The NASCAR Cup Series returns tonight with the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum. Read on below to see my prediction for who will win the race, as well as my top 10, dark horse, and driver to fade predictions.
Winner: Kyle Busch- Busch had a quiet 2021 by his standards, with 2 wins, 14 top 5’s, and 22 top 10’s. Busch unloaded with fast speed and showed that by winning the first Heat Race tonight. The defending winner of The Clash and starting from the pole in tonight’s race, Kyle ”Rowdy” Busch will be taking a bow in victory lane tonight.
Top 10: Justin Haley- Like Busch, Justin Haley has shown great speed since unloading off the hauler this week. Winner of the third Heat Race, Haley showed great short run speed during practice and if this race comes down to a late race restart, Haley will not only be running in the top 10, but he will be a legitimate threat for an upset victory.
Dark Horse: Ryan Preece- Fielding an entry for Rick Ware Racing tonight, Preece advanced to the Main Event tonight due to winning the second Last Chance Qualifier. Preece showed mid-range speed during practice this week and will have to come deep from the field, as he starts 18th. A win would be a massive upset, but a top 10 is certainly within reach.
Driver to Fade: Austin Dillon- Like Preece, Dillon struggled with speed at times in practice, running around 20th place in practice. In a field with 23 entries, Dillon will likely be one of the slower cars in the field tonight. Finishing 3rd in the second Heat Race, I expect Dillon to slide back tonight and finish outside the top 15 by race end.