Corey LaJoie's Qualifying Speed and Pocono Pace May Reap Dividends at Indianapolis
4 months agoAfter Corey LaJoie wrecked Kyle Busch at Pocono, many fans were outraged that he wasn't penalized. The move seemed to confirm the popular narrative that LaJoie was never good and is overwhelmingly the worst driver on the circuit. Fans who once viewed him as an underdog now frequently consider him an ARCA-level talent because they judge drivers in slower cars based on crash avoidance rather than outperforming one's equipment, which LaJoie is still capable of doing. Even at Pocono, his driver rating was his second best in the last 11 races, although Carson Hocevar is generally faster. LaJoie does have Brickyard 400 experience when many younger drivers do not. Additionally, he qualified 19th, ahead of both Spire Motorsports teammates, and Pocono is frequently predictive of Indy. If he can avoid crashing - which given LaJoie's history is a big if - he could deliver one of his best runs of the season.
Source: Racing Reference
Source: Racing Reference