Auto Racing: 2021 Busch Clash Review

The 2021 Busch Clash had a few major changes to it this year. First, the race was held on the Daytona Road Course as opposed to the usual Daytona Oval. Another big addition to this race was the debut of Clint Bowyer as a broadcaster along with the usual cast of Mike Joy, Jeff Gordon, Larry McReynolds and others.

Even though it’s just an exhibition race, the Busch Clash almost always is an eventful one, the race on Tuesday night was no different.

Denny Hamlin started off with a great start, and led a couple of laps during the race, his teammate, Martin Truex Jr, also had some success and some struggles throughout the night, some contact with Blaney caused some damage early, yet it seemed not to be an issue for Truex as by the competition caution, he was leading the race. A few laps later, he accidentally went straight past the chicane, which resulted in a penalty sending him all the way to the rear.

The Stewart-Haas Racing cars had a pretty pitiful night, starting with Kevin Harvick sliding off of the track, then Harvick actually had an unforced error and came off the track again.

Cole Custer had an engine issue or some other technical failure which resulted in fire surrounding the car.

Later in the RCR number 8 car, Tyler Reddick accidentally spun out the 17 car of Chris Buescher. This was another error caused by a young driver, it appeared as if Reddick thought he was giving more room than he actually did.

In a wild fight for the finish, Chase Eilliot made up for a half second deficit on the last lap to catch up to leader Ryan Blaney. On the final chicane before the front stretch, they touch and Blaney spins into the wall. Elliot kills all his momentum with the contact. I can’t blame Chase Elliot for making the move he did, this is stock car racing and with a gap like that, a dive bomb was to be expected.

This allows Kyle Busch and the 18 car to push forth to victory. This is exactly what Busch would have asked for to start off the 2021 NASCAR Season. This should put Kyle Busch in good sprits for the Daytona 500 on Valentines Day.

James Wilson is the host of “The Pit Stop with James Wilson” Fridays at 6pm on Tobacco Road Sports Radio.