The Low Tier – Busch Light Clash
Todd Gilliland
Clash Fantasy Outlook – Todd Gilliland surprisingly made last year’s Clash, but I think it will be tough for him to make another appearance in this exhibition race with a smaller field (down from 27 cars to 23). If he does, you can safely pencil in Gilliland to finish near the back. Gilliland did legit finish 10th last fall at Martinsville so perhaps he has a fighting chance to make the “Main Event” but keep expectations low.
Clash Track History – Last year in the Clash, Todd Gilliland made his LA Coliseum debut and finished 23rd, which was technically a DNF due to running out of fuel which also impacted a few others who had to race their way in thru the “Last Chance Qualifier.” That said, Gilliland never ran well. In the race, Gilliland had a 22.4 average running position, ranked 23rd for Green Flag Speed and ranked 23rd for Speed Late In A Run.
Zane Smith
Clash Fantasy Outlook – In the Clash, I have low expectations for rookie Zane Smith who’ll be making his #71 Spire Motorsports debut. I don’t think this will be a competitive car, and I don’t think an exhibition event like this is made for a young rookie like him. I’ll note, although he’s never competed at the LA Coliseum, Smith has run great at Martinsville in the Truck series, having won in 2021 and having a 4th place average finish over his four starts.
Clash Track History – Zane Smith has never competed at the LA Coliseum.
Harrison Burton
Clash Fantasy Outlook – I can’t say I’m a Harrison Burton believer in regards to him making the Clash and if he does, just use the K.I.S.S principle and pencil him in to finish in the back quarter of the field. Burton completely missed the Clash last year and in 2022 he was reliant on a Ty Dillon DQ to make the Main Event.
Clash Track History – Last year at the Coliseum, Harrison Burton missed the “Main Event.” In 2022, Harrison Burton would’ve missed the Clash too except NASCAR DQ’ed Ty Dillon post-race. In the main event, Burton started 22nd, had a 15.9 average running position and then finished 12th. In terms of speed stats, Burton had the 17th best Green Flag Speed and the 18th best Total Speed Ranking.
Justin Haley
Clash Fantasy Outlook – In the Clash, I have low expectations for Justin Haley in his new Rick Ware Racing #51. This isn’t a competitive situation, and I think the deck is stacked against him from even making the “Main Event.” In the rare chance he does, just pencil him in to finish in the back half of the field.
Clash Track History – At the LA Coliseum, Justin Haley is 2 for 2 at making the “Main Event” and his average finish is 15th. Last year in his old ride the Kaulig #31, Haley had a solid mid-pack afternoon. In the race, Haley finished 11th, had a 14.5 average running position and had the 14th best Green Flag Speed. In 2022, Haley legitimately looked like a top five contender until he had a run-in with Kyle Larson that totaled the #31 that led to his 19th. At the time of his demise on lap 115, Haley was battling Larson for 3rd. Despite his early demise, Haley still earned the 4th best driver rating. In terms of speed stats, Haley had the 4th best Green Flag Speed and the 7th best Total Speed Ranking.
Daniel Hemric
Clash Fantasy Outlook – Do you think Daniel Hemric will advance to the Clash in his Kaulig Racing debut? I don’t, and I don’t know why anybody should believe that to be the case, especially with a smaller field. To close out 2023, Kaulig Racing was extremely uncompetitive so there’s little reason to expect him to show up with speed.
Clash Track History – Daniel Hemric has never competed at the LA Coliseum.
Josh Williams
Clash Fantasy Outlook – Josh Williams will be making his Cup debut in the Busch Light Clash, driving the Kaulig Racing #16. I don’t see how anything good can possibly happen out of this and on Sunday, I think his odds to make the “Main Event” are extremely low. If by chance he does advance, I have no doubt he’ll finish near the back.
Clash Track History – Josh Williams has never competed at the LA Coliseum.
Kaz Grala
Clash Fantasy Outlook – Kaz Grala will be making his Rick Ware Racing debut in the Clash, driving the RWR #15. We all know this isn’t a competitive situation and with Grala’s limited seat time experience (just 7 Cup races), I think it’s pretty safe to say his odds are extremely long at making the “Main Event.”
Clash Track History – Kaz Grala has never driven at the LA Coliseum.
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