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The NASCAR Cup Series will return to the jaw-dropping setting of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum next month for the third-annual Clash at the Coliseum.
The preseason exhibition event drew a massive crowd and an even larger TV rating in 2022. But 2023 saw a slight dip in each.
This time around, the series announced the controversial decision to move the heat races for the event from Sunday to Saturday and not allow fans. Well, that decision didn’t last very long.
Fans immediately, and rightfully, bristled at the choice. Why deny fans access to one of your premier events?
Well, it appears the series actually listened
“Race fans, we’ve heard you loud and clear,” NASCAR senior vice president Ben Kennedy said in a video posted to social media Thursday night.
Kennedy then revealed that not only will it open the gates for Saturday’s practice sessions and heat races, but will do so for free.
We heard you.
See you Saturday, February 3rd at the @lacoliseum. #BuschLightClash pic.twitter.com/HvAaCTUun7
— Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum (@nascarclash) January 19, 2024
Not only is Saturday’s action free, but it will not require a ticket to attend the event. Typically, even practice sessions to see Cup Series drivers on a race weekend require a full-priced ticket.
It’s an easy win for NASCAR that the series could well have taken well before the reversal of course.
Los Angeles is a massive market and one that is nontraditional for NASCAR. The series does not currently have a Southern California track on the in-season calendar. And the Clash represents the chance for young and new fans alike to experience the sport inside of a truly unique environment.
Allowing fans in for free, and without a ticket, is a fantastic way to engage local families and potential new fans without any opportunity cost.
Why didn’t they make the decision sooner? Only Kennedy and company can answer that.
But they did eventual arrive at the correct decision, and should be commended for that.