The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season officially begins with the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 16, but things are already rolling at Daytona International Speedway with two practices Saturday and qualifying Sunday.
Plus, there’s the Busch Clash, an exhibition event. Although it doesn’t really count for anything other than bragging rights, it is the first competition of what’s known as Speedweeks. Then we’ve got the two Duels on Thursday to determine the starting lineup, a couple more practices and then the big event.
But first thing’s first: Here’s everything you need to know about the NASCAR Cup Series Busch Clash on Sunday at the iconic 2.5-mile Daytona track.
What is the Busch Clash?
It’s a 75-lap exhibition race totaling 187.5 miles. It’s divided into two stages: 25 laps and 50 laps.
When is the Busch Clash?
NASCAR’s Busch Clash is Sunday, February 9 at 3 p.m. ET, and the green flag is expected to fly at about 3:24 p.m. It will be broadcast on TV on FS1.
We missed this SO much#BuschClash pic.twitter.com/EPbi25GyYu
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 8, 2020
How do drivers qualify for the Busch Clash?
Wait, not everyone gets to compete in the Clash? No, drivers qualify based on their performances on the track in the past. Drivers qualify for the Clash if they:
1. Won a pole in a Cup Series race in 2019
2. Won the Clash at some point and ran a full 2019 season
3. Won a Daytona 500 pole at some point and ran a full 2019 season
4. Won the Daytona 500 at some point and ran a full 2019 season
5. Qualified for the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs
So which NASCAR drivers are qualified for the 2020 Busch Clash?
Here is the full list of 20 drivers who qualified for this year’s Clash. Several of them qualified in more than one way.
Aric Almirola
Ryan Blaney
Alex Bowman
Clint Bowyer
Kyle Busch
Kurt Busch
William Byron
Austin Dillon
Chase Elliott
Denny Hamlin
Kevin Harvick
Daniel Hemric*
Jimmie Johnson
Erik Jones
Brad Keselowski
Kyle Larson
Joey Logano
Ryan Newman
Daniel Suarez*
Martin Truex Jr.
*Daniel Suárez and Daniel Hemric will not compete in the Clash.
How is the starting lineup for the Busch Clash determined?
This one’s at random. There will be a random drawing Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET for the starting spots in Sunday’s race.
Who won the Clash last season?
Jimmie Johnson won the 2019 Clash for what turned out to be his only victory of the season, even if it was in an exhibition event. He triggered a massive wreck that took out almost half the field as he took the lead, and when rain hit, he was out front still and declared the winner.
He also won the Clash in 2005.
What other active drivers have won the Clash?
In addition to Johnson, six other active drivers have won the Clash: Brad Keselowski (2018), Joey Logano (2017), Denny Hamlin (2016, 2014, 2006), Kevin Harvick (2013, 2010, 2009), Kyle Busch (2012) and Kurt Busch (2011).
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