When NASCAR moved to the Daytona road course for the 2021 Busch Clash, fans knew they would be in for a memorable race if the three points races last season proved anything.
The belief was solidified when Kyle Busch made the last-lap pass on both Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney after a thrilling battle that sent Blaney slamming the front stretch chicane wall, and Elliott failing to get back up to speed.
Just … WOW. Chase Elliott sends Ryan Blaney around and Rowdy is there!
RETWEET TO CONGRATULATE KYLE BUSCH ON HIS WIN IN THE BUSCH CLASH AT DAYTONA.
Wow. pic.twitter.com/s5hylL5mlQ
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 10, 2021
It’s the second victory for Busch in the Clash, with both this year and 2012’s victory coming with a last-lap pass.
“I just knew to keep my head down, and keep my focus ahead,” Busch said in a post-race interview.
Post-race, Elliott and Blaney shared an extended, mild chat on pit road.
It just wasn't meant to be for @Blaney.
He chats with @NASCARONFOX following the #BuschClash. pic.twitter.com/rVhGePYcDT
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 10, 2021
“I was close enough to drive it in there, and I feel like I’d be mad at myself for not trying,” Elliott said in a post-race interview. “I certainly didn’t mean to wreck him. Some guys I wouldn’t mind, but he’s not one of them.”
Following a frantic final lap, @chaseelliott explains what happened with @Blaney coming to the finish. #BuschClash pic.twitter.com/znjuaSXl1R
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 10, 2021
The race itself was rather calm, but exciting and was not a wreck-filled sprint as in previous years.
The race was largely dominated by fellow Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin. Truex’s race ended early when he spun exiting the backstretch bus stop.
Elliott managed to salvage a second-place finish with Joey Logano, Tyler Reddick, and William Byron rounding out the top five.
The full race results for the 2021 Busch Clash can be found here:
Race Results: 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Busch Clash at Daytona RC
[…] Busch won the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Busch Clash at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course. Whatever drivers compete in the 2022 edition, it’ll be a totally different […]