Busch Light Clash at the L.A. Coliseum
The 2024 Busch Light Clash at the L.A. Coliseum went off without a hitch, but in a very unprecedented way. Severe weather moving into the area forced NASCAR’s hand to move the race Sunday night to Saturday night.
Not only that, the Heat Races and Last Chance Qualifier events were all canceled. The lineup was ultimately set by practice times and a provisional spot. This spot would be reserved for the top finisher in 2023 points standings who did not qualify into the main event.
After a quick 150 laps around the quarter-mile track, Denny Hamlin held off the field to snag an Overtime win.
Rich MARvelous Move of the Race
Before the green flag even dropped, the Pit Pass Network team agreed the decision to move the date of The Clash was indeed the Rich MARvelous Move.
It would have been unfortunate for teams to be forced to stay on the West Coast through the first half of the week instead of being at their respective shops, preparing for the Daytona 500 and the official start of the season. Unfortunately, fans planning to attend in person on Sunday did not come out on the winning side of things. But NASCAR’s willingness to call an audible, as well as FOX and FS1 being willing to move programming around, was a win for all.
However, looking at on-track action, it was Blaney who received the first MARvelous nod of the season. In the practice/qualifying session, Blaney opted for scuffs which put him at a serious disadvantage. So much so, he sat 23rd in practice. This was the crucial moment where last season paid off for YRB.
When NASCAR announced the decision to move up the race and tweak the qualifying format, the lineup called for the top 22 drivers from practice times, plus one spot based on 2023 points. If it were not for this provisional spot, Blaney would have been packing up for an early flight home.
This spot earned him the chance to race. While he was forced to start from the rear, patience and tenacity paid off.
Throughout the night, he meticulously drove his way through the field, avoiding calamity and the short tempers that short tracks bring out. Additionally, he worked seamlessly with his new spotter, Tim Fedewa, who navigated him through the compact field and track.
Ultimately, when the checkered flag waved, last season’s champion found himself sitting P3 after started 23rd, earning a podium finish at the exhibition race.
There were some people complaining about the stands not being full but all in all I would say that NASCAR made the right decision. I enjoyed the race. Glad they have a rule that Blaney could use to be able to race.