Joey Logano takes checkers in The Clash
Joey Logano claimed victory Sunday in the Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Coliseum, outrunning a charge from 2021 race winner Kyle Busch.
Logano led the final 35 laps in the 150-lap event, earning his second victory in The Clash.
“I can’t believe it,” said Logano. “We’re here. The L.A. Coliseum. We got the victory with the old Shell/Pennzoil Mustang. This is an amazing event.
“Congratulations, NASCAR. Such a huge step in our industry to be able to do this, put on an amazing race for everybody. I’m out of breath.”
Busch, who led a race-high XX laps, took second-place in the first NASCAR-sanctioned race of 2022.
“I was being perfect doing everything I needed to do – keep the tires underneath me,” Busch said. “When I got close, I was like, ‘Okay I’ve got to try more and pounce at an opportunity’ and just overheated the tires and smoked them in three laps and that was it.
“Disappointing, obviously, come out here and win the pole, and lead laps, run up front. The finish goes green and it’s not chaotic and we can’t win, so it sucks.”
Austin Dillon, Erik Jones and 2021 series champion Kyle Larson rounded out positions third through fifth respectively.
Eighteen of the 23 starters finished the race.
Tyler Reddick, who led 51 laps, suffered a mechanical failure, finishing 21st.
Denny Hamlin rounded out the field in 23rd after a power steering issue sidelined the Joe Gibbs Racing driver.
The excitement level in LA Memorial Coliseum was on par with or greater than every other race that I have attended, both on Saturday during qualifying and on Sunday race day. The fans enjoyed the pre race entertainment that Pitbull provided as well as the intermission with Ice Cube, most fans were singing along with both performers. The racing was exciting and enjoyable. This weekend in California was a success for NASCAR and Los Angeles in my opinion!