NASCAR: Clash sponsor, eligible drivers named

Daytona International Speedway has found an entitlement sponsor for The Clash.

Announced Wednesday morning, the season-opening exhibition race on Feb. 18 will be called the Advance Auto Parts Clash. Daytona also announced the automotive company would serve as the official auto parts store of the track.

The Advance Auto Parts Clash will be 75 laps split into two segments. A mandatory caution on lap 25 will separate the segments.

"The Clash was a classic race name, one that truly resonated with our fans," said Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile. "It evokes the rich history of both NASCAR and our facility. We are honored to have Advance Auto Parts – a company that resonates with our current fans – join us as we bring the name back to our Speedweeks schedule. We're coming full-circle for this event, honoring our past while also looking to the future."

Originally known as the Busch Clash, Daytona first hosted the event in 1979.

For 2017, the race is open to drivers who won a pole in 2016, former Clash winners, former Daytona 500 pole winners who competed full-time in 2016, or a 2016 Chase driver.

When NASCAR announced the race format and drivers eligible for the event in November, 20 names were given. However, not every driver listed will compete.

Those eligible are: Greg Biffle (who has no ride announced for 2017), Alex Bowman, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Austin Dillon, Carl Edwards (retired), Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Tony Stewart (retired), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (will not compete), Danica Patrick, Chris Buescher, Kyle Larson and Jamie McMurray.