Let’s Clash… The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season kicks off with the Clash at the Coliseum this Sunday, February 4 at the quarter-mile, asphalt oval inside the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This weekend’s event marks the 46th running of the annual non-points exhibition race, with the iconic California stadium serving as just the third venue for the event since its inception in 1979.

Richard Childress Racing in the Clash… Richard Childress Racing has earned nine wins in the Clash, six by Dale Earnhardt (1980, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1993, and 1995) and three by Kevin Harvick (2009, 2010 and 2013). Austin Dillon has led RCR in both Clash races held at the Coliseum (third in 2022, second in 2023).

New Qualifying Format for 2024… Although 36 drivers will make the cross-country trek to California to attempt to win at the legendary Los Angeles venue, only 23 will make it through to the 150-lap main event. Each driver has two chances to qualify for the feature.

There will be four heat races (25 laps each) consisting of 10 drivers each. The top five finishers in each heat will advance to run in the main event, filling 20 positions on the final grid.

Positions 21 and 22 will be set by the top two finishers from the last chance qualifying race (75 laps, only green flag laps count). The 23rd and final starting position is reserved for the driver who finished highest in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series points standings that did not transfer on finishing position.

Catch the Action… The Clash at the Coliseum will be televised live Sunday, February 4 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX, with the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 carrying the live radio broadcast.

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 BetMGM Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum… Austin Dillon is among the NASCAR Cup Series drivers vying for a spot in this year’s Clash at the Coliseum. With the main event field limited to 23 cars, the 2018 Daytona 500 Champion will have to transfer into the 150-lap exhibition race. Dillon has two prior starts at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where the 33-year-old has started from the 10th position twice and never finished worse than third. In 2022, the North Carolina native drove to a strong third-place result. Last season in 2023, Dillon displayed another impressive performance by finishing in the second position – one spot ahead of Richard Childress Racing teammate Kyle Busch.

About BetMGM… BetMGM is a market-leading sports betting and gaming entertainment company, pioneering the online gaming industry. Born out of a partnership between MGM Resorts International and Entain Group, BetMGM has exclusive access to all of MGM’s U.S. land-based and online sports betting, major tournament poker, and online gaming businesses. Utilizing Entain’s U.S.-licensed, state-of-the-art technology, BetMGM offers sports betting and online gaming via market-leading brands, including BetMGM, Borgata Casino, Party Casino, and Party Poker. Founded in 2018, BetMGM is headquartered in New Jersey. Always Bet Responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Meet Dillon… On Sunday, February 4 at 12:00 Noon local time, Dillon and his RCR teammate Busch are scheduled to participate in a question and answer session on the Christmas Tree Lane Stage outside of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:

Your No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro has been strong in the Clash for the last two years. What are your thoughts heading into this weekend?

“I’m looking forward to returning to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the Clash in the No. 3 BetMGM Chevrolet Camaro. My Richard Childress Racing team has been strong the last couple of years, finishing second and third, and being just one spot away from getting the gold medal. We will have to fight the track itself with the new asphalt being poured over the winter. The track conditions we had last year won’t be the same. I am hopeful that the strategy we used in the past will continue to be successful, and we will be able to secure a spot in Sunday’s main event with a clean qualifying race on Saturday night.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Morgan & Morgan Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum… Kyle Busch has made two career starts at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, competing in both exhibition events at the quarter-mile track. In his debut with Richard Childress Racing one year ago in 2023, Busch scored a third-place finish in the Clash at the Coliseum. The Las Vegas, Nevada native made 39 green flag passes en route to capturing his seventh top-five finish in the preseason race. In 2022, Busch led the most laps (64 of 150) on his way to securing a second-place result. His average running position in the race was a sizzling 1.65 – the best of any driver.

Did You Know? With two Clash victories (2012 and 2021) on his resume, Busch could become the first driver to win the non-points paying event on three different track designs (superspeedway, road course and short track). Also, the veteran racer is tied for third on the all-time list of drivers for most laps led (131) in the Clash.

About Morgan & Morgan… As America’s largest injury law firm, Morgan & Morgan has recovered more than $15 billion for over 300,000 clients. Throughout the United States, our attorneys fulfill our “For The People” commitment in over 50 practice areas, including national mass torts and class actions, labor and employment, civil rights, and product liability, among many others. We co-counsel with hundreds of other law firms, who refer thousands of cases to us. Our firm has taken on some of the biggest corporations across the globe, including BP, Facebook, Google, Monsanto, and Lockheed Martin, and recovered billions in complex national litigation, including $1.8 billion in the Porter Ranch Gas Leak case in 2021. Learn more at www.forthepeople.com.

KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:

You recovered from an early-race spin to score a third-place finish last year at the Clash at the Coliseum. Talk about your race.

“It was a good run for us and we made the most of the day. We went from the back to the front, passing on the inside and outside. There was a lot of chaos, mayhem and disrespect. It was tight quarters racing at a quarter-mile.”

What are the keys to running well at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum?

“Obviously having a fast car is good, but to have a fast car, you have to be fast while going slow. You’re probably out of the throttle just as much as you’re in the throttle at the Clash. The time in which you’re on the brakes is going to be very important to making sure you’re not on them too much, but yet you still get the car slowed down enough in order to make it turn for the middle of the corner and exit for the next straightaway.”

Do you anticipate a lot of contact during this year’s event?

“Yes, I think there’s going to be contact. You have to let a lot of the little bumps and bruises go and not really focus on that too much. The biggest things are to keep your mind straight and keep your car straight. In order to have fast lap times, you have to hit the right lines, be good on the brakes, and keep the tires underneath you.”

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE
Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Los Angeles, California
February 8, 2024

NASCAR’S RETURN TO THE COLISEUM

For the third consecutive year, the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) will venture to the west coast to open the 2024 season at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum with the 46th running of the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum. From two summer Olympics (1932 and 1984), to two Super Bowls (1967 and 1973) and the 1959 World Series – the annual preseason race for NASCAR’s premier series is among an elite list of events to take center stage at the Southern California venue deemed “The Greatest Stadium in the World”.

