NASCAR QNA: Corey LaJoie throws a slider, Michael Jordan throws a party at Talladega

Was that Joie Chitwood finishing 18th at Talladega?

Yep, the old Thrill Show returned and gathered Chitwood’s first top 20 in years … (checking notes) … nope, never mind. Turns out, it was Corey Lajoie doing his best Joie Chitwood impression, crossing the finish line on two wheels instead of four … (checks notes again) …

Make that zero wheels — it was pure driver’s-side panel, with the bottom of the car tucked against the outside wall while all hell was breaking loose around him.

The closing 10 minutes of Sunday’s broadcast produced a gusher of promo material for the Boys in Marketing — Merry Early Christmas, fellas.

You’re obviously including Michael Jordan in those 10 minutes, right?

Gee, you think?

One of the top universal sporting idols of all time, who’s still among the most recognizable faces on Earth, and he’s as giddy as a first-time winner. And he was, in a way, since it was the first time a 23XI car had won with the famous co-owner in attendance.

Photos and video of the genuinely ecstatic Jordan will do more for the “NASCAR is cool” efforts than any roundtable, townhall or Power Point sleep-inducer ever could.

Even his fellow co-owner, Denny Hamlin, seemed happy. Go figure!

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Michael Jordan, 'Joie Chitwood' bring Talladega thrills | NASCAR QNA