Josh Berry LCQ victory was sealed after a furious battle during the last-chance qualifier that saw him and Austin Cindric claim the remaining open spots for the Clash main event. The intense showdown at the track unfolded Sunday as 18 drivers vied for just two precious positions, with points provisional leader Alex Bowman also earning a berth by strategy.
Bowman Uses Provisional, Berry Battles Through for the Win
Alex Bowman made a calculated decision, opting for the points provisional and dropping himself to the rear rather than taking risks in the wreck-filled LCQ, which allowed him to secure his spot in the Clash without endangering his car. Meanwhile, Josh Berry, driving the No. 21 Wood Brothers Ford, navigated multiple high-pressure restarts and tricky conditions to come out on top at the finish.
Reflecting on his car’s performance, Berry stated,
“I feel good about (the car). Just struggling a little bit on the restarts. Cold temperatures there and locking up the left front. But once we were able to settle in and get some heat into the tires, I felt good about our car.”
Josh Berry, Driver
Cindric’s Overtake Seals Main Event Berth
Austin Cindric faced off in a physical contest for the second transfer spot, battling Corey LaJoie and AJ Allmendinger through door-to-door racing and constant lead changes. The action reached its peak with just a handful of laps to go, as Cindric fought past intense competition and contact to secure his place behind Berry. After the race, Cindric shared his thoughts:
“That was about as fair as I think that could have gotten for an LCQ,”
Austin Cindric, Driver
“I don’t think I got full throttle for the entire race there… except for when emotions got high.”
Austin Cindric, Driver
Drama and Collisions Mark Chaotic LCQ
The LCQ was marked by chaos from the start, with Riley Herbst getting spun just six laps in and triggering a collision with John-Hunter Nemechek. Cody Ware soon found himself among the casualties as wrecks took their toll and multiple cars suffered significant damage. When McDowell, the early frontrunner, was handed a black flag for jumping the start, the field was forced to reshuffle and the drama only intensified.
Pivotal Moments Shape Final Results
Midway through, AJ Allmendinger made a move to the front during a restart, but Josh Berry quickly reclaimed the lead despite ongoing incidents that affected Herbst and saw Todd Gilliland exit the running. Berry skillfully avoided trouble, keeping his car clean while his rivals faltered around him.
With only 14 laps left, Corey LaJoie staged a bold attack for the final transfer place, forcing Allmendinger aside. Cindric seized the opportunity, leading to a riveting back-and-forth scenario where the three drivers traded paint and positions. In the critical moments, Allmendinger attempted to move both LaJoie and Cindric out of contention, but it was Cindric who emerged ahead, taking second as Berry crossed first.
Reaction from the Battleground as Berry and Cindric Prepare for the Clash
Corey LaJoie reflected on the fierce contest and the heartbreak of just missing out:
“It was like a game of chess at like 50mph… I came up a little short, but it was exciting, it was fun to be in the fight.”
Corey LaJoie, Driver
He noted the value of gaining experience and looked ahead to the upcoming Daytona event even as he misses out on this main event.
Main Event Grid and What Awaits
Josh Berry’s LCQ victory places him 21st on grid for the main event, followed by Cindric in 22nd, with Alex Bowman taking 23rd based on his points provisional. Kyle Larson captured the pole with a standout qualifying effort, giving Hendrick Motorsports early momentum over William Byron and the rest of the field.
With the last-chance race concluded, anticipation is high as Berry and Cindric prepare to challenge top competitors, including the likes of Allmendinger, LaJoie, and Bowman. The stage is set for the Clash to deliver even more intense action, as fans and teams ready themselves for another thrilling chapter on the track.