With all chartered teams eligible to enter, 14 drivers from six different Chevrolet organizations will represent the Bowtie brand and compete for a spot in the 150-lap main event:

Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Camaro ZL1

Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Camaro ZL1

Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1

Corey LaJoie, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Camaro ZL1

Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Camaro ZL1

Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1

Josh Williams, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Camaro ZL1

William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1

Daniel Hemric, No. 31 Kaulig Racing Camaro ZL1

Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 JTG Daugherty Racing Camaro ZL1

Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1

Zane Smith, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Camaro ZL1

Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Camaro ZL1

Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Camaro ZL1

 
PAST IN THE CLASH

Chevrolet has a winning percentage of nearly 50 percent in the annual preseason event – earning a manufacturer-leading 22 victories in the Clash’s 45-race history. Neil Bonnett carried the Bowtie brand to its first Clash victory in 1983, with the manufacturer’s most recent triumph coming in 2019 with the sport’s most recent Hall of Fame inductee Jimmie Johnson. While competing for preseason glory, NASCAR’s top series is also on the horizon of one of its crown jewel events with the 66th running of the Daytona 500. Only six times in the event’s history has the Clash winner gone on to win the Daytona 500, with career Chevrolet driver Jeff Gordon representing the Bowtie brand on that elite list (1997).

 
NEXT GEN: YEAR THREE

The 46th running of the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum will mark the Next Gen Camaro ZL1’s third season competing in the NASCAR Cup Series. Since entering competition in NASCAR’s premier series, the Next Gen Camaro ZL1 has earned a winning percentage of more than 50 percent in each season with 19 wins in 2022 and 18 wins in 2023. Displaying strength across the Chevrolet camp, drivers from each Chevrolet team contributed points throughout the season that led the manufacturer to its series-leading 42nd – and third consecutive – NCS Manufacturer Championship title.

 
SMITH, HOCEVAR SET FOR ROOKIE SEASON

A pair of young powerhouse drivers have been added to the Team Chevy NASCAR Cup Series driver lineup for 2024, with their rookie campaigns officially getting underway at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum this weekend.

A familiar face to Bowtie brand, Zane Smith will make his return to Team Chevy to pilot the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Camaro ZL1 this season. A former member of the Driver’s Edge Development Program, the 24-year-old California native got his start in the NASCAR national ranks competing full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) with GMS Racing in 2020. A nine-time winner in the series, Smith had early success in his NCTS career – finishing second in the series’ points standings for back-to-back seasons (2020, 2021) before becoming a NCTS Champion in 2022.

Coming off a strong season in the NCTS, Team Chevy’s Carson Hocevar will make the jump to NASCAR’s premier series to pilot the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Camaro ZL1. The 21-year-old Michigan native joined the Driver’s Edge Development Program in 2019 – competing in a handful of NCTS races before joining forces with Niece Motorsports full-time in 2021. In his third season with the organization, Hocevar notched his first-career NCTS victory at Texas Motor Speedway (April 2023) – ultimately ending the season with four victories and a fourth-place finish in the series’ final points standings. Hocevar already has nine career starts in NASCAR’s premier series – highlighted by a best finish of 11th at Bristol Motor Speedway (September 2023).

 
 
TUNE IN:

FOX will telecast from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, February 4 – starting with the last chance qualifying race at 6:30 p.m. ET, followed by the main event for the 46th running of the Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum at 8 p.m. ET. Live coverage can also be found on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

 
QUOTABLE QUOTES:

ROSS CHASTAIN, NO. 1 BUSCH LIGHT CAMARO ZL1

How have your experiences been at the Clash?

“My two experiences with the Clash are not making the race in 2022 and being pretty competitive in 2023. If we take another step like we did from 2022 to 2023, we will have a shot to win this year. The event is a vibe and I want to be part of the show. It’s obviously a special weekend for Busch Light and it’s my first time driving the scheme so I hope we cap the weekend off with a win.”

KYLE LARSON, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1

Larson on the race at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum:

“This is a really cool event being in the stadium and a unique format with heat races. Even the break with a concert in the feature adds a unique feel to a race when no points are awarded. It is just so different from our normal race weekends and that makes the entire weekend a fun one.”

COREY LAJOIE, NO. 7 CELSIUS CAMARO ZL1

“To kick off the season at The Clash with Celsius is something I take very seriously. They were on the pole last year with Justin Haley, so they certainly expect some success. Hopefully we unload a Chevy Camaro that’s driving well with a lot of mechanical grip. Obviously, you’re not going very fast so aerodynamics don’t really come into play. Your car has to build a lot of grip. It has to be able to turn and have forward drive. You need a little luck, too, with traffic and the way qualifying is. You’ll have guys who are cutting off laps and guys who are sandbagging a little bit. Those variable could mess up what could have been your best lap. There’s only going to be a couple hundredths between qualifying on the pole or qualifying 20th, so we want to make sure we’re on the front end of that. We’ll need a good starting spot for the heat race and play some defense to make sure we’re in, but you need a good starting spot for the feature, too. I think your weekend, from the first time you hit the track, every lap is important at a race like this.”

KYLE BUSCH, NO. 8 MORGAN & MORGAN CAMARO ZL1

You recovered from an early-race spin to score a third-place finish last year at the Clash.

“It was a good run for us and we made the most of the day. We went from the back to the front, passing on the inside and outside. There was a lot of chaos, mayhem and disrespect. It was tight quarters racing at a quarter-mile.”

What are the keys to running well at the LA Coliseum?

“I feel like, obviously having a fast car is good but to have a fast car you have to be fast while going slow. You’re probably out of the throttle just as much as you’re in the throttle at the Clash and time in which you’re on the brakes is going to be very important to making sure you’re not on ‘em too much but yet you still get the car slowed down enough in order to make it turn for the middle of the corner and exit for the next straightaway.”

Do you anticipate a lot of contact at the Coliseum?

