On Sunday, just before the pace laps of the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway, NASCAR made the official announcement that the sanctioning body will return to the LA Memorial Coliseum in 2023.
The NASCAR Cup Series teams will once again contest the Busch Light Clash at the makeshift 0.250-mile oval inside the iconic sporting venue.
The Coliseum hosted the Busch Light Clash for the first time this season and the event, which was seen as a big gamble going into the race, was seen as a wild success at the end of it.
NASCAR’s Senior Vice President, Racing Development and Strategy, Ben Kennedy says it’s all about making bold moves.
“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 in a press release. “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.”
While the event had a solid spectator turnout, by comparison of other exhibition races in recent history, FOX Sports was also very happy about the result in television viewership.
“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.”
Joey Logano, driver of the No. 22 Team Penske Ford Mustang, scored the victory in the first-ever NASCAR Cup Series race at the LA Memorial Coliseum, when he took the win back in February.
NASCAR is already taking information from fans, who would like to attend the 2023 edition of the race. If you’d like to be put on the list for an exclusive pre-sale offer, click here.
