The Busch Clash is back, as Anheuser-Busch returns to its position as title sponsor of the exhibition race at the beginning of Daytona International Speedway NASCAR Speed Weeks. The 2020 edition of the race is scheduled for Feb. 9 and returns to the name it carried from its first year of 1979 through 1997.
“Busch Beer will forever be linked to the history of the Clash, and we are thrilled to welcome them back as we collectively drive excitement for the start of the 2020 season,” Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile said. “Our brand-loyal fans have been awaiting Busch’s return to The Clash for years and we expect this will rekindle memories and help set the stage for the next generation of NASCAR fans.”
Anheuser-Busch actually sponsored the event that began as a race for the previous season's pole sitters through 2012, also utilizing the names Bud Shootout and Budweiser Shoutout. The beer maker returns as title of the event through its deal with NASCAR to be one of the premier series' Premier Partners under its new sponsorship model.
“Becoming a NASCAR Cup Series Premier Partner afforded us the opportunity to evolve our presence in the sport, and authentically connect our deep-rooted history in NASCAR to its future,” Anheuser-Busch Vice President of Partnerships, Beer Category and Community, Nick Kelly said. “We’re looking forward to enjoying the Busch Clash with all the fans who’ve waited, and asked, for the return of the original race name.”
Sprint and Advance Auto Parts have held title sponsorship of the race in recent years.
Entry into the exhibition race has been expanded over the years. Drivers who competed full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2019 are eligible for the 2020 Clash if they won a pole in 2019, are a former Daytona 500 winner or former Daytona 500 pole sitter, a former Clash winner or a playoff driver in 2019. Twenty drivers are expected to enter the 75-lap/187.5-mile race.