“I think there’s going to be contact. I think you have to let a lot of the little bumps and bruises go and not really focus on that too much. The biggest thing about it is just keep your mind straight, keep your car straight and do the best you can to hit the right lines and be good on the brakes to have fast lap times there and keep the tires underneath you.”

CHASE ELLIOT, NO. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS CAMARO ZL1

Elliott on having the longest active driver and crew chief pairing in the Cup Series garage with Alan Gustafson:

“We have such a solid working relationship. It just makes each week way easier and better when that is the case. He and I are very similar in a lot of ways and kind of look at things from a similar view. That helps our relationship at the track and ultimately, we have the same goals in mind. It’s pretty cool. I didn’t know that we were the longest pairing. I guess we are both getting old.”

Elliott on goals for 2024:

“Winning would be great. Winning a championship would be great. We just want to have pace on a week-to-week basis and that is where my head has been for a long time. I want to show up and have a shot every week. I think we are very capable of doing that but you’ve got to be perfect. If you are not perfect, you have to be really close to it and just keep yourself in contention. That’s really where I am at with it. I want to have pace, be fast and be in the hunt more often.”

WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY CAMARO ZL1

Byron on returning to the LA Coliseum for the Clash:

“This is always a fun event for not only the fans, but the drivers. I think we have really seen it evolve the last two years. While there are no points on the line, you still want to go out there, have a good run and contend for a win. You want to show that the hard work in the offseason paid off. At the same time, you can’t let a bad day affect you or your season because it is such a unique event and venue. We’ve run well there the last two times. We just need a little bit more and I think we have a shot to start the year off with a win.”

ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1

Bowman on racing at the LA Coliseum:

“I’m excited to get back to work in 2024 with Ally and the No. 48 team. That starts this weekend in LA. We have some new faces on the team and we are ready to find our groove and get back into the swing of things. A strong finish would be great to start the season with, but there is a lot up in the air between weather and the nature of that racetrack, so you can’t let a bad finish ruin your mindset for the season either. My goal is to head to the West Coast ready to execute. I want our (No. 48) team to be able to maximize what we have and control the things that we can control.”

ZANE SMITH, NO. 71 FOCUSED HEALTH CAMARO ZL1

How excited are you for the opportunity to race full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series?

”It has been pretty surreal. The day that we announced I was signing with Trackhouse Racing at Bristol, was truly a dream come true. I think every kid that wants to make it in racing, wants to see Sunday. To have the opportunity that I have and to have a foreseeable future in front of me is everything I ever wanted.”

How big of a jump is it from the Truck Series to the Cup Series?

“I feel that the truck actually raced very similar to the Cup car in some situations. The Cup car is kind of on its own planet. Everyone races really hard. I have an extremely good group around me for this year.”

Do you set goals?

“I want the graph arrow to be pointing up come the end of the year. That’s my goal. I have full intentions of going into every race weekend giving 110 percent and a full mindset of going in to win the race.”

CARSON HOCEVAR, NO. 77 DELAWARE LIFE CAMARO ZL1

You raced nine cup races last year, how are you channeling the lessons learned to elevate your performance not just this season, but right out of the gate this weekend?

“I’m very excited to get going with Luke (Lambert) and Spire. Honestly just looking forward to going racing this season. We’ve had a very productive off season – new shop, new people, new cars. I’m excited to see our work in the off season come to fruition at The Clash.”

What do you think about the unique characteristics of The Clash track and how will the atmosphere influence your approach?

“My approach isn’t a lot different; I am looking at it like it’s still a Cup race with Cup cars. We’ve prepared like it’s a points race so I’m excited to get there and see how we do as a team.”

What would you consider a successful season for you in 2024?

“I don’t have a lot of goals week in and week out, I just want us to be the best as a group as we can between communication, working on the cars and improving each week. It’s not how you start; it’s how you finish.”

DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 WORLDWIDE EXPRESS CAMARO ZL1

What are your thoughts on the Mexico Series race?

“This is so cool. I can’t wait to see a lot of the people I used to race with. I never dreamed something like this would happen. I am very proud of the series. Without the Mexico Series I don’t think I would have ever had a chance of becoming a Cup Series driver. I am honored to be invited to race and see it as a way to say thank you for everything that series did for me over the years. Plus, I really want us to put on a good show and it would be amazing if we could win!”

What are your thoughts on new crew chief Matt Swiderski in 2024?

“I’m excited to get to work with Matt (Swiderski). The Clash comes at a good time because it gives us a chance to work together at a racetrack before we go to Daytona. I think success boils down to communication, so I am looking forward to getting going in Los Angeles this weekend.”

What is your strategy for the Clash?

“Survive. You have to be there at the end. We had 16 cautions last year. That tells you survival is the key to winning.”

 
Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics

Manufacturers Championships:

Total (1949-2023): 42

First title for Chevrolet: 1958

Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)

Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023

Drivers Championships:

Total (1949-2021): 33

First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)

Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)

Most Recent: Kyle Larson (2021)

Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021

Event Victories:

Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)

CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:

Total Chevrolet race wins: 851 (1949 to date)

Poles won to date: 743

Laps led to date: 249,175

Top-five finishes to date: 4,298

Top-10 finishes to date: 8,861

Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:

       General Motors: 1,185

       Chevrolet: 851

       Pontiac: 154

       Oldsmobile: 115

       Buick: 65



       Ford: 828                                                           

       Ford: 728

       Mercury: 96

       Lincoln: 4



       Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467

       Dodge: 217

       Plymouth: 191

       Chrysler: 59



       Toyota: 180

 

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

JUSTIN HALEY | KAZ GRALA
Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum

Event Overview

● Event: Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum
● Time/Date: 6 p.m. EST on Sunday, Feb. 4
● Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
● Layout: Quarter-mile oval
● Format: 150-lap Feature with the 23-car field set by Heats and Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ)
● TV/Radio: FOX / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Justin Haley, Driver of the No. 51 Walmart Health & Wellness Ford Mustang

● Justin Haley, driver of the No. 51 Walmart Health & Wellness Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing (RWR) in the NASCAR Cup Series, is set to make his first start with the team in the non-points Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum. The 24-year-old driver has started in each of the previous two Clash events on the purpose-built, quarter-mile, asphalt oval inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

● In 2022, the first year the traditional season-opening exhibition race was held in Los Angeles, Haley was fourth in practice and won his heat race to line up third for the 150-lap feature. He completed only 116 laps and finished 19th after an accident ended his bid. When the Cup Series returned to the Coliseum last year, Haley qualified ninth and finished 11th in the feature.

