Introducing the NASCAR Busch Light Clash

The highly anticipated NASCAR Busch Light Clash will mark the debut of the Next Gen Car, NASCAR’s new car. With its new Next Gen car, NASCAR embarks on a new adventure in front of new fans on an all-new circuit in the heart of Los Angeles.

The NASCAR Cup Series will open its 2022 season with the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, a 150-lap exhibition race that will mark the debut of the Next Gen.

The race itself will be held on a quarter-mile track built specifically for the event at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a facility that opened in 1923 and hosted the Summer Olympics in 1932 and 1984. , in addition to being home to the University of Southern California Trojans football team.

Practice and qualifying will take place on Saturday. The qualifying session will determine starting positions for four 25-lap races on Sunday. The top four in each heat qualify for the main event.

The Clash will take place in two segments of 75 laps each. Only green flag laps will be counted.

Even for a veteran driver like 2017 champion Martin Truex Jr., racing at the Coliseum will be a unique experience.

“Thinking about it, I’m not sure I’ve raced on such a small track, and obviously we’ve never raced the Next Gen car, so it’s going to be interesting. What’s cool is that it’s going to be a lot of fun. There’s also a lot of excitement around it. I think everyone is looking forward to getting out there – getting out there – and seeing what we can do. I hope this turns into a fun event for pilots. I’m going to take advantage of it, and usually when I take advantage of it, we run well. I’m excited about this, and it should be good. »

said Truex, one of the race favorites along with Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin.

Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron got his first look at the track on the iRacing virtual platform, a vital part in the development of the new racing facility. It remains to be seen how this translates into reality.

“They came to me in August/September I think to ask me about the track and what I thought of it, so I had a chance to do a few laps on it and get a feel for it. It’s a really cool track, and I feel like it has a lot of potential. Pretty cool to see it all come together via iRacing, so that’s pretty neat. Hope it goes well for the fans. »

Byron said.

Based on ticket sales, NASCAR estimates that approximately 70% of LA Memorial Coliseum fans will attend their first NASCAR race. And no doubt they will be entertained.

Grammy-winning rapper and Trackhouse Racing co-owner Pitbull will perform a 45-minute concert before the main event. Ice Cube will perform during the break after 75 rounds. DJ Skee will provide entertainment during the yellow flags, a first in NASCAR history.

“We have said from the start that the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum is a one-of-a-kind event. The fact that DJ Skee performs during the neutralizations adds freshness to this event. DJ Skee is a world class talent who will create a unique and entertaining experience. »

said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s senior vice president for strategy and innovation.

The stadium concept is new to the modern era of NASCAR racing, but it’s an idea that could expand to other venues.

“If it works, take everything apart and start over somewhere else – keep going. Go from stage to stage. I think it’s a brilliant idea. If it works, it gives us the possibility to run in the city center, where the stadiums are placed.

said Team Penske driver Joey Logano.