The No. 99 rides again while returning to the team with which it came to prominence. RFK Racing will revive the number for the season-opening Daytona 500.
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According to a press release, RFK Racing will field a fourth entry for the crown jewel race with Trimble as the primary sponsor. Corey LaJoie will take over the No. 99 Ford Mustang as he makes his second start for the team this season.
RFK Racing previously revealed that he will replace Brad Keselowski in the No. 6 Ford for the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium as Keselowski recovers from a broken leg.
The move became possible due to an offseason change by Trackhouse Racing. The team gave up the No. 99, which Daniel Suarez controlled for five seasons, while moving Shane van Gisbergen to the No. 97.
"This is a dream come true to get an opportunity with RFK Racing at the Daytona 500," said Lajoie in a press release. "This is without a doubt, the best car and opportunity I've had at Daytona. I'm grateful for the trust they've placed in me."
The No. 99 has long been associated with the Jack Roush-owned team. Carl Edwards and Jeff Burton both controlled the entry while achieving success. Burton, also known as The Mayor, controlled the No. 99 from 1996 until 2004 while winning 17 races.
Edwards took over the No. 99 in 2004 and remained in it until 2014. He won 23 races during this stretch, which included nine wins during the 2008 season.
LaJoie will now take over the historic number while trying to qualify for the Daytona 500. He will have to beat out several cars during either qualifying or one of the Duel races in order to secure a spot on the starting grid.
The current list of Open cars includes LaJoie (99), Justin Allgaier (40), JJ Yeley (44), Anthony Alfredo (62), Casey Mears (66) Corey Heim (67), and BJ McLeod (78). Jimmie Johnson (84) has a secure spot through the Open Exemption Provisional.
"From a competition standpoint, having a fourth car gives us and Ford Racing a better chance to win the Daytona 500," said Keselowski.
"It's not just about adding another entry. Superspeedway racing is about cooperation and having an additional car allows us to be more effective in forming drafting alliances, controlling lanes, and putting ourselves in position when it matters most."
