After the winter break, NASCAR is back this weekend with the 3rd Clash at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. Some drivers will be debuting new numbers, and some will be new sponsors. But for them all, the Clash signifies a new beginning, an opportunity to get familiar with your new team before the season officially starts in 2 weeks at Daytona. So, who will kick their season off the right way?

Names To Watch

Josh Berry: Replacing Kevin Harvick is no small task, but Josh Berry can make remarkable first impressions with a good run this weekend. It’s no secret how good of a short track racer Berry is; he is a 22-time winner and a Champion of the CARS Late Model Stock Tour; he should feel at home this weekend on the 1/4 mile short track nestled inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Ryan Preece: Similar to the aforementioned Josh Berry, Ryan Preece is a gifted short-track racer. Preece, in the NASCAR Modified Tour, has won 26 races and a Championship, as well as three other 2nd place points finishes. Preece showed his short-track prowess several times last year, including in the Clash. In the early portions of the race, he was one of the biggest movers before a mechanical failure ended his night early. You can expect Preece to be a threat again this year.

Noah Gragson: Noah Gragson’s 2023 did not go the way anyone expected, from poor performance to a suspension to losing his ride a Legacy Motor Club, it was a disaster. But he has found himself at Stewart-Haas Racing, replacing Aric Almirola in the #10 Ford Mustang. Noah Gragson will be looking forward to a fresh start with SHR, and he could make a statement with a strong run in his debut with the team this weekend.

Most Recent Winner: Martin Truex Jr

Dark Horse Pick: Josh Berry

My Pick To Win: Ryan Preece

Image Credit: Patrick Vallely