Busch Light Clash EARLY Confidence Rankings
On Sunday evening, get ready for NASCAR’s return for the Busch Light Clash At The Coliseum. NASCAR’s finest have had all off-season to rest, but now they’re ready to race and let the engines roar at this purpose built .25-mile bullring. NASCAR is a contact sport, and there’s no question the drivers are ready to get rough.
The Clash has a very unique format and as a result, I’m going to URGE YOU NOT TO MAKE ANY FINAL DECSIONS until after the field is set on Sunday unless you have to, because as of now, only Joey Logano is locked into the Clash, and we have no idea where anybody is starting despite “Qualifying” being complete. Qualifying was just to set the starting lineup for Heat Races. Here’s NASCAR’s graphic which will show you how the field will be set for the Clash.
This post is to give you an early look at what I’m thinking, because the window after the field is set tomorrow might be around an hour at longest to make informed decisions! On Sunday after the field is set, look for updated Confidence Rankings, updated Finish Projections, DFS score Projections and limited DFS pick posts.
On Saturday, NASCAR held a two-hour practice session for drivers to get the handle of this unique .25-mile oval. Here’s our Practice Notes and Practice Speeds.
NEW for Sunday morning, here’s Busch Light Clash 5,10,15,20,25 and 30 Lap Averages, along with our corresponding Heat Chart.
Busch Light Clash At The Coliseum EARLY Confidence Rankings
1) Christopher Bell
Projected Finish Range / 1-6
Practice Speed Rankings/ Overall – 16th | 10 Lap Average – 10th
Clash Fantasy Spin – In the Clash, I think Christopher Bell will be tough to beat. Bell was solid last year in the tracks debut, but I think he’ll be even better in year #2. I view Martinsville as the best comp track and last fall, Bell led 150 laps and raced his way to victory lane in clutch fashion. Last year in LA, Bell finished 3rd in his Heat Race. In the Main Event, Bell started 11th, had a 10.3 average running position and then finished 8th when the checkered flag waved. In terms of speed stats, Bell ranked 9th for Total Speed Rankings and then 10th for Green Flag Speed. In practice, the #20 looked really good in the corners. With Bell starting on the pole in his Heat Race, his odds for a good starting position in the Clash are extremely high and track position is king here.
DraftKings $9,700 / FanDuel $12,000 / DK Betting Odds To Win +750
2) Denny Hamlin
Projected Finish Range / 1-6
Practice Speed Rankings/ Overall – 8th | 10 Lap Average – 6th
Clash Fantasy Spin – The Clash wasn’t friendly to Denny Hamlin in 2022 but I think he’s ready for a bounce back weekend. The #11 was fast in practice, and Hamlin’s one of the premiere performers at shorter-flat tracks. I view Martinsville as the most similar track and last fall at that venue, Hamlin won the opening two Stages, led 203 laps and arguably had the best car but finished 6th. Last year at the LA Coliseum, Hamlin, finished 5th in his Heat Race, led every lap in his Last Chance qualifier en route to victory lane but then in the Clash, Hamlin had major steering issues early, and those eventually led to his last place finish (23rd) when he pulled his car into the infield during the lap 54 caution after losing his power steering belt. Just prior to his problem, Hamlin was a lap down in 19th. I’ll note, at no point did he ever look competitive in the Clash but because of his power steering problems, I’m not going to read into his afternoon.
DraftKings $8,600 / FanDuel $12,000 / DK Betting Odds To Win +1000
3) William Byron
Projected Finish Range / 1-6
Practice Speed Rankings/ Overall – 14th | 10 Lap Average – 11th
Clash Fantasy Spin – Look for William Byron to be strong at the Coliseum. Byron had a strong showing in last year’s exhibition race, and I think he’ll be as equally strong this time around. I also like that Byron is one of the best at Martinsville, which I view to be the single most similar track. Byron raced his way to victory lane there last spring and finished 8th in the fall. Overall, at Martinsville, Byron’s finished in the top ten in 6 of the last 7 races. Last year at the Coliseum, Byron finished 2nd in his Heat Race and then in the main event, Byron started 7th, had a 5.5 average running position, earned the 7th best driver rating and then finished 6th. In terms of speed stats, Byron had the 5th best Total Speed Ranking, ranked 5th for Speed Late In A Run and had the 7th best Green Flag Speed. In practice, the #24 looked strong.
DraftKings $8,400 / FanDuel $11,000 / DK Betting Odds To Win +1200
