Denny Hamlin Beats “Your Favorite Driver” to Begin 202
Denny Hamlin wins the Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum to kick off the new year.
Denny Hamlin, the lone winner of the NASCAR Cup Series, began the 2024 season with victory in the NASCAR Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum.
Hamlin earned the position and then went after Joey Logano on the first lap in a race with nothing at stake and a No. 11 car that didn’t look to be running at its best.
Then, Kyle Busch was eventually outpaced and outfinished by Hamlin. Then, unable to contain his customary humor, Hamlin addressed the small gathering by saying, “You know I beat your favorite driver again, right?”
In the interview that followed his victory, Hamlin stated, “I don’t know what (this race) means.” But it certainly means more than just getting to play the bad guy again. As a motivation to keep winning, Hamlin admitted that he removes the trophies that line the entrance to his opulent home each January. He said, “Now we get to add one (a new trophy) pretty quick.”
A Hasty Opening for the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024
NASCAR decided quickly to run the Clash on Saturday night instead of Sunday as planned, citing a large “pineapple express” deluge and the lack of anything riding on the outcome of the inaugural exhibition race. The Coliseum’s short track performed admirably, providing several bouts, despite the small number of spectators.
It’s safe to say that drivers were happy with NASCAR’s decision to quickly reschedule the race from Sunday to Saturday night. Despite the fact that there were barely four hours before the event began, very few spectators were assured. Still, it was an essential call. It looked inevitable that the Los Angeles region would experience flooding and downpours, and not just on Sunday.
If NASCAR didn’t move the Clash to Saturday, there was a significant chance it would happen on Wednesday instead. There would have been just one week left until Daytona qualifying.
At the Coliseum, conflict Five Quick Facts
And for Kyle Busch, another silver medal. Even though Busch finished significantly behind Hamlin in second place, he commented after the race, “I felt like I had a better car than the 11.” At the LA Coliseum, Busch has now placed second twice and third once.
Ryan Blaney The Saturday Night Special. The winner of the NASCAR Cup Series from the previous year need a provisional to qualify, but after some careful driving, Blaney unexpectedly placed third.
Quickly Pass by NASCAR. In California, drivers did not want to be stranded. Football is the intended use of the Los Angeles Coliseum, not racing. However, authorities at the Coliseum and NASCAR quickly decided to move the Clash to Saturday, and the track was up to the task. Excellent work throughout.
And for Kyle Busch, another silver medal. Even though Busch finished significantly behind Hamlin in second place, he commented after the race, “I felt like I had a better car than the 11.” At the LA Coliseum, Busch has now placed second twice and third once.
Ryan Blaney The Saturday Night Special. The winner of the NASCAR Cup Series from the previous year need a provisional to qualify, but after some careful driving, Blaney unexpectedly placed third.
Quickly Pass by NASCAR. In California, drivers did not want to be stranded. Football is the intended use of the Los Angeles Coliseum, not racing. However, authorities at the Coliseum and NASCAR quickly decided to move the Clash to Saturday, and the track was up to the task. Excellent work throughout.
For Ty Gibbs, no tears. Gibbs led the race for the most laps—84—and was in the lead for the majority of it, but he faltered at the end and finished in 18th place. Gibbs stated, “I just overdroved the corner and got wrecked after that.” Additionally, Gibbs and Joey Logano engaged in a brawl during the restart earlier. After the race, Logano approached Gibbs, but Gibbs primarily blamed it on cold tires. “I ran him up, but if you watch the replay, the 12 kind of shoves him aside as well,” Gibbs remarked. Gibbs concurred that it was a “good showing” for the team despite the disappointing ending.
A Little Heartache This Evening. No points, but a hurried start time, a brief track, and
A little amount of drama was delivered by some simmering animosity. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. went over to speak with John Hunter Nemechek at the intermission. Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson got into a small altercation. Following the checkered flag, Tyler Reddick and Ross Chastain made contact. And the turmoil between Gibbs and Logano. All in all, spending a Saturday night at the Coliseum for the annual Clash was enjoyable.
