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Accelerating into 2024:
The Busch Light Clash and NASCAR Mexico Series at The Coliseum


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Updated on Apr 14 2024 4:39pm

NASCAR Cup Series

Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled kickoff to the 2024 NASCAR season as the Busch Light Clash returns to the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, bringing with it an exhilarating addition—a NASCAR Mexico Series race scheduled for February 4, promising fans a dynamic double-header within the historic venue.

The Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum Revs Up for a Thrilling NASCAR Season Opener

February 4, 2024 | 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM CST
In a bold move that has racing enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the 2024 NASCAR season, the Busch Light Clash is set to return to the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. However, this time, the excitement is doubled with the addition of a NASCAR Mexico Series race scheduled to precede the main event on February 4.

NASCAR is not merely returning to the historic venue; it's enhancing the experience for fans by expanding the race day festivities. The inclusion of a NASCAR Mexico Series race adds a new layer of diversity and competition to the power-packed lineup, creating a thrilling atmosphere for spectators within "The Greatest Stadium in the World."

On Sunday, February 4, racing aficionados will be treated to a day of high-speed action, starting with the NASCAR Mexico Series race. This event not only showcases the immense talent from the NASCAR Cup Series but also puts the spotlight on the skilled drivers from across the border. It's a celebration of the rich tapestry of motorsports, bringing together athletes from different backgrounds and fostering a sense of camaraderie on the track.

Following the NASCAR Mexico Series race, the main attraction takes center stage – the third-annual Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum. As the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series take to the track, anticipation will reach a fever pitch. The Coliseum, with its storied history and iconic architecture, provides a breathtaking backdrop for this exhibition race, setting the stage for an unforgettable start to the NASCAR season.

For fans attending the event, it's a unique opportunity to witness two outstanding races in a single day, creating lasting memories at this legendary venue. The roar of engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the sight of high-speed maneuvering against the backdrop of the Coliseum's grandeur will make for an electric atmosphere.

The Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum not only marks the beginning of the NASCAR season but also serves as a symbol of the sport's commitment to innovation and inclusivity. By expanding the event to include the NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR is embracing the global nature of racing and highlighting the talent and passion that transcends borders.

As the countdown begins for this exhilarating double-feature at The Coliseum, fans and drivers alike are gearing up for a spectacular day of racing that promises to leave an indelible mark on the motorsports landscape. The Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum is not just a race; it's a celebration of speed, skill, and the unifying power of motorsports.



About the Busch Light Clash

The Busch Light Clash is an annual non-championship pre-season NASCAR Cup Series exhibition event held in February before the season-opening Daytona 500. The event was held each year at Daytona International Speedway from the race's inception in 1979 until 2021, after which it was moved to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum beginning in 2022. Previously at Daytona, the race, along with the ARCA Menards Series' season-opening BRANDT 200, served as the kickoff events for Daytona Speedweeks. The event is one of two non-points races on the Cup Series schedule, the other being the NASCAR All-Star Race.

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

Known as “The Greatest Stadium in the World”, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a living memorial to all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War I, has been a civic treasure for generations of Angelenos. The legacy of events and individuals hosted in nine-plus-decades reads like no other: the only venue to host two Summer Olympics (Xth Olympiad in 1932, XXIIIrd Olympiad in 1984) and soon a third (XXXIVth Olympiad in 2028); home to college football’s USC Trojans since 1923 and the UCLA Bruins (1933 - 1981); professional football’s Los Angeles Rams (1946-1979 and 2016-2019), Raiders (1982-1994) and Chargers (1960); hosting three NFL Championships and two Super Bowls; home to the Los Angeles Dodgers (1958-1960) and the 1959 World Series; appearances by U.S. Presidents Franklin D Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan; and international dignitaries such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez, Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, and Nelson Mandela. From Mick Jagger to the Harlem Globetrotters, the Grateful Dead to Billy Graham, Evel Knievel to Pele, the Memorial Coliseum, named a National and California Historic Landmark in 1984, has been the stage for the unbelievable, the unforgettable, the iconic, and the best in human endeavor and achievement.

Track Biography

The LA Memorial Coliseum, renowned for hosting Olympic champions, baseball and football legends, and even a World Cup, witnessed a seismic shift in 2022 as NASCAR thundered onto its hallowed grounds for the first time. In a bold departure from tradition, NASCAR brought a radical concept to life by constructing a .25-mile short track within the iconic sports facility just outside downtown Los Angeles. This marked a groundbreaking change for the Busch Light Clash, which had traditionally kicked off the season at the Daytona International Speedway. The LA Coliseum track introduced a fresh format, featuring single-car qualifying and short "heat" races to determine the starting lineup. With its compact .25-mile length, it stands as the shortest track on the NASCAR circuit, challenging drivers with tight corners and minimal banking. This unique setup forces competitors to navigate the close quarters with precision, creating intense battles and adding an exciting new dimension to the NASCAR racing experience.

METRO & METROLINK

For convenient and efficient transportation to the LA Coliseum, Metro and Metrolink offer excellent options for fans heading to the NASCAR events. Utilize the GoMetro system by connecting to the Metro E Line or the Metro J Line, disembarking at Expo Park/USC Station or 37th St/USC, respectively. Plan your trip seamlessly by visiting metro.net/gameday for detailed route information. Metrolink, serving as the crucial link between six Southern California counties and Los Angeles events, ensures safe and reliable train transportation. On February 4, patrons can enjoy a free systemwide train ride on Metrolink. To access the LA Coliseum, take any Metrolink line (excluding the IEOC line) to L.A. Union Station. From there, transfer to the Metro A, B, or D Line at 7th St/Metro Center Station and connect to the Metro E Line heading to Expo Park/USC Station. For schedules and system maps, visit metrolinktrains.com, offering a stress-free and eco-friendly travel option for race enthusiasts.

RV Parking

For NASCAR enthusiasts seeking RV parking during the Clash at the Coliseum, it's essential to note that overnight or daily RV parking isn't available directly at the Coliseum. However, an alternative option exists at Dockweiler Beach, situated 15 miles away, though it's prudent to consider the commute time, which can range from 30 to 45 minutes via ride-share services. At Dockweiler Beach, there are 118 full hook-up spots and 20 dry spots available for reservation, allowing fans to secure their accommodations up to 90 days in advance. This offers a convenient solution for those looking to combine the excitement of the Busch Light Clash with the comfort and flexibility of RV camping at a scenic oceanfront location.

2023 Busch Light Clash Race Recap

In a dazzling display of skill and determination, Martin Truex Jr. emerged victorious amidst the thrilling chaos at The Coliseum during the 2023 Busch Light Clash. With a large and enthusiastic crowd creating an electric atmosphere in the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Truex secured his first NASCAR Cup Series victory in over a season. Piloting the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, Truex showcased his prowess by fending off Austin Dillon's No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, crossing the finish line with a razor-thin margin of 0.786 seconds. Leading the final 25 laps of the 150-lap annual non-points exhibition event that traditionally marks the commencement of the NASCAR season, Truex celebrated his inaugural Busch Light Clash victory, adding another milestone to his illustrious career as a former series champion.

Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum
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