● Haley is most successful on superspeedways, a stat highlighted by his 2019 victory in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on the 2.5-mile Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. However, Haley does own four top-five finishes and 12 top-10s in 21 short-track starts in the stepping-stone division to Cup – the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Best among those was a pair of runner-up finishes at Richmond (Va.) Raceway in September 2021 and 2022.

● The primary partner aligned with Haley and RWR’s No. 51 Ford Mustang at the Clash is Walmart Health & Wellness. The Clash kicks off the partnership with RWR, as it’s the first of various initiatives this season with Walmart Health & Wellness, which will also pair Haley with RWR’s NHRA driver Clay Millican, who competes in the Top Fuel class of the Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series. Said Haley about the partnership: “I’m excited to partner with Walmart Health & Wellness this season. We’ve developed a great relationship and I think it’s always a win to have a recognizable brand on track. It says so much that they’re supporting the No. 51 team, as well as Clay in his endeavors on the Top Fuel side. I’m fortunate that Rick believes in me and my abilitiesas a driver to come over to RWR and contribute to the growth of the team, and I think Walmart Health & Wellness being involved with RWR’s NASCAR and NHRA programs says a lot about their belief in us as a whole.”

Kaz Grala, Driver of the No. 15 N29 Capital Partners Ford Mustang

● Boston native Kaz Grala will look to make the Clash feature in the No. 15 N29 Capital Partners Ford Mustang for RWR in his first visit to the L.A. Coliseum and his first Busch Light Clash. It will be his eighth career Cup Series appearance.

● This season marks the third time Grala and Haley have worked as teammates. The once fierce competitors first united in 2017 when Haley joined GMS Racing, where Grala was competing fulltime in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Grala made his Cup Series debut in the August 2020 race on the Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway road course as a stand-in for Austin Dillon. He drove to a seventh-place finish that earned him a limited run in 2021 in the No. 16 Kaulig Racing entry, which he drove to a sixth-place finish in the April race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. Haley piloted the same entry to a top-20 finish in that year’s October race at Talladega.

● While this weekend marks Grala’s first short-track appearance in the Cup Series, he owns 20 career short-track starts in the Xfinity Series and Truck Series. Series bests among those 20 starts is his fourth-place Xfinity Series finish in April 2023 at Richmond and his seventh-place Truck Series result in October 2017 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.

● The primary partner aligned with Grala and RWR’s No. 15 Ford Mustang at the Clash is N29 Capital Partners. N29 Capital Partners financially supports early-stage startup companies that have created products or services that are disruptive in their industry.

Rick Ware Racing Notes

● Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age 6 when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. More than a decade later, injuries would force Ware out of the driver seat and into fulltime team ownership. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with wife Lisa by his side, Ware has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that fields two fulltime entries in the NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning successful teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, the NTT INDYCAR Series, Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup, Progressive American Flat Track and FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX).

● In 2023, RWR enjoyed three Top Fuel wins with driver Clay Millican, two Progressive American Flat Track wins with rider Briar Bauman, and multiple WSX victories between riders Shane McElrath and teammate Joey Savatgy as they came of their 2022 WSX championship.

● RWR is already off to a fast start in 2024 as driver Cody Ware scored a podium finish Jan. 20 on the 12-turn, 3.56-mile Daytona road course driving a Ligier JS P320 in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge LMP3 class. The following weekend, Ware and teammate Preston Pardus competed in the twin Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup races at Daytona.

Justin Haley, Driver Q&A

You’re making your third start in the Clash to kick off your third full season in the Cup Series, and you’re doing it with a new team. Talk about your move to RWR, and what you’re expecting from the No. 51 Ford team.

“It’s always tough to make a big decision like switching teams, but I felt like it was something I needed to explore. Rick Ware was really open with me, he wasn’t hiding anything, and that was really appealing. When it comes down to it, we can just sit down, talk and be real with each other and I really like that. There are a lot of reasons why this decision made sense for me. We may not go out and win the first 10 races, but I do think we can show up down the road and be really competitive. Ford brings a lot to the table, along with the alliance with Roush Fenway Keselowksi Racing (RFK).”

Where do you feel you are in your career right now?

“I feel like I’ve taken advantage of the right opportunity for me. There are so many really talented racecar drivers out there and the Cup Series is hard to get into, and even harder to stay in, once you get there. Keeping yourself relevant and keeping yourself in a competitive seat is big. What I’m moving toward now has already been really exciting. I haven’t even sat in a Ford or a RWR car yet, but I already feel so welcome. Everyone has been so awesome and I’m super confident in my abilities in a Cup car. I’ve had almost 110 starts in the NASCAR Cup Series car, so I feel confident in what I can bring to the team. You always wait for the right opportunity, and to have the right partners come on board and the right people around you, I really feel like I’m starting to gain traction toward that.”

You were up front and competitive at the Clash last year. What are your thoughts about this year’s event?

“I’ve qualified first and third there and made the show and had good runs. I’ve been fortunate to be competitive there both years, so I’m excited. It’s obviously going to be something different. I kind of knew what you had with my previous team and car, and this year there are a lot of unknowns – a new manufacturer, a new team, new people, new spotter. The only thing that hasn’t changed is the steering wheel and the seat I’m sitting in because I brought those over, so we’ll have to see. There’s definitely a lot of anticipation. It’s a long flight out there and you start thinking and you just want to run good.”

