Welcome to the 2023 season, NASCAR fans! In this column, we will be following the little guys of the sport as they fight their way to being the top dog. The criteria for who is considered an underdog this year is simple: any driver who did not finish in the top 20 in points in 2022 or is a rookie in lesser equipment will initially be on this list, with the exception of RFK Racing. You can find a list of the current 2023 underdogs at the bottom of this column.
Top Dog: Justin Haley
As the NASCAR Cup Series enters its milestone 75th season, the competition in the field is at one of its highest points. Over 20 drivers enter the 2023 season with a legitimate shot to win a race and capture a spot in the playoffs. While the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum (Feb. 5) does not count toward that goal, it is a great opportunity to gain a rhythm. Just ask reigning champion Joey Logano, who won this race a year ago en route to his second title.
The quarter-mile, Los Angeles track adds a level of uncertainty that plays into the hands of underdogs. For Justin Haley, he has looked right at home at times in his two starts in the Clash. After a strong run a year ago, he set out to make it even better this go around.
Haley immediately grabbed attention in qualifying, setting the fastest time to earn a pole position for the first heat race on Sunday afternoon. While he did not win his heat race, the 23-year-old took care of business by finishing in third, good enough to lock a spot in the main event.
Starting ninth, the second-year driver out of Kaulig Racing kept his No. 31 Chevrolet in the top 15 for most of the first half, avoiding the calamity of the event for the most part. At the halfway break, Haley sat in 13th.
In a race that looked like bumper cars for the majority of the event, Haley was able to stay on path, driving into the top 10 with less than 50 laps to go. But in an event of survival, it felt like everyone had to go down at some point, and that is exactly what happened when Haley was turned by Tyler Reddick in the late stages.
Thanks to the fortitude of the composite bodies and the constant shuffling throughout the field, Haley took advantage of his front bumper and late yellows to work his way forward. When the checkered flag flew under a full moon, Haley crossed the line in 11th, respectively.
It was a solid showing for the Winamac, Ind. native, especially given the chaos of the event. Paired with…
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