Before the Daytona 500 can begin, the NASCAR drivers are going to compete in the Busch Clash. Of course, not every driver can participate in this race, as there are certain criteria for eligibility that need to be met before one can set off to compete. Speaking of which, the 23XI Racing team is recruiting Ty Dillon to race for them.

This is largely because regular 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace is not eligible for the event. Considering that Dillon won a stage last season, it automatically gave him a shot at the Busch Clash. To be precise, Ty clinched the opening stage in the playoff race at the Charlotte Roval.

Speaking of eligibility, only drivers who win the Busch Pole Award, ex Busch Clash and Daytona 500 winners qualify. However, this only applies for the 2020 season, especially considering that there was no practice or qualifying all year.

Additionally, the Clash only blankets full-time drivers, and even includes playoff drivers, race winners, and stage winners.

Why did the 23XI team choose Dillon and not Bubba Wallace?

Apparently, Bubba Wallace failed to meet any of the criteria during his 2020 stint at Richard Petty Motorsports. This is why the newly formed NASCAR team opted to run Dillon instead.

It is also worth mentioning that Ty Dillon is one of 24 eligible drivers for the Busch Clash. This actually works out well for Dillon, since he does not have a full-time ride this season.

Instead, the driver is competing in 4 Xfinity races for Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 54 car. Following the Busch Clash stint, Ty Dillon will jump ship to Gaunt Brothers Racing.

Joining Dillon are, Aric Almirola, Ryan Blaney, and Alex Bowman. Others include Chris Buescher, the Busch brothers, William Byron, Cole Custer, Matt DiBenedetto, Austin Dillon, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick.

Finally, Erik Jones, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Ryan Newman, Tyler Reddick, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., and Martin Truex, Jr will complete the line-up.