You’ve got a new crew chief to work with at RWR. Why is Chris Lawson the guy you want on the No. 51, and what do you expect him to bring with him from his time in the Truck Series?

“Chris is just a winner. He will outwork everyone in the garage and everyone in the shop, too. He’s just a go-getter and that’s what I like about him. He maximizes every part of the car. I think we’re both young and want to achieve something, and he believes in me and I believe in him. He might not know the Cup car like some of the other crew chiefs, but with our alliance with Ford and our alliance with RFK, he will have all of the information and tools to go out and succeed. Hopefully, we can take the first half of the season and see where we’re at and then improve from there. He’s a winner in anything. All he has to do is build a team, be a team leader, and do what he does, and that’s finding that extra bit.”

Kaz Grala, Driver Q&A

Early in your career, you did a lot of racing on smaller tracks. Is that where you find you’re most comfortable, and how will that help you navigate your way into the feature race at the Coliseum?
“I’ve run a million laps on quarter-mile tracks, but it has been a long time. I think it’ll definitely be a bit of a learning curve in practice with this being a new track for me and a new car. But we have a teammate who has done pretty well in the Clash in the past, so I’ll be leaning on him for some information and help.”

What led you to make the decision to join RWR this season?

“The partnership with RFK and the investment that Rick has made into bringing in the right people are some of the driving factors for why I made the decision. I think that we could be a lot better than people expect us to be this year. They have Tommy Baldwin (competition director) and Robby Benton as the team president. I worked with Robby in the past and drove his car in the Rolex 24 when I was young, so I feel like they’re putting some powerhouse people in place and really gearing up to be a serious contender. I’m very appreciative that Rick and Robby and everybody saw me as being a part of that growth and a part of their future because I know they had a lot of options out there. They’ve definitely made me feel very welcomed, very appreciated and wanted in that they think that I’m the right person for the job.”

A lot of people like to view RWR as an underdog team and that is a position you’ve found yourself in many times throughout your career. How do you continue to push forward knowing that perception is out there?

“I feel like I have very rarely in my career found myself in the comfortable, easy position. I have definitely had to scratch and claw to find my place and to find success. I feel like I excel in that underdog position. I like to be able to take care of the equipment, get the most out of it and bring as good or better results than the team has previously been able to get. I truly think that’s something I can do at RWR and something we can do as an organization. Nothing happens overnight, but we have a good group of people in place that can help us get past the doubt that others place on us.”

Mooresville, NC (February 1, 2024) – Today, Draiver, Wood Brothers Racing (WBR) and Team Penske announced a new, dynamic partnership that will see the on-demand vehicle delivery company featured as a primary partner on the No. 21 Ford Mustang of Harrison Burton for two races and a full-season associate partner on the No. 21 and on Team Penske’s No. 2 Ford Mustang for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) season.

Founded in 2013 by Zarif Haque, Draiver uses the industry’s most advanced AI to move over 6,000 vehicles a day with more than 20,000 drivers. The company, based in Overland Park, Kansas, operates in more than 170 metros across the United States and ten countries, most recently expanding to Mexico and Brazil.

“We’re excited to partner with an innovative company like Draiver,” said Eddie and Len Wood, co-owners, Wood Brothers Racing, in a joint statement. “It’s always special when we get to welcome a new partner to the team, and we look forward to seeing Harrison represent the Draiver colors on the track this year.”

The partnership comes as Burton enters his third Cup Series season in 2024, vying for his first win in NASCAR’s premier series and the elusive 100th win for the Wood Brothers.

“I could not be more excited to represent Draiver on and off the track,” said Burton. Their values and vision are parallel to those of our team, and I look forward to racing the No. 21 Draiver Ford Mustang this year.”

The livery and specific races where Burton will drive the No. 21 Draiver Ford Mustang in 2024 will be announced at a later date.

The 2024 NCS season kicks off on Sunday, February 4 with the Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as the West Coast exhibition race opens the series schedule for the third consecutive year. The 66th running of the Daytona 500 will be held on Sunday, February 18.

ABOUT DRAIVER
Draiver is a market-leading on-demand vehicle delivery company offering elevated delivery solutions and experiences. Through best-in-class AI logistics software and a vetted, insured driver marketplace, the company moves cars faster, and more efficiently, to improve bottom lines for global fleet and rental companies, OEMs, large automotive groups, and single location businesses.

The company’s expertise has enabled rapid expansion to three continents, where the platform moves over 6,000 cars a day through an elite network of 20,000 drivers. The company’s full suite of services is available throughout North and South America, and their software solves logistics needs for large automotive companies in Peru, Argentina, Chile, Columbia, Peru and the GCC.

Draiver’s mission is to redefine the standard of excellence in vehicle delivery and offer unmatched opportunities for the gig economy in a people-first environment. Follow Draiver on Twitter, LinkedIn and www.draiver.com.

Wood Brothers Racing
Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 99 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 120 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glenn’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Ford Mustang driven by Harrison Burton in the famous No. 21 racer.

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024
0.25-Mile Oval
8:00 PM ET
Location: Los Angeles, California
TV: Fox
Event: NASCAR Cup Series exhibition race
Radio: SiriusXM logo PRN logo

5 KYLE LARSON
Age: 31 (July 31, 1992)
Hometown: Elk Grove, California
Resides: Mooresville, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Cliff Daniels
Standings: 2nd (2023)

No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, will be available to members of the media at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 1:00 p.m. local time.

2023 RECAP: In 36 races during the 2023 season, Kyle Larson and the No. 5 HendrickCars.com team visited victory lane four times in points-paying races (Richmond Raceway, Martinsville Speedway, Darlington Raceway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway), tied for the series lead (with Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron) with 15 top-five finishes and added 18 top-10s. He also won the non-points All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway in May and led a series-high 1,127 laps during the season en route to a runner-up finish in the point standings. Larson was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in its 75th season.

PAIR OF FIVES FOR NO. 5: There have been two Clash at the Coliseum events and Larson is one of only three drivers to have finished inside the top five in each race. The Elk Grove, California, native finished fifth in 2022 and 2023 in the exhibition races held in his home state.

