AJ Allmendinger provided insight into his high-pressure battle with Corey LaJoie and Austin Cindric during the final moments of the Last Chance Qualifier at Bowman Gray. Battling for the last available spot in the Cook Out Clash main event, Allmendinger, driving the No. 16 Kaulig Racing car, fell just short in the heated showdown that epitomized the intensity of the LCQ.
Under the event’s revised format, the top 20 qualifiers advanced directly to the feature, while the rest—including Allmendinger—fought for only three transfer slots. The 75-lap shootout saw Josh Berry, piloting the No. 21 Wood Brothers entry, grab the win, while Austin Cindric of Team Penske secured the second position. Alex Bowman advanced thanks to a points provisional, leaving both Allmendinger and Corey LaJoie, subbing in for RFK Racing’s No. 6, sidelined after a dramatic finish.
Crew Adjustments and Tire Struggles Marked Allmendinger’s Race
Reflecting on his performance, Allmendinger acknowledged that his team worked hard all day to improve their car’s handling. He shared his thoughts on the race’s turning points:
“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.”
The dynamic of the race was shaped early, as Allmendinger made his way forward from deep in the field, challenging Cindric and LaJoie, both of whom had started on the second row. Multiple caution periods and an early penalty to Michael McDowell added to the chaos, but Allmendinger surged to the front after a key restart.
Yet, as the race settled into longer green-flag runs, grip issues for Allmendinger’s car became apparent. The closing laps featured a fierce, physical fight between Allmendinger, Cindric, and LaJoie for the final transfer position while Josh Berry extended his lead. Contact and tightly-contested racing defined the climactic battle, heightening the event’s drama.
The Decisive Moment: Allmendinger’s Unexecuted Plan
Allmendinger detailed his plan for overtaking both competitors in the last laps but admitted he couldn’t pull it off:
“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.
Ultimately, grip limitations prevented the execution of his final maneuver, leaving him watching as Cindric and Berry claimed their spots in the main event of the NASCAR All-Star showcase.
Corey LaJoie’s Perspective on the LCQ Showdown
Corey LaJoie, representing RFK Racing in the No. 6 due to Brad Keselowski’s absence, also reflected on the intense door-to-door fight for the final transfer spot. LaJoie’s remarks captured the charged atmosphere on track:
“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 nearly drove the No. 6 car into the big show, showing determination and adaptability despite coming up just short.
Brad Keselowski Lauds Substitute Driver’s Effort
RFK Racing co-owner Brad Keselowski, still recovering from offseason surgery after a skiing accident, publicly praised LaJoie’s performance following the race. Keselowski, who watched the action from home, expressed his support via social media:
“Heck of a race. Nice effort @CoreyLaJoie.”
This endorsement underscores the high regard within RFK Racing for their substitute driver’s commitment and focus. Keselowski is projected to return to the No. 6 car at the Daytona 500, while LaJoie is preparing to attempt qualifying for Daytona in the team’s part-time No. 99 entry.
What’s Ahead After Bowman Gray
After a night shaped by cold track conditions and heavy competition, attention now shifts to the NASCAR season opener at Daytona. Both Allmendinger and LaJoie cited the chilly weather in their post-race comments, noting its impact on grip and setup. Kyle Larson will lead the field from the pole position at the Cook Out Clash, while Allmendinger and LaJoie plan their next competitive outings from outside the main event.
Preparations for the Daytona 500 intensify as teams analyze lessons from the LCQ, seeking any edge for the sport’s marquee event on February 14. For drivers like AJ Allmendinger, the highs and heartbreak of the LCQ offer valuable experience as the NASCAR season gains 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
