[Pasadena, CA]  In a stunning showcase of speed and skill, the NASCAR Busch Light Clash set the Coliseum ablaze. Despite the last-minute scheduling change to avoid looming bad weather, the event proved to be an epic success. Fans were treated to an unforgettable night of short (really short) track racing action and intense competition. 

In an unexpected turn of events, the NASCAR Busch Light Clash took on a different format. The heat races were scrapped, making way for exciting timed practice runs to determine the top 23 cars for the evening's race. As a fan, I embraced this change and eagerly anticipate its potential continuation as a permanent fixture in the race come 2025.

Some notable drivers were left out of the Busch Light Clash after not showing enough speed to "qualify" for the final 23;  Daniel Suarez, Austin Dillon, Chris Buescher, and Erik Jones were among the notables to not make the starting lineup. 

Denny Hamlin, who had much needed shoulder surgery back in November, led the field in practice and took the pole position with a "best lap" of 13.139 seconds, over a tenth of a second faster than the man starting on the outside of the front row, Joey Logano.   Rounding out the first three rows were Ty Gibbs, Alex Bowman, Kyle Busch, and William Byron. 

Hamlin, a 3-time winner of the Busch Light Clash, jumped out early with a nice lead while those behind him started "banging and clanging" around the course, which is one of the appeals of this race for the fans.  

Tempers flared early, along with words and "sign language" between the drivers.  Defending cup Champion, Ryan Blaney is no stranger to letting his frustrations get to him early and often as he did not appreciate getting pushed up the track a few times from those trying to get around him.  Tempers also flared between Rickey Stenhouse, Jr. and Michael McDowell. 

During the halfway break, Stenhouse actually got out of his car (against the rules by the way) and went over to Ty Gibbs car and started gesturing through his window at him.  And to be honest with you, I love that attitude.  I think the back-and-forth, and all the heated "conversations" are great for the sport.  

Speaking of Ty Gibbs, it wasn't very long before he would find his way to the front.  Gibbs would actually lead the most laps of the race with 84 laps led.  And for the majority of that time, it looked like he was uncatchable.  But that's when cautions can make up the gap really quick.  Hamlin would retake the lead late in the race and eventually win an exciting Green-White-Checkered dash to the finish.  

Rounding out the top five were Kyle Busch, Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, and Kyle Larson.  The biggest movers of the race were Blaney (+20), Chase Briscoe (+15), and Martin Truex Jr. (+10).  One of the field favorites, and NASCAR's favorite driver, Chase Elliott went out after lap 77 with a steering issue, and Ty Gibbs would finish in 18th after spinning out late. 

On a final note about the race, it looks like Denny Hamlin has a signature finish to his winning interviews.  I love how he now says to the crowd "I just beat your favorite driver!"  And the crowd reacts with a chorus of "boos."  You have to love that, even if he really did beat your favorite driver.  My guy came in second!! 

Next up for the NASCAR Cup Series are the Bluegreen Vacations Duels at Daytona on Thursday, February 15th to decide the starting lineups for the Daytona 500 on February 18th.  

If you're looking at starting up your podcast for the upcoming NASCAR season, you can get a free, one month trial of Podbean's unlimited hosting plan by going here.  Make sure you hit me up so I can listen! 

Jeff Demers
Sports Media X
Sports Director/Journalist
Content Creator