STADIUM RACING: This Sunday’s 0.25-mile track at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has been compared to the similar length layout at Bowman Gray Stadium located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In the 2012 ARCA Menards Series East race (then known as the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East) at Bowman Gray, Larson led 35 laps from the pole position before finishing fifth in the 153-lap race.

SO SPECIAL: The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion has five wins in non-points events. In addition to winning last year’s All-Star Race, Larson also won that event in 2019 and 2021 – making him the only driver to win the All-Star Race at three different venues. He was also victorious in the All-Star Open in 2016 and 2019.

CLIFF’S NOTES: No. 5 crew chief Cliff Daniels and Larson have teamed up for 16 wins since Larson joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2021 – the third-best total among active driver and crew chief pairings. Daniels and Larson have teamed up to accomplish those wins in 100 races while the best active combination has posted 19 victories in 173 starts.

YOUR CAR NEEDS: This weekend, Larson will drive the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. From the convenience of home, HendrickCars.com customers can select the category, make, model and vehicle packages that are important to them from the nearly 30,000 new, high-quality pre-owned and certified cars, trucks and SUVs available at HendrickCars.com. The website also makes it easy for customers to find one of Hendrick Automotive Group’s 93 dealership locations nationwide.

WE’RE HIRING: Hendrick Automotive Group is hiring more than 300 technicians at its dealerships throughout the country. Positions are open for all skill levels and offer tuition and training reimbursement. Interested people can apply at HENDRICKCARS.COM.

9 CHASE ELLIOTT
Age: 28 (Nov. 28, 1995)
Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
Resides: Dawsonville, Georgia
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Standings: 17th (2023)

No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, will be available to members of the media at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 1:00 p.m. local time.

LOOKING BACK ON ‘23: The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season was one full of adversity for Chase Elliott and the No. 9 team. After finishing second at Auto Club Speedway early in the year, the Dawsonville, Georgia, native missed several races after injuring his leg in a snowboarding incident. Upon his return, he made up ground on his competitors and nearly qualified for the playoffs. Elliott ended the season with seven top-five finishes – including runner-up results at Auto Club and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course – 15 top-10s and an average finish of 13.07. Key milestones on the year included surpassing 5,000 laps led in his Cup career and 1,000 laps led at Martinsville Speedway, his most at a single track. The Hendrick Motorsports driver helped the No. 9 team in its owner championship quest where the crew ultimately advanced to the Round of 8. Elliott wrapped up the year with a sixth consecutive National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver Award and he was also named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in its 75th season.

CLASH COURSE: For the third year, the Cup Series returns to the legendary Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the Clash at the Coliseum exhibition race. Elliott’s best finish of 11th on the 0.25-mile oval came in the first race there in 2022. While the 28-year-old driver has never won the Clash, he is a three-time winner in special events held by NASCAR, including two Duel at Daytona victories (2017, 2018) and the 2020 NASCAR All-Star Race held at Bristol Motor Speedway.

DYNAMIC DUO: Elliott and No. 9 crew chief Alan Gustafson are entering their ninth season together, becoming the longest active driver and crew chief combo in the Cup Series garage. The duo is currently second among active pairings with 18 points-paying victories. Gustafson and Elliott earned their first Cup Series title in 2020 and the team captured the regular-season championship in 2022.

NEW FACES: A few new faces are joining the No. 9 road crew in 2024. Moving up to primary engineer is Mark Ziegler, who first joined the team last year. Serving as interior mechanic in 2024 is industry veteran Nick Gardiner. Trey Poole, who served as a secondary spotter for Elliott in previous seasons, will take over as the primary spotter for the No. 9 team.

GET UP AND GO: 2024 marks the 11th year NAPA has partnered up with Elliott and the ninth full-time season it has teamed up with Hendrick Motorsports. The Atlanta-based company first paired with Ellliott for his rookie NASCAR Xfinity Series season at JR Motorsports in 2014 and has been with him ever since. NAPA is serving as the majority partner for the 2020 Cup Series champion and the No. 9 team for 26 Cup Series races this season, including this weekend’s Clash. While NAPA will primarily run a blue-based scheme in 2024, the company opted for a pearlescent white scheme for this weekend’s exhibition event. Get a look at all the angles of the white No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 here.

24 WILLIAM BYRON
Age: 26 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Resides: Charlotte, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: 3rd (2023)

No. 24 Liberty University Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Liberty University Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, will be available to members of the media at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 1:00 p.m. local time.

2023 IN THE REARVIEW: Embarking on his seventh season in the NASCAR Cup Series, William Byron is coming off a career-best year at the highest level of competition. With back-to-back wins at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Phoenix Raceway in March, Byron not only locked himself into his fifth consecutive playoff appearance but continued his winning ways collecting three more wins before the final 10-race stretch. The success didn’t stop there though. Byron picked up his first playoff victory at Texas Motor Speedway, which also was the 300th win for Hendrick Motorsports. The Charlotte, North Carolina, native then went on to lock himself into his first Championship 4 appearance at the Cup level, ultimately ending the season third in the points standings.

COMING FOR THE CLASH: With the 2024 season kicking off with the Clash at the Coliseum, this will be the third year that the exhibition race will be held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. In the previous two events at the historic location, Byron was the only driver to run all 300 laps in the top 10 and ranks second for laps run in the top five for those races (157). He holds the second-best average running position (5.44) and is tied for the seventh-best average finish (8.00). In fact, Byron is one of only four drivers, including Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson, to finish in the top 10 in both races. While the 26-year-old driver has not won the Clash, he does have a win in one NASCAR special event (a Duel at Daytona victory in 2020).

RUDY, RUDY, RUDY: Crew chief Rudy Fugle enters his fourth season with Byron at the Cup level. Their six wins were the most by a driver and crew chief combo last season. Reaching the Championship 4, the No. 24 Fugle-led team finished third in the 2023 Cup Series standings with four poles, 15 top-five finishes and 21 top-10s. The Fugle-Byron duo have nine victories together, which is tied for the fourth-most among active driver and crew chief pairings. In total, they have been together for 104 races.

