Denny Hamlin wins the NASCAR Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum after starting from pole in a race that was pushed from Sunday to Sunday because of a storm.
Saturday’s Busch Light Clash likely will not be remembered for Denny Hamlin’s win, but for the extraordinary effort made by NASCAR to get this season-opening race in the books ahead of yet another “once in a …” weather event.
NASCAR moved the race up a day to Saturday night with just a few hours’ notice, knowing the chances of running on late Sunday afternoon into the evening were next to nothing given the forecast.
Hamlin looked as if he could win his fourth Clash with 10 laps to go as he took advantage of a rivalry between Ty Gibbs and Joey Logano and a crash by Michael McDowell to give him the inside spot in third on the next restart. He darted to the front and took the checkered flag, but not before one other delay caused by Gibbs crashing.
The race is worth no Cup points and most drivers believe it tells them nothing about their cars, but it was a great way for NASCAR to connect with the Los Angeles audience, its largest of any market. The season really starts in two weeks at the Daytona 500. Kyle Busch was second followed by Ryan Blaney and Logano.
“I think it’s very entertaining and sometimes it’s real frustrating when you’re out there because it’s a tight bull ring and you’ve got big cars and they’re sliding around, especially on refires with old tires, you’re sliding a lot,” Logano said.
