NASCAR 'Clash' to return to Los Angeles in 2023
NASCAR's Busch Light Clash will return to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2023.
The pre-season exhibition race moved from Daytona to L.A. this year, breathing new life into the event.
The race was first held at 1979, serving a prelude to the season-opening Daytona 500. It has evolved over time with several format changes, but was always held at Daytona International Speedway -- until this year.
The 2022 edition of 'The Clash' in Los Angeles drew over four million viewers and new eyeballs to the sport. All 36 Charter teams were present for the unique race. Reportedly, 70% of ticket buyers were attending their first NASCAR race.
Joey Logano captured the checkered flag, beating Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon.
“With more than four million viewers, and really breaking through in a pop culture mecca like Los Angeles, the inaugural Clash at the Coliseum did everything it was intended to do and then some,” said Bill Wanger, FOX Sports EVP, Head of Programming and Scheduling. “It energized the sport, delivered new eyeballs and kicked off the season in grand fashion. We can’t wait to do it all again in 2023.”
Ben Kennedy, Senior Vice President, Racing Development and Strategy for NASCAR, announced the decision to return just before Sunday's Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway.
“Our entire industry made a bold move by bringing the Busch Light Clash to the L.A. Coliseum this past February and it paid off by becoming an instant classic with both new and existing fans,” said Kennedy. “We are intent on showcasing our sport and drivers on the biggest stage and there is none bigger than the L.A. Coliseum. We’re thrilled to return to the heart of Los Angeles to officially start the season and set the stage for the Daytona 500.”
Related video
Kyle Larson wins Sonoma pole in front row lockout for Hendrick
NASCAR Cup Series Sonoma race results: Suarez wins
Late-race pit road penalty "frustrating" for Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin clearly had a car to contend for the win on Sunday at Michigan International Speedway but once again pit road was his nemesis.
Bubba Wallace laments Michigan loss: "I failed everybody"
Bubba Wallace had a near-perfect weekend at Michigan International Speedway but in his eyes it wasn’t good enough.
Harvick snaps 65-race winless streak with Michigan NASCAR Cup win
A timely caution during green-flag pit stops helped Kevin Harvick snap a 65-race winless streak with a victory Sunday at Michigan International Speedway.
Start of Sunday's Michigan NASCAR Cup race delayed
The start of Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway has been delayed by persistent rain and lightning in the area of the race track.
The ex-F1 driver taking on NASCAR with a new team
Saddled with uncompetitive Minardi machinery, Tarso Marques didn't manage to score points in his three partial seasons of Formula 1. But now the Brazilian has the chance to show what he can do in NASCAR, and explains the story of his comeback with new Cup Series entrant Team Stange
The early benefits and challenges of NASCAR's Next Gen car
NASCAR’s new stock car generation is encouraging an influx of fresh blood into its top tier. But there are concerns that parts are in short supply as the entire paddock tries to build up stocks at the same time
How Penske's rookie sensation opened NASCAR's new era in style
After holding his nerve and hip-checking his teammate on the run to the line, Austin Cindric made a perfect start to life as a full-timer in the NASCAR Cup Series by winning the Daytona 500. Here's how the Penske Ford man emerged first across the line in the first points-scoring race for the much-anticipated Next Generation cars
Six key themes to follow in the 2022 NASCAR Cup season
There are plenty of uncertainties ahead of the 2022 NASCAR Cup season as an all-new fleet of cars take to the track for the first time. Ahead of this weekend's Daytona 500, our experts explain what you need to know
How NASCAR had to learn a harsh lesson ahead of Next Gen arrival
The NASCAR Cup kicks off with the Daytona 500 this weekend, but a major engine overhaul and a subsequent mountain of work has been required to be ready for the arrival of the Next Gen cars.
How Larson took the long way round to NASCAR Cup glory
From villain to hero, Kyle Larson had to reach his lifelong goal the hard way and go through a very public shaming after a ban for using a racial slur, but his talents shone long before his name grabbed the headlines...
How NASCAR is gearing up for its "biggest change" in 2022
It’s not just Formula 1 that’s set for upheaval in 2022, as the NASCAR Cup series adopts its Next Gen cars that will cast any in-built advantages aside and require teams to adopt a totally new way of operating. Far more than just a change of machinery, the new cars amount to a shift in NASCAR's core philosophy
Why Bubba Wallace’s Talladega win is such a big moment for NASCAR
Bubba Wallace claimed his maiden NASCAR Cup Series at Talladega on Monday to become the first Black victor in the category since Wendell Scott in 1963. Both Wallace and Scott had faced obstacles and racism in their paths to their breakthrough wins, and NASCAR is trying to put it right with its range of diversity programmes