NASCAR
Busch Light Clash Field Set by Heat Races, Last Chance Qualifiers
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – 36 drivers were narrowed down to the 23 starters for the 2022 Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Coliseum. The starting lineup for NASCAR’s season-opening exhibition race was determined through four heat races and then two last chance qualifiers. The heat races all sent the top four finishers to the main event, while the LCQs sent their top three. Lastly, a provisional position was up for grabs for the first remaining driver who finished highest in the 2021 championship.
Kyle Busch won Heat 1, putting the No. 18 Toyota on the pole for the main event. Joining him from this race locked in were Daniel Suarez, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., and Ryan Blaney.
Heat 2 went to Tyler Reddick, as he led every lap, like Busch. Also locking in from Heat 2 would be Chase Briscoe, Austin Dillon, and Cole Custer.
Heat 3 went to Justin Haley, putting Kaulig Racing into the feature. Behind the 31 were William Byron, Christopher Bell, and Chase Elliott.
Heat 4 went to Joey Logano. Defending champion Kyle Larson, Michael McDowell, and Erik Jones all placed in the top four in this last Heat race.
The first 50-lap LCQ event went in favor of Denny Hamlin. Both Kevin Harvick and AJ Allmendinger would take top-three spots to join the 11 in the big show.
Crazy Second LCQ Ends in DQ
A very dramatic and topsy-turvy second LCQ race would initially be won by Ty Dillon. After being ruled to jump the last restart however, the win was awarded to Ryan Preece. Also joining Preece as transfer drivers would be Bubba Wallace and Harrison Burton. Missing out in LCQ 2 after being wrecked out would be Kurt Busch and Alex Bowman.
Finally, the points provisional position would go to Martin Truex, Jr. The 19 team elected to skip LCQ 2, making them look like the smartest team in California.
The 2022 Busch Light Clash is coming up at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Sean Gardner/Getty Images for NASCAR
