NASCAR officials have made changes to the preseason Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum exhibition race schedule in response to the potential threat of torrential rain and possible flooding in Los Angeles. The non-points event for the NASCAR Cup Series, originally set to start on Sunday, has been rescheduled to Saturday night at 8 p.m. ET. The inaugural exhibition race for the NASCAR Mexico Series, initially planned for Sunday afternoon, will now take place on Saturday night at 10:30 p.m. ET, following The Clash.
To accommodate the schedule adjustment, practice for the NASCAR Cup Series has been moved to Saturday at 5:35 p.m. ET. Four 25-lap qualifying heats and a 75-lap last-chance qualifying race have been canceled. The starting positions for the main event will be determined based on practice speeds, with the top finisher in the 2023 Cup Series standings who has not qualified otherwise receiving a provisional berth in the 23-car field.
Admission to the event will remain free, with limited fan services available and general admission seating. NASCAR officials have stated that ticket holders will be contacted in the coming days regarding next steps to accommodate the impact on this event. Pre-paid Sunday parking will be fully refunded.
NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Steve O’Donnell explained that the decision to reschedule was made after considering the severity of the weather outlook and prioritizing public safety. He commended The Coliseum for making the rescheduling possible, acknowledging the challenges faced by fans and the racing community.
Drivers have expressed support for the move, recognizing the extreme circumstances and the forecast for heavy rain and potential flooding. They appreciate the opportunity to race and the efforts made by NASCAR and FOX to ensure a safe and successful event.
In conclusion, the rescheduling of the Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum exhibition race demonstrates NASCAR’s commitment to prioritizing the safety of participants and fans. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the organization has taken proactive measures to provide an opportunity for the races to take place.