LIBERTY U IS BACK: To kick off the start of the 2024 season, Byron will sport Liberty University on board his No. 24 for the Clash at the Coliseum. Featuring a white base with navy flames and red accents, the No. 24 Liberty University Chevy will be sure to stand out on track. Liberty University has a long history with Byron starting back in 2014 in the late model ranks. Liberty University has been Training Champions for Christ since it was founded in 1971. Located in the mountains of Central Virginia, Liberty is a liberal arts institution with 17 colleges and schools that offers more than 600 degree programs from the certificate to the doctoral level, on campus and online. Working on an undergraduate degree in strategic communication, Byron is in his junior year at Liberty University through its online program. For a better look at the paint scheme, click here.

48 ALEX BOWMAN
Age: 30 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Resides: Concord, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Blake Harris
Standings: 20th (2023)

No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

READY TO RACE: Alex Bowman returns to race the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for a fourth consecutive year in 2024. Bowman begins his seventh full-time season with Hendrick Motorsports and 10th year in the NASCAR Cup Series. In February 2023, Bowman signed a three-year contract extension with the 14-time championship-winning organization that keeps him driving for team owner Rick Hendrick through 2026.

CALLING THE SHOTS: Blake Harris returns to the track in 2024 embarking on his second year as the crew chief of the No. 48 Ally Racing team, paired with driver Bowman. Overall, this is his third year atop a pit box in the Cup Series. During their inaugural season together, Harris and Bowman wasted no time developing a strong working relationship. This year, the duo looks to earn their first win together, add to Bowman’s seven Cup Series wins and secure his sixth playoff appearance.

COMING BACK TO THE COLISEUM: This weekend, NASCAR holds the Clash at the Coliseum. Bowman has had solid runs in the sport’s past special events. The 30-year-old’s best finish in this exhibition race came in 2017 when he finished third at Daytona International Speedway. At the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the driver of the No. 48 has the third-best average position in the main (5.65) and he finished fourth in last year’s race. Bowman is one of only nine drivers to have run at least 150 laps in the top-10 positions during the main event at the Coliseum. His 82 laps run in the top five during the main event place him ninth amongst all Cup Series drivers.

FIRST TRACK APPEARANCE: The primary No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 paint scheme carries a new “digital camo” look for the 2024 season. Hendrick Motorsports and Ally Financial unveiled the new rendering on Dec. 8, 2023, and it will hit the track for the first time this weekend in Los Angeles. With Ally being a digital bank, the “digital camo” design helps brings the brand to life. Sean Bull, an F1 graphic designer, worked with Bowman and Ally to create the eye-catching scheme, doubling as his professional debut in NASCAR. Learn more about the design’s story here and check out all angles of the ride here.

NASCAR DIVERSITY AWARDS: NASCAR will host the 16th annual Drive for Diversity Awards presented by Ally in celebration of diversity and inclusion advocates. Ten individuals and organizations whose efforts are making a difference both on and off the racetrack will receive awards. Bowman will join Brandon Thompson, NASCAR’s vice president of Diversity and Inclusion, and Bridget Sponsky, Ally’s executive director of Brand and Sponsorship Marketing, in the ceremony’s celebrations.

NEW YEAR WITH NEW FACES: This season, the No. 48 team welcomes a few new allies to the group. This includes a new lead engineer, tire specialist and engine tuner. George Spencer joins the team as the new lead engineer. Spencer is from Halifax, Virginia, and got into motorsports by attending races with his grandfather. He studied at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and has been an engineer at the professional level for nine years. Before that, he was a spotter/mechanic at local dirt tracks for 10 years. Colin Hoeffner joins the crew originating from Bay Shore, New York. He was a Social Studies teacher in Connecticut until joining the Cup Series as a tire specialist last year. Before that, Hoeffner was involved in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour for about 10 years and raced himself in Legends Cars. Gage Wenzel joins the team taking the title of engine tuner. Wenzel is from Brighton, Michigan, and 2024 marks his second season as an engine tuner in the Cup Series. Away from the track, Wenzel likes to snowboard and spend time in the mountains.

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS

2023	All-Time	LA Coliseum
Races	36	1,345	2
Wins	10*	301*	0
Poles	7	246*	0
Top 5	42*	1,232*	3**
Top 10	67*	2,112*	5*
Laps Led	2,440	79,757*	0
Stage Wins	19*	98	N/A

*Most **Most (tie)

FABULOUS 40: In 2024, Hendrick Motorsports is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Among the categories that the Rick Hendrick-owned organization holds the record in for the NASCAR Cup Series are all-time wins (301), poles (246), laps led (79,757) and championships (14). The organization has won at least one race in each of the last 38 seasons. In addition, the team has at least three victories in each of the past 30 seasons, the longest streak by a team in the Cup Series.

LAST YEAR LOOK BACK: Last season, Hendrick Motorsports notched a series-best 10 wins and placed two drivers – William Byron and Kyle Larson – in the Championship 4. Larson won four races as well as the non-points All-Star Race and finished second in the final standings. Byron won a best-in-series six times and placed third in the final standings. Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman each missed time with injuries and Elliott led the No. 9 team to the Round of 8 in the owner’s playoffs. The season saw the organization earn its 300th Cup Series victory (Byron at Texas Motor Speedway) and the engine department earn its 500th national series win (Larson at Darlington Raceway). The four-car team led the Cup Series in wins (10), top-five finishes (42), top-10s (67) and stage wins (19).

