Here’s the new format for the NASCAR race at the LA Coliseum
Update: NASCAR grants free entry to Saturday Clash; Responds to backlash
The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series begins in just a few weeks with an exhibition race. The Los Angeles Coliseum will host The Clash on a temporary 1/4-mile oval.
NASCAR has released the format for the Clash at the Coliseum. And, there’s been a significant change from previous years.
For 2024, the Busch Light Clash will be split into a two-day show. Saturday, February 3rd will host practice/qualifying as well as heat races. The one LCQ race as as well as feature race will take place Sunday, February 4th
In the past, the entire show has been run in a single day. Now, with it being split into a two-day show, fans at the stadium will only be allowed to watch the LCQ and feature. The building will not be open to the public for Saturday’s portion of the show.
February 3
Live on FS1
February 4
Live on FOX
Note: NASCAR recently made changes to their short track and road course package for 2024. The Clash is excluded from that rule change.
NASCAR changes road course / short track package for 2024
Clash
Format
Practice/Qualifying: “The field will be spilt into (3) practice groups, with each group receiving (3) sessions. Each competitor’s fastest lap time from their final practice session will determine the starting lineup for the heat races.”
Heat Races: “Four heat races of 25 laps each with only green flag laps counted – no overtime in play. The top five from each heat race advance through to The Clash.”
Last Chance Qualifier: “Cars that do not transfer to The Clash will compete in the Last Chance Qualifier Race with their starting position determined by where they finished in their respective heat races. The LCQ race is 75 laps with only green flag laps counted – no overtime in play. The top two finishers in the LCQ will transfer to The Clash.”
Feature: “The main event will feature 23 drivers competing for 150 laps with only green lag laps counted – the race must end under green. A timed break will be observed at the halfway point of the race (Lap 75).”
Feature Lineup: “The first 22 starting spots for The Clash is set through finishing positions in the heat races and the LCQ. The 23rd and final starting spot is reserved for the driver who finished the highest in the 2023 season driver points standings who did not already transfer into The Clash.”
Clash at the Coliseum
TV Schedule
Saturday, February 3:
6:10pm ET
FS1
NASCAR Cup Series
Practice/Qualifying
8:30pm ET
FS1
NASCAR Cup Series
Heat Races
Sunday, February 4:
4:30pm ET
FS1
NASCAR Mexico Series
Race
6:40pm ET
FOX
NASCAR Cup Series
LCQ
8:00pm ET
FOX
NASCAR Cup Series
Feature
Clash Race Results: February 5, 2023 (NASCAR Cup Series)
