Imagine being sidelined by a broken femur, only to watch your replacement driver nearly pull off a miracle on the track. That’s exactly what happened to Brad Keselowski, who couldn’t help but react to Corey LaJoie’s thrilling performance in the NASCAR Clash Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ). But here’s where it gets controversial: Was LaJoie’s near-miss a testament to his skill, or a reminder of what Keselowski could have achieved if not for his injury? After the race, Keselowski took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise LaJoie’s effort, calling it a ‘heck of a race.’ LaJoie, filling in for Keselowski in the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford, needed a top-two finish to advance but fell just short, landing third behind Josh Berry and Austin Cindric. Despite the result, LaJoie was upbeat, describing the race as ‘exciting’ and ‘fun,’ though he admitted it had been a while since he’d been in such a fierce battle. He also hinted at Keselowski’s imminent return, suggesting the team was ready to hit the ground running. And this is the part most people miss: Even without the injury, Keselowski wouldn’t have raced in the Clash due to an expired NASCAR driver’s license—a detail that raises questions about the sport’s licensing process. Keselowski is now eyeing a return for the Daytona 500, undergoing medical evaluations and a rigorous rehab plan that includes a titanium-reinforced leg. ‘I’m not great, but I’m good,’ he said, emphasizing his determination to bounce back after a disappointing 20th-place finish in the 2025 Cup Series standings. LaJoie, meanwhile, competed part-time in the Cup Series last year, including a Daytona 500 appearance. This situation leaves us wondering: How much of a difference does a driver’s presence truly make, and could Keselowski have changed the outcome? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—is LaJoie’s performance a sign of things to come, or a one-off thrill?