FORMAT IN FOCUS: For the Clash at the Coliseum, drivers will be split into three groups for three timed sessions of practice on Saturday, Feb. 3. Each driver’s fastest lap time from final practice will determine the starting lineup for that night’s heat races. The four heat races of 25 laps will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET on FS1. Only green-flag laps will count and there will be no overtime. The top five from each heat race will advance to the Clash. The drivers that finish outside the top five in their respective heats move to the Last Chance Qualifier Race (LCQ) on Sunday, Feb. 4. The LCQ will be 75 laps (green-flag only with no overtime) and begin at 6:40 p.m. ET on FOX. The top-two finishers in the LCQ will advance to the Clash. The 23rd and final spot in the field will be awarded to the driver who finished the highest in the 2023 season driver points standings but has yet to automatically transfer into the Clash. The Clash will take place at 8 p.m. ET on FOX and run for 150 laps with a halftime break after 75 laps. Only the green-flag laps will count and the race must finish under green. Read more about the format here.

LA REWIND: In last year’s second race at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Bowman finished a team-best fourth, while Larson was fifth. Byron rounded out the top 10. Elliott qualified for the main event for the second straight season. Larson is one of three drivers to finish in the top five both years on the purpose-built 0.25-mile track at the historic venue. Byron is one of four drivers to finish in the top 10 in both years of the event.

TRACK POSITION: Three Hendrick Motorsports drivers rank in the top five for the best average running position in the main event at the LA Coliseum. Byron (5.44) is second, Bowman (5.65) holds third and Larson (6.88) rounds out the top five. In addition, Byron has run all 300 laps in the top 10 at the historic venue.

CAPTURING THE CLASH: Hendrick Motorsports’ seven wins in the Clash are the third-most among all teams. All of their victories came at Daytona International Speedway, which was the home of the Clash from 1979 to 2020. The track’s road course hosted the 2021 edition of the Clash. Ken Schrader (1989 and 1990), Jeff Gordon (1994 and 1997) and Jimmie Johnson (2005 and 2019) each won the event twice, while Dale Earnhardt Jr. scored a win in 2008.

SAVORING THE SPECIAL: The Rick Hendrick-owned organization has recorded a series-best 39 wins in special events. The team’s win totals in the Duel at Daytona qualifiers (16), NASCAR All-Star Race (11) and All-Star Open (five) are the most or tied for the most among all teams. Larson has five wins in such events with two coming with Hendrick Motorsports. Elliott has three wins, while Byron has one victory in those events.

WIN LEADERS: In each of the last three seasons, a Hendrick Motorsports driver has led the Cup Series in wins. Larson won 10 races in his title-winning season of 2021, Elliott scored five victories in 2022 and Byron took home six wins in 2023. This is the organization’s longest streak of having the series’ wins leader since Gordon led the way in victories for five straight seasons from 1995 to 1999.

QUOTABLE /

Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on the race at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum: “This is a really cool event being in the stadium and a unique format with heat races. Even the break with a concert in the feature adds a unique feel to a race when no points are awarded. It is just so different from our normal race weekends and that makes the entire weekend a fun one.”

Cliff Daniels, crew chief of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on the evolution of the Clash at the Coliseum: “In 2022, the drivers raced with more respect because the (Next Gen) car was new and unknown. That was our first outing as an industry with the Next Gen car. Overall, the racing was pretty clean. By 2023, everyone had learned the car and it was a ‘smashfest.’ I’m curious to see how it plays out this year.”

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on having the longest active driver and crew chief pairing in the Cup Series garage with Alan Gustafson: “We have such a solid working relationship. It just makes each week way easier and better when that is the case. He and I are very similar in a lot of ways and kind of look at things from a similar view. That helps our relationship at the track and ultimately, we have the same goals in mind. It’s pretty cool. I didn’t know that we were the longest pairing. I guess we are both getting old.”

Elliott on goals for 2024: “Winning would be great. Winning a championship would be great. We just want to have pace on a week-to-week basis and that is where my head has been for a long time. I want to show up and have a shot every week. I think we are very capable of doing that but you’ve got to be perfect. If you are not perfect, you have to be really close to it and just keep yourself in contention. That’s really where I am at with it. I want to have pace, be fast and be in the hunt more often.”

Alan Gustafson, crew chief of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on the 2024 season: “I’m just excited about the opportunity that’s in front of us. The 40th anniversary this year, everything that that could be and the vision and the dreams I think we all have for that excites me and gives a little extra motivation. The new season, I think, it’s just an opportunity to simplify for me and just focus on racing, being successful and setting that initial benchmark or result and enjoying the process of improving on it.”

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on returning to the LA Coliseum for the Clash: “This is always a fun event for not only the fans, but the drivers. I think we have really seen it evolve the last two years. While there are no points on the line, you still want to go out there, have a good run and contend for a win. You want to show that the hard work in the offseason paid off. At the same time, you can’t let a bad day affect you or your season because it is such a unique event and venue. We’ve run well there the last two times. We just need a little bit more and I think we have a shot to start the year off with a win.”

Rudy Fugle, crew chief of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on returning to the LA Coliseum: “It seems like every year we go to the LA Coliseum we have changes. The biggest difference this year is that we don’t have a true qualifying session like the past two years. Now your final practice run will set the heat races. You’ll want to make sure you have a good gap on your run and hit your marks because a good heat start is crucial. The other difference this year is that there will be another series racing before us. That brings the unknown of what the track will do with the additional laps and rubber.”

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on racing at the LA Coliseum: “I’m excited to get back to work in 2024 with Ally and the No. 48 team. That starts this weekend in LA. We have some new faces on the team and we are ready to find our groove and get back into the swing of things. A strong finish would be great to start the season with, but there is a lot up in the air between weather and the nature of that racetrack, so you can’t let a bad finish ruin your mindset for the season either. My goal is to head to the West Coast ready to execute. I want our (No. 48) team to be able to maximize what we have and control the things that we can control.”

Blake Harris, crew chief of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on getting the new season started: “I’m excited to get the season back rolling. Last year in Los Angeles, we had a really good showing and honestly (it) felt like we had a really good shot to win the race. We started on the front row, I think five times in the second half of that race, but just let one of those restarts get away from us. I hope to pick up where we left off at the beginning of the season there. Our team has good notes there and we are excited to get back to the track. We are reset and ready to get into the season.”