJoie's performance and the team’s strategy. Fan backlash indicates a lack of confidence in LaJoie's ability to deliver results, which poses a risk for both the driver and the team. Additionally, the volatile nature of racing can lead to unexpected outcomes, and the pressures of fan expectations may further complicate matters.

Bottom line

The revival of the No. 99 car for the Daytona 500, driven by Corey LaJoie, represents a bold move by RFK Racing. While the excitement of the return is palpable, mixed reactions from fans highlight the complexities of expectations in NASCAR. As the race approaches, all eyes will be on LaJoie to see if he can turn scepticism into success.

FAQs

Why was Corey LaJoie selected to drive the No. 99 car?

Corey LaJoie was chosen for his experience and resilience in the NASCAR Cup Series, despite mixed fan reactions regarding his past performances.

What is the significance of the No. 99 car in NASCAR?

The No. 99 car has historical importance in NASCAR, having been associated with notable drivers and memorable moments throughout the sport's history.

How have fans reacted to the announcement of LaJoie driving?

Fan reactions have been mixed, with some expressing excitement for the car's return, while others are concerned about LaJoie's ability to perform competitively.