NASCAR decided around midday Saturday to move the Clash to Saturday night due to concerns about inclement weather.
On February 4, 2024, Denny Hamlin emerged victorious in the Clash at the Coliseum, an exhibition race held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The race was part of NASCAR’s efforts to bring the sport to new venues and audiences. NASCAR made the decision to move the race up a day to avoid an impending storm in California, ensuring the safety of drivers and fans. Hamlin’s win marked a significant moment in NASCAR’s history, as it showcased the sport’s adaptability and ability to thrive in unconventional settings.
Denny Hamlin clinched victory in the Clash at the Coliseum on Saturday night. NASCAR organized the event hastily within a day due to an incoming storm, dubbed the “Pineapple Express,” threatening California. Despite doubts stemming from offseason shoulder surgery, Hamlin triumphed in the race.
Denny Hamlin, driving a Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, began the race from the pole position and led for 59 out of the 151 laps. However, his teammate Ty Gibbs dominated much of the race until a late caution prompted a restart with 10 laps left.
Hamlin was leading the race, but Gibbs crashed, leading to overtime. Hamlin passed Blaney to win, with Busch finishing second.
NASCAR originally intended to hold heat races on Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, with the main event scheduled for Sunday. However, due to forecasts of heavy rain and flooding, NASCAR opted to skip the heats and started the race just 30 minutes after qualifying. The starting lineup was determined based on practice speeds.
Unfortunately, the planned halftime performance by Machine Gun Kelly was canceled.
NASCAR decided on Saturday afternoon to hold the Clash race that night due to concerns about bad weather. This decision was widely supported by drivers.
Chase Elliott praised NASCAR’s decision to move the Clash race to Saturday night due to weather concerns, calling it a smart move. Denny Hamlin, who hinted at the change on social media, also supported the decision. Following the Clash, a NASCAR Mexico Series race was scheduled as a doubleheader. Spectators were admitted for free on Saturday, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. NASCAR promised to reach out to Sunday ticket holders and fully refund prepaid parking fees.
Denny Hamlin NASCAR Career 2004 to 2024:
In 2004, Denny Hamlin began his NASCAR journey by competing in the Craftsman Truck Series, securing a respectable tenth place in his debut race. He also made appearances in the ARCA RE/MAX Series and made his Busch Series debut, finishing in eighth position.
The following year, Hamlin committed to a full season in the Busch Series and impressed as a rookie, achieving fifth place in the championship standings. He also made his mark in the NASCAR Cup Series, showing promise with strong finishes.
In 2006, Hamlin had a breakthrough season. He claimed his inaugural Cup Series victory and became the first rookie to win the Budweiser Shootout. Additionally, he clinched his maiden Busch Series win and secured third place in the Cup Series standings, setting a new record as the highest-ranking rookie in NASCAR history at that time.
In 2007, Denny Hamlin secured his third Cup race victory at New Hampshire International Speedway, but faced challenges at Daytona, finishing 43rd after a crash. Despite this setback, he made it to the Chase for the Cup, ultimately finishing 12th overall. In the Nationwide Series, he clinched wins at Darlington, Michigan, and Dover.
Continuing his success in 2008, Hamlin triumphed at Martinsville Speedway and led a significant portion of another race before encountering tire issues. He also secured four wins in the Nationwide Series, driving for various teams.
Denny Hamlin has had a tumultuous journey in NASCAR over recent years:
In 2009, he faced personal challenges but still managed to secure victories at Pocono, Richmond, and Martinsville. Despite starting 2010 with an injury, he made a strong comeback, winning multiple races.
In 2013, a significant back injury forced him to miss a few races, but he showed courage by returning to win the season finale at Homestead.
2014 presented a mix of successes, such as winning the Sprint Unlimited, and setbacks, including controversies and crashes. Despite these challenges, he narrowly missed out on the championship.
In 2016, Hamlin achieved a career-defining moment by winning the Daytona 500 in thrilling fashion.
2017 saw more victories for Hamlin but also brought controversy, including a feud with Chase Elliott and on-track incidents.
The year 2018 proved challenging as Hamlin went without a win for the first time in his career, finishing outside the top ten in points.
However, in 2019, he made a strong comeback, winning his second Daytona 500 and making it to the Championship 4.
Throughout his career, Hamlin has faced both highs and lows, but his perseverance and skill have kept him competitive in the sport.
In 2020, he clinched his third Daytona 500 victory, but the celebration was overshadowed by a crash involving Ryan Newman. He also secured wins at other tracks.
The following year, he made it to the Championship 4 again, winning races at Darlington and Las Vegas. However, he faced conflicts with fellow drivers.
In 2022, challenges emerged as his crew chief was suspended, and he had to undergo sensitivity training for an offensive online post. Despite winning a race, he faced disqualification in another and had confrontations with drivers like Ross Chastain, affecting his playoff chances.
In 2023, he bounced back with victories at Kansas, Charlotte, and Pocono, and inked a new contract with his team.
Now in 2024, he’s already secured a notable win and is performing well in other competitions.