Overview

For the first time in history, NASCAR will host an event at the historical Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Busch Light Clash is the “official, unofficial” start to the NASCAR season as we approach the Daytona 500 a couple of weeks away. The track is a 1/4 mile flat track which makes this the shortest track on the NASCAR schedule. Here is a breakdown of what to expect as far as heat races and positioning:

• Heat Race One. 25 laps: 3:00 p.m. – top four advances to the Busch Clash
• Heat Race Two, 25 laps: 3:15 p.m. – top four advances to the Busch Clash
• Heat Race Three, 25 laps: 3:30 p.m. – top four advances to the Busch Clash
• Heat Race Four, 25 laps: 3:45 p.m. – top four advances to the Busch Clash
• Last Chance Qualifying Race One, 50 laps: 4:10 p.m. – top three advances to the Busch Clash
• Last Chance Qualifying Race Two, 50 laps: 4:35 p.m. – top three advances to the Busch Clash
• 23rd and Final Driver Announced: 5:00 p.m. – top driver by 2021 points standings who has not already advanced via the previous heat races
• Busch Clash Green Flag which means Lineups Lock, 150 laps: 6:00 p.m.

In short, only 23 drivers will qualify for the Clash, the race for which we can actually accrue points in DFS. With this setup, we’ll know the qualifying order and the drivers that actually qualify approximately two hours before lock, maybe even less. In this situation the likelihood that there will be dead lineups with drivers that didn’t even qualify across multiple contests is high.

Strategy

The common strategy for such a race will be comparable to what’s expected to be the approach a couple of weeks from now at Daytona; stack the back. With minimal room to operate even with a smaller field of cars, there should be plenty of bumping and pushing around which could lead to some wrecks within this event. In a race that has such few laps (150) and thus minimal dominator points available finding drivers with place differential opportunity will be imperative, thus stacking the back. However, with the unpredictable nature of this new Generation Seven car, horsepower, and downforce package it is feasible that the car that starts out front could lead the majority if not the entire race with plenty of chaos occurring in the middle or back of the field. Lastly, some of the smaller budget teams are coming into The Clash with one car which they won’t necessarily want to beat and bang up ahead races later in the season in which that car would be useful and competitive in a points race elsewhere. In short, with all of this uncertainty, I’ll be treading lightly with my lineups and looking closely for races down the line. I would advise doing so BUT if you can’t help yourself and need to dive right in I would suggest diversifying and enjoying the fact that NASCAR is back!

Most comparable tracks: None

*Note: all pricing is DraftKings focused

Top Drivers

Chase Elliott ($9,200)

One of the best drivers in the sport, Elliott looks to find himself back in the Cup Series hunt and this is a spot where, although this isn’t a points race, could give him momentum heading into the season. Elliott had the best practice times and seventh-best qualifying time on Saturday heading into a Sunday event that Elliott is primed for.

Tyler Reddick ($6,700)

An aggressive driver and one that likes to ride the high-line, Reddick found himself qualifying second and posting the sixth-best practice time running 111 laps; more than anyone else in the field. If Reddick qualifies, depending on his spot he could be a value worth finding exposure to.

Kyle Busch ($9,000)

Busch ran 105 practice laps and finished with the fifth-best practice time and best qualifying lap. Busch had navigated the short track exceptionally well throughout his career and I don’t see that ending in this race.

*Please check out the Discord channel closer to lock for updates, my favorite drivers, and a Q&A before lock which comes at 6:00 P.M. eastern

GOOD LUCK!!