AJ Allmendinger shared insights into his challenges during the final laps of the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) at Bowman Gray, where he competed fiercely against Corey LaJoie and Austin Cindric. The No. 16 driver for Kaulig Racing was aiming to secure one of the final spots to advance to the Cook Out Clash but ultimately missed the cut in a highly competitive race.
The event’s revamped format automatically advanced the 20 fastest qualifiers to the main race, leaving 18 drivers to battle for just three remaining positions in the LCQ. Josh Berry, driving the No. 21 for Wood Brothers Racing, captured first place in the 75-lap LCQ, with Austin Cindric of Team Penske securing the second spot. Alex Bowman moved forward using a points provisional. Meanwhile, Allmendinger and LaJoie, piloting the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford, were eliminated from the lineup.
Analyzing the Final Laps: Grip Issues and Tactical Moves
AJ Allmendinger explained the difficulties he faced with his car’s performance throughout the event. He detailed how his team, led by crew chief Trent Owens, improved the car but lingering issues continued to hamper his efforts in the closing stages.
“We kind of struggled with our Grizzly Nicotine Pouches car all day. Trent (Owens, crew chief) and the boys made it a lot better for that race. It is cool to go eight and lead around the outside of everybody. But yeah, we still struggled with kind of that forward drive. That’s where the 21 was super good later in the run. That’s where the 6 and the 2.”
“I seen where the plan was going. They weren’t going to let each other get away. And I had the plan set up perfect. I just didn’t execute. I went down in there to kind of shove them both out of the way. And we didn’t have enough grip to throttle back up and beat them line. But at the end of the day, we learned some stuff,”
In contrast, Austin Cindric and Corey LaJoie, starting near the front of the LCQ lineup, steadily closed in on the leaders. The race was marked by early disruptions, including a penalty for Michael McDowell for jumping the start and several cautions that affected momentum. Long green-flag stretches exposed the grip problem Allmendinger faced, while the trio of drivers exchanged positions aggressively in the final laps.
The battle escalated into a physically demanding contest with contact and close door-to-door racing between Cindric and LaJoie as Josh Berry pulled ahead.
Corey LaJoie Reflects on the Intense Duel and Team Recovery
“It was exciting. It was fun to be in the fight. Hadn’t been in the fight like that in a long time. So it’s just kudos to the 6 team, man. They’ve had lots of deal with over the offseason. I know Brad’s watching at home. He’ll be ready to go next week, but it was really cool to get in this No. 6 car system to knock the rust off. Unfortunately, we’ll be watching the show from the couch, but we’re really prepared, and I feel really good about next week.”
LaJoie’s comments highlight the emotional and competitive nature of the event, emphasizing the challenges faced over the offseason and the optimism looking forward to the season opener at Daytona.
Brad Keselowski Commends LaJoie’s Effort While Recovering From Surgery
The No. 6 RFK Racing Ford is usually driven by Brad Keselowski, who is currently recuperating from off-season surgery following a skiing accident. LaJoie’s role in this preseason event was to fill in and help prepare the team for the upcoming races.
After the LCQ, Keselowski praised LaJoie’s performance in a message on the social media platform X:
“Heck of a race. Nice effort @CoreyLaJoie.”
Both Allmendinger and LaJoie noted how the cold temperatures at Bowman Gray impacted their racing conditions and hinted at their focus shifting toward the season’s first major event. Keselowski is expected to return behind the wheel for the Daytona 500, while LaJoie will attempt qualifying in RFK Racing’s part-time No. 99 entry as preparations continue for the February 14 opener.
Look Ahead: Daytona’s Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities
While Kyle Larson will start from the pole for the Cook Out Clash, AJ Allmendinger and Corey LaJoie must watch the race from the sidelines after their elimination in the LCQ. This setback does not diminish the lessons learned during the intense battles, which are expected to influence Kaulig Racing and RFK Racing’s strategies moving forward.
The close competition and tactical decisions from Bowman Gray at the LCQ serve as an early indicator of the fierce contests ahead in the NASCAR All-Star season. Both LaJoie and Allmendinger are now refocusing efforts as the intensity builds toward Daytona, with the Cook Out Clash and Daytona 500 set to define their opening year momentum.
Trading paint for the final transfer spot! Josh Berry and Austin Cindric advance to the main event. Alex Bowman gets the provisional. pic.twitter.com/s0iJE8Rq95
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 4, 2026
