NASCAR moves the Clash to Los Angeles

credit: NASCARMedia.com 
 

Silly season isn’t just for drivers anymore, apparently. It’s also for races. 


Rumors that had been circulating for a few days were confirmed Tuesday afternoon as NASCAR announced via press release that the exhibition race known at various times as the Busch Clash, the Sprint Unlimited and the Clash at Daytona would be moving to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2022. For the first time since its inception, the race that has traditionally kicked off Daytona Speedweeks won’t be held at the World Center of Speed. 


Instead, 2021 pole winners and other eligible drivers will begin the season on February 6, 2022 just over 2500 miles away from the Daytona International Speedway on a quarter-mile asphalt track inside the legendary Coliseum, which has hosted everything from rock concerts and college football to the Olympics and appearances by presidents, international dignitaries, a pope and the Dalai Lama. 


The invitation-only event began in 1979 as a way to expand Speedweeks while promoting the new product from Anheuser-Busch, Busch Beer. 


 NASCAR stated that The Clash at the Coliseum will be part of that iconic venue’s centennial celebration, with most tickets going on sale September 16th. Premium Club seat sales begin September 29 to accommodate a pre-sale offer to existing Club members. 


Ben Kennedy, NASCAR senior vice president of strategy and innovation said, “Los Angeles is synonymous with major sports and entertainment events, so we seized an innovative opportunity to showcase NASCAR at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to take center stage in this market as we get our 2022 season underway.”


The release also confirmed that NASCAR will return to Southern California’s Auto Club Speedway in 2022, but did not give details. The remainder of the Cup Series schedule will be announced later, as will the schedules for the Xfinity and Camping World Truck series. 


NASCAR moves the Clash to Los Angeles NASCAR moves the Clash to Los Angeles Reviewed by Janine Cloud on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Rating: 5