With the conclusion of the third edition of the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, attention now turns to what comes next for this event.
Los Angeles has fulfilled its role as the host city for this exhibition race. A city known for its vibrant atmosphere and famous personalities has warmly welcomed NASCAR’s own stars for the past three seasons, serving as a preseason warmup for the racing community. Most importantly, it has generated significant buzz for the industry, drawing attention to the upcoming season and its marquee race.
The experience has been enjoyable, lively, distinctive, and unique. How could it not be, considering the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as the backdrop? As a venue, it stands among the most prestigious in the country. Additionally, the racing itself, while not the primary focus of The Clash, has improved each year, with Saturday night’s event being the highlight of the three editions.
The involvement of prominent celebrities and athletes has also been a part of the agenda. NASCAR has incorporated recognizable figures from various fields into its race weekend, attracting a portion of their respective fan bases while offering something fresh and exciting to its existing fanbase through pre-race and mid-race entertainment.
Essentially, L.A. has hosted a grand NASCAR celebration with the added thrill of short-track racing. This combination has been well-received, but now that NASCAR’s three-year agreement to hold The Clash in L.A. is coming to an end, discussions have emerged about its future. Questions have been raised about whether it should return, find a new location, or if The Clash is even necessary.
Denny Hamlin believes the event has been a success, particularly in terms of viewership. He acknowledges the potential of exploring different venues but also recognizes the positive impact that L.A. has had on the community. Looking around the stands, he observes a more diverse crowd compared to most racetracks, making it a win for everyone involved.
L.A. has demonstrated that NASCAR can take its product anywhere. However, what made L.A. an ideal location was its glitz, glamour, and significance in a crucial market.
As reigning series champion Ryan Blaney stated, “It’s a different demographic… just a unique area to host it.”
NASCAR needs to consider its Southern California predicament when discussing the future of The Clash. L.A. has filled the void left by the under-construction Auto Club Speedway. While the plan is to transform the facility into a short-track, there is no specific timeline for when that will happen. Given its current state, it is unlikely that NASCAR will return there anytime soon.
Kyle Larson commends NASCAR if The Clash has run its course. He believes the event has been executed exceptionally well and has exceeded expectations. Larson suggests that there is a place for this type of event in the sport, whether it moves to different states or countries. He emphasizes the diverse crowd and the positive impact of having the Mexico Series involved, expressing hope that this model can be expanded to broaden the fan base.
If the Busch Light Clash were to relocate, it would need to be in a location that matches the energy and allure of L.A., especially if it continues to serve as the opening act of the NASCAR season. The new location should generate the same level of interest to attract big names and create anticipation among race fans.
Moving the race away from Daytona and scheduling it in early February would be beneficial. The Clash becomes must-see TV for fans eager for racing action after a three-month hiatus. It provides a taste of racing before the Daytona 500 media day and qualifying for the front row, which kick off the season a week and a half later.
When teams and drivers arrive in Daytona, their focus should solely be on the year’s biggest race. The Clash may have originated in Daytona, but it has outgrown the venue. With the schedule transitioning from Speedweeks to Speed Days in recent years, it seems impractical to squeeze in preparation for The Clash (which often results in damaged race cars) alongside the Daytona 500 in the same garage.
Considering NASCAR’s evolving approach to its schedule, all possibilities regarding the future of The Clash should be considered. While a decision may not be imminent, NASCAR should recognize the success of the event’s position on the calendar and embrace its identity as a fun, one-off promotional event preceding a new season.