DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – NASCAR has confirmed the field of eligible drivers for the Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona Int’l Speedway on Feb. 11.
The annual preseason race will be run in two segments, with a competition caution at lap 25 separating the segments. The Clash at Daytona will put an end to a busy day at Daytona that will also include qualifying for the 60th Daytona 500.
“A double-header, featuring The Clash and Daytona 500 qualifying, is a great way to start the 2018 season,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “The urgency created by the non-points race sets a tone for the season, providing a strong preview of the competition we expect will be a mainstay all year long.”
“For four decades, the Advance Auto Parts Clash has been a staple of the Speedweeks lineup,” Daytona Int’l Speedway President Chip Wile said. “The event has a rich history and serves as a preview to the Can-Am Duel qualifying races and the DAYTONA 500. Combining the Advance Auto Parts Clash and DAYTONA 500 Qualifying on the same day will deliver race fans a full day of NASCAR action.”
Consistent with the eligibility criteria used to determine last year’s Clash field, there is no pre-determined number of cars. The exclusive field is limited to drivers who were 2017 Coors Light Pole Award winners, former Clash race winners, former Daytona 500 pole winners who competed full-time in 2017 and drivers who qualified for the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.
At least three of the eligible drivers – Dale Earnhardt Jr., Matt Kenseth and Danica Patrick – are not expected to compete in the Clash at Daytona.
Eligible drivers are:
2017 Coors Light Pole Award Winners (14)
Ryan Blaney, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Erik Jones, Matt Kenseth, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Martin Truex Jr.
Former Daytona 500 Coors Light Pole Award Winners (3)
Austin Dillon, Jimmie Johnson, Danica Patrick
2017 Playoff Drivers (3)
Kasey Kahne, Jamie McMurray, Ryan Newman
Source :speedsport.com
Comments
