2024 NASCAR Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum Preview
Photo: Brandon Lim/Motortrend
Almost three months since the season finale at Phoenix, NASCAR returns to Los Angeles for the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum for the third straight year. Heat races will be on Saturday at 8:30 PM EST on FS1. Coverage starts at 6PM EST on FOX.
Something new this year is the NASCAR Mexico Series accompanying the NASCAR Cup Series in a support race hours before the Clash. Coverage starts this Sunday at 4:30 PM EST on FS1.
Best Bets for the Clash
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Best Bets for the Clash |
Martin Truex Jr. +900
Last year’s winner of the Clash enters as the favorite this weekend. Truex Jr had an average finish of 8th on tracks one mile or less, but that was with the Toyota Camry TRD body. This season, Toyota has made the switch to the Camry XSE body, with flatter front and rear bumpers to compete with Ford and Chevy. Regardless of the newer body, Truex Jr is expected to pick up right where he left.
Denny Hamlin +1000
Entering his 20th season of NASCAR Cup Series competition, Denny Hamlin is looking to set a tone after the way his 2023 campaign ended last year. With an average finish of 9th on shorts tracks and a win at Bristol, it’s no surprise why Hamlin’s listed as one of the favorites to win this weekend.
Joey Logano +1200
The winner of the inaugural Clash at the Coliseum is poised to begin 2024 on the right foot. Joey Logano had an average finish of 12th on short tracks last year, with his best finishes coming at Martinsville, a race track similar to the Coliseum with its’ flat surface. But new this season will be the Mustang Dark Horse body on all Fords, so it’ll be a challenge for Logano to become a two-time winner at the Coliseum.
Brad Keselowski +1400
Entering his third season with Jack Roush, the expectations have risen for Brad Keselowski after a bounce back performance in 2023. Short tracks have been a delicacy in the past for Keselowski, despite having an average finish of 14th last season. He missed the Clash last year, but this year he will be a factor.
Ryan Preece +2000
Having his best overall performance of 2023 at Martinsville, it’s no doubt that Ryan Preece is one to watch out for on the flat tracks. Having raced in the Wheelen Modified Tour over the past 15 years, the experience comes in clutch. He led over 40 laps in last year’s Clash, and will be looking to take the reigns as the top driver for Stewart-Haas.
Ty Gibbs +2500
After having a full season in NASCAR Cup Series competition, Ty Gibbs is on the cusp of breaking out for a stellar season. Last season Gibbs finished 27th in the Clash after being caught up in a crash, looking to reverse the outcome and start 2024 in victory lane with grandfather/team owner Joe Gibbs.