Kyle Busch wins, after Elliott wrecks Blaney; 2021 Busch Clash race review

Chris O’Meara, AP

       The 2021 Busch Clash at the Daytona International Speedway ends with Kyle Busch passing Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott for the win, in some exciting last lap action. This first race of the NASCAR Cup Series season came in with a bang, as fan favorites like Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr, and Ryan Blaney all faced troubles, and chaos ensued.

The first major incident that occurred in this race was dirt that began to cover the track in the bus stop. Due to this dirt on the track, on lap 3 Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 4, spun upon entrance, and found himself in the grass. This left Harvick in 21st (last) place. Many drivers, including defending champion, Chase Elliott, began to report dirt on their windshields and reduced visibility. On lap 9 NASCAR threw the caution for track sweeping, and helped to, but did not completely solve this problem.

Another spot where many incidents occurred was the entrance to turn one. Entering turn one we first saw Ryan Blaney overshoot the entrance and make contact with Martin Truex Jr.. This then caused Kevin Harvick to once again lose control of his car, and drive into the grass, this time causing some damage to the No. 4. Also at this entrance leader (at the time), Kurt Busch, completely missed turn one, and had to drive up on the apron of the oval track to avoid hitting the wall. 

Some drivers we saw do well in this race were Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr., Tyler Reddick, and Kyle Busch. Erik Jones did an exceptional job in the No. 43, running top-10 for most of the night, which I would consider to be an improvement for Richard Petty Motorsports as a whole.

Denny Hamlin often led the pack, with Ryan Blaney and Tyler Reddick within the top-5 for much of the race. Joe Gibbs Racing teammates, Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. we’re in the top-10 for a majority of the race, and from time to time crept their way up into the top five. Truex Jr. was in contention for the win, until he spun out while exiting the bus stop and hit the wall hard. Due to this impact, the No. 19 of Truex Jr. did not finish the race. 

Towards the end of the race Chase Elliott made his way to the front and led four laps. In the final laps Elliott was passed by Ryan Blaney, and the two battled it out for what they thought was the win. 

On the final lap the two drivers were neck and neck as they exited the chicane. Chase Elliott spun the No. 12 of Ryan Blaney into the wall. The No. 9 car was undamaged, and Chase Elliott attempted to continue on and win the race. This was no luck though as the No. 9 Camaro ZL1 1LE was slowed down too much by the incident, and Kyle Busch passed Chase Elliott to take the checkered flag.

While this race was not a points paying race, I’d say it was a great kick off to the 2021 season. This race was undoubtedly an exciting one, and one fans will remember for years to come. 

Yeah we're still thinking about that finish pic.twitter.com/s5hylL5mlQ.

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 10, 2021