NASCAR
Stratta’s Six: 2023 Busch Light Clash
As the 2022 NASCAR season ended over 85 days ago, the final countdown is on for 2023. The season kicks off this weekend, with the second-annual Busch Light Clash from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. While most drivers have last year’s race as past experience on this 1/4-mile bullring, many questions have yet to be answered. Who will take home the big win on Sunday? Here are a few drivers who could be favorites for the Clash.
Joey Logano
The defending Clash winner, Joey Logano seemingly enters this year’s event with all possible momentum. Not only did the Penske 22 crew take this race a year ago, they also won their most recent showing at Phoenix, earning a second championship.
Logano, Paul Wolfe, and the entire Shell/Pennzoil team have a great track record of inaugural wins. Look no further than Bristol Dirt in 2021, last year’s Clash, and Gateway in June. Logano will try and replicate last year’s run that saw him take the lead in the final 35 laps and never look back. In the Clash’s 44-year history, Logano is looking to become the fifth driver to win back-to-back races.
Joey Logano’s No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford at Charlotte Motor Speedway ahead of the Bank of America Roval 400 on Sunday, October 9. Credit: Peter Stratta/TSJSports
Kyle Busch
After leading last year’s Clash for 64 laps, Kyle Busch had to settle for second to Logano. Now in his first outing with the Richard Childress Racing No. 8 Chevrolet, Rowdy will try to bring home his third Clash win. Busch previously won this exhibition race on the Daytona oval in 2012, and the Daytona Road Course in 2021. Busch is optimistic for a strong maiden run with RCR in front of a unique fan base.
“I think it’s great to get an opportunity to go out to Los Angeles and kick off the season,” Busch said. “I think that it kind of wakes the Los Angeles crowd up a little bit for when we come back out there for Fontana. Might get them a little interested to come back out and see NASCAR again at Fontana but it also gives newer fans people the opportunity to see us in LA and sometimes they won’t really venture out too far out to go somewhere to see an event so it’s nice to have one right there in the meat of the city and also get the attention of nothing really on television during that weekend with the NFL taking the weekend off before the Super Bowl.”
“I feel like, obviously having a fast car is good but to have a fast car you have to be fast while going slow. You’re probably out of the throttle just as much as you’re in the throttle at the Clash and time in which you’re on the brakes is going to be very important to making sure you’re not on ‘em too much but yet you still get the car slowed down enough in order to make it turn for the middle of the corner and exit for the next straightaway.”
Should KB get this checkered flag, he would become the only driver ever to win the Clash at three different racetracks. The RCR 8 was one of the best cars at last year’s Clash before it broke; expect it to be a contender again with Busch.
Kyle Busch’s No. 8 Netspend Chevrolet Camaro. Credit: @RCRracing via Twitter.
Kyle Larson
With the Clash taking place in a legendary California venue, why not have a Golden State driver win it? 2021 Cup champion Kyle Larson placed fifth here in 2022, and aims even higher in round two at the L.A. Coliseum. Larson was diligently working his way forward last year, before spinning out Justin Haley late. Larson reflected on being a part of 2022’s historic Clash.
“I thought last year was amazing,” Larson said. “NASCAR and everyone else involved did a great job building the track, making it proper for racing, creating excitement around the event and making it fun for fans. It was great to be a part of that historical event. I’m happy that we’re able to come back and put on another great show. I’m sure that it will be even better than the inaugural race was.”
Should Larson stay clean this year, the 5 could be eyeing another California home state win. Coming off a disappointing early 2022 Playoffs exit, Larson expects a return to form as a frequent winner.
Kyle Larson’s No. 5 Hendrickcars.com Chevrolet at Charlotte Motor Speedway ahead of the Bank of America Roval 400 on Sunday, October 9. Credit: Peter Stratta/TSJSports
Tyler Reddick
Another strong contender from last year’s Clash, Tyler Reddick almost literally drove his wheels off. In his No. 8 Chevrolet, Reddick was leading until breaking a transaxle under caution. Now debuting in the No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing, Reddick hopes to pick up right where he left off in LA. The Corning, California native is one of four Golden State drivers looking to win big. Should Reddick be leading again, expect no shift to go wrong this time.
Kurt Busch’s No. 45 Monster Energy Toyota Camry at Nashville Superspeedway ahead of the Ally 400 on Sunday, June 26. Tyler Reddick takes over this ride for 2023. Credit: Peter Stratta/TSJSports
Justin Haley
One of the surprises from last year’s Clash was the No. 31 Kaulig Chevrolet and Justin Haley. The first-year full-time driver and team combo turned many heads by running inside the top-five for much of the day. Haley’s amazing run only came to an end a few laps early. After battling Kyle Larson for third, the 5 ran Haley into the inside wall. Should Haley not run into race-ending trouble this year, he could upset all as a Busch Light Clash winner. With AJ Allmendinger’s addition, Kaulig could surprise many in 2023 with a Playoff berth or two.
Justin Haley’s No. 31 Leaf Filter Chevrolet Camaro before the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday, October 30. Credit: Peter Stratta/TSJSports
Erik Jones
One more standout star from last year’s Clash was Erik Jones. The No. 43 Chevrolet was up among the head of the pack for most of the main event, settling for a fourth-place result. Jones’ day was far from controversy-free though, as he ended the race for Ryan Blaney. While racing for a spot in the top-10, Jones was wide on corner exit, putting Blaney’s 12 in the wall. Jones thinks the 43 team can build off of last year’s strong result and have another great Clash.
“I’m excited to get the season started this weekend at the LA Coliseum with the Clash,” Jones said. “Last year we went into this race not really knowing what to expect but were able to get a good finish. I think this year, we are a little more prepared and hopefully we can get the season started with a win and set the tone for the year. NASCAR and everyone involved have done a great job making this race a fun environment and bringing new eyes to our sport. It’ll be nice to get back in the No. 43 Camaro and kick things off for the 2023 season with LEGACY Motor Club.”
Within sight of the win a year ago, the 43 could be a sleeper pick for another strong day in LEGACY Motor Club’s first official race. Jones hopes to be the first man to wheel a No. 43 to a Clash victory.
Erik Jones’ No. 43 Focus factor Chevrolet Camaro before the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on September 4. Credit: Peter Stratta/TSJSports
150 laps stand between one of 27 drivers and a Busch Light Clash triumph. Which driver will lay claim to the Coliseum? Be sure to not miss a lap of fender-banging action. Coverage begins Sunday, February 5 at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images for NASCAR
