AJ Allmendinger shared insights on his final laps battling Corey LaJoie and Austin Cindric during the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) at Bowman Gray, where he aimed for the final transfer spot to the Cook Out Clash but ultimately fell short. The No. 16 Kaulig Racing driver faced tough competition and strategic hurdles that shaped the race outcome.
In this event, the top 20 fastest qualifiers advanced directly to the main race, while the remaining 18 drivers fought for three remaining places. Josh Berry in the No. 21 Wood Brothers car secured the LCQ win, with Austin Cindric from Team Penske in second, and Alex Bowman advancing through a points provisional. Meanwhile, both Allmendinger and LaJoie, who drives the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford, were eliminated.
Allmendinger Reflects on Grip Issues and Race Execution
Following the race, Allmendinger discussed the difficulties his team faced with car performance and his own decisions in the closing laps:
“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,” he added.
Race Dynamics and Intense Battles Defining the LCQ
AJ Allmendinger began deep in the field while LaJoie and Cindric started from the second row. Early in the race, multiple cautions slowed progress, including a penalty on Michael McDowell for jumping the start. Allmendinger surged to the front during a restart, but the No. 16 car showed signs of grip trouble as long green-flag runs progressed. The closing laps became a fierce contest with the trio exchanging positions frequently.
Contact and aggressive defensive moves marked the fight for second place, as Cindric and LaJoie raced side by side, while Berry steadily pulled ahead to secure the win.
Corey LaJoie Comments on the Excitement and Next Steps After the LCQ
After the intense LCQ battle, Corey LaJoie expressed excitement over being in such a tight contest and his outlook on upcoming events:
“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.”
Brad Keselowski Commends LaJoie’s Performance as He Recovers
The No. 6 RFK Racing car is typically driven by team co-owner Brad Keselowski, who is currently recovering from a skiing accident during the offseason. LaJoie substituted during the preseason event and nearly qualified for the Clash, showing strong performance despite Keselowski’s absence.
Keselowski praised LaJoie’s effort in a post-race message on X (formerly Twitter):
“Heck of a race. Nice effort @CoreyLaJoie.”
Focus Shifts to Daytona Amid Challenging Weather Conditions
Chilly weather at Bowman Gray became a frequent talking point after the LCQ, with both Allmendinger and LaJoie noting how the cold affected their focus. Attention is now turning to preparations for the season opener at Daytona. Keselowski is anticipated to return to the No. 6 car for the Daytona 500, while LaJoie will attempt to qualify in RFK Racing’s part-time No. 99 entry.
Kyle Larson will start the Cook Out Clash from the pole position, while Allmendinger and LaJoie watch from the stands, eager to regroup and prepare for the upcoming events.
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
