Latest Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum News

Latest Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum News

More Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum News

Outspoken Veteran Applauds Joey Logano’s Bullying as He Trashes Driver’s Underhanded Antics

After bouts of chaotic wrecks in the Clash race, Tommy Baldwin Jr. appreciates Joey Logano for teaching a lesson.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Practice Nov 8, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano (22) duri

NASCAR Boasts Unreal Response to Bowman Gray Gamble For the Clash

Noah Gragson called it ‘badass,’ Chase Elliott called it ‘special’—why the Clash at Bowman Gray was a game-changer for NASCAR.
Bowman Gray

Ryan Blaney Humbly Dissects Major Cup Series Advantage Despite Bowman Gray Loss

After clinching the runner-up spot at the Cook Out Clash, Ryan Blaney dissects Team Penske's trend-breaking dominance.
CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 12: Ryan Blaney ( 12 Team Penske Discount Tire Ford) talks with members of his crew during pract

Livid Fans Point Fingers at the True Culprit Triggering Brad Keselowski & Alex Bowman’s Madhouse Misery

The Cook Out Clash featured a big wreck involving Brad Keselowski and Alex Bowman, and fans know who is responsible - Bubba Wallace
Alex Bowman, Brad Keselowski

Oblivious NASCAR Star Forced to Apologise Amid William Byron’s Madhouse Misery

In a packed Bowman Gray Clash race, William Byron faces an unexpected mishap from Todd Gilliland - the latter apologized though.
HAMPTON, GA – MARCH 19: William Byron ( 24 Hendrick Motorsports Liberty University Chevrolet) during the running the NAS

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Ruins NASCAR’s Hard Work, Crushing Local Heroes’ Hope

Ahead of NASCAR's revival of Bowman Gray and grassroots racing, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. threw a wrench in local heroes' plans.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Alex Bowman Issues Warning to Drivers With Rick Hendrick’s Team Refusing to Get Loose

Ahead of NASCAR's grand return to the Clash race, Alex Bowman feels confident in his team's chances against rivals.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Practice and Qualifying Mar 4, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex B

Noah Gragson Details Bowman Gray’s “Bada**” Experience Depite Unpleasant Welcome

Noah Gragson learned the hard way why Bowman Gray is called ‘The Madhouse’—and he loved every second of it.
NASCAR: Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 at Daytona

“Anything Can Happen”- Chase Elliott Flaunts Biggest Bowman Gray Advantage With Subtle Warning to Cup Stars

From heat race drama to last-chance qualifiers, Bowman Gray's latest pole sitter issues a warning to his competitors at the "Madhouse".
CHARLOTTE, NC – MAY 25: Chase Elliott ( 17 Hendrick Motorsports HendrickCars.com Chevrolet) talks with members of his cr

Shane Van Gisbergen Dissects Bowman Gray’s Odd Feature Amid Honest Confession

Ahead of NASCAR's Cook Out Clash, newly ordained Cup driver Shane van Gisbergen comments on a Madhouse peculiarity.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Practice & Qualifying Aug 12, 2023; Speedway, Indiana, USA; Shane van Gisbergen stands in hi

Bowman Gray: Everything You Need to Know About the Clash’s Rules, Qualifying & Format

From qualifying heat races to green-white-checkers: Here’s how the Clash at Bowman Gray is going to work.
2021-june4-bowman-gray-main-image

Insider Warns NASCAR Driver’s Against Bowman Gray’s Dangerous ‘Blurred Lines’ in 5-Words

The Clash at Bowman Gray is shaping up to be brutal, and a racing veteran has a stark warning for those stepping into the ‘Madhouse’.
2021-june4-bowman-gray-main-image

Kyle Petty Sets the Record Straight on Bowman Gray’s NASCAR Impact Ahead of The Clash

Kyle Petty reveals why the legendary Bowman Gray is the heart and soul of NASCAR as the Clash returns very soon in 2025.
Kyle Petty

Bubba Wallace Drops 1-Word Verdict on NASCAR’s Return to Bowman Gray

Ahead of NASCAR's return to Bowman Gray, Bubba Wallace slips his apprehension about racing at the famous 'Madhouse.'
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Toyota Owners 400 Apr 2, 2023; Richmond, Virginia, USA; Bubba Wallace waves to fans before the r

NASCAR’s Bold Move: $60 Bowman Gray Reveal Aims to Shake Up Fanbase

Ahead of the grand return to the 'Madhouse', NASCAR prepares snazzy souvenirs for diehard fans of Bowman Gray.
2021-june4-bowman-gray-main-image

Joe Gibbs Racing’s New Dirt Racing Roster Steals the Odds for Bowman Gray

Ahead of the much-awaited Clash race, Joe Gibbs' drivers are garnering the maximum attention given loose dirt racing rules.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Pennzoil 150 at the Brickyard

Shane Van Gisbergen Catches Heat as Fans Left Divided Over Trackhouse Racing Latest Reveal

Ahead of NASCAR's Clash race, Trackhouse Racing stirs up a storm among fans who fight over Shane van Gisbergen's paint scheme.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Practice & Qualifying Aug 12, 2023; Speedway, Indiana, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Shane V

Rick Ware’s Clash Specialist Drops Honest Confession Behind Changed Persona Despite ‘Rough’ Bowman Gray Past

Known for his fiery past and legendary stats, this short-track hero reveals why he’s turning over a new leaf ahead of his Cup Series debut.
Bowman Gray

“It Became a Joke” – Dale Earnhardt Jr. Trashes NASCAR’s New ‘Kyle Larson Rule’ Dismissing Driver Privilege

Despite NASCAR trying to make the waiver rule more rigid, Dale Earnhardt Jr. ridicules it and says it is not enough.
BRISTOL, TN – SEPTEMBER 20: Dale Earnhardt, Jr ( 88 JR Motorsports Hellmann s Chevrolet) talks with members of his crew

Fans Warns NASCAR Against Brutal Fallout of Bowman Gray’s Latest Update

As the legendary Bowman Gray gears up for NASCAR’s big season opener, not everyone is thrilled by a controversial new addition to the track.
2021-june4-bowman-gray-main-image

Cup Team Owner Drops 6-Word Verdict Behind Uncharacteristic Bowman Gray Enthusiasm

NASCAR icon Rick Ware details the excitement and passion for the legendary track Bowman Gray as he gives out his opinion.
2021-june4-bowman-gray-main-image

Clash at Bowman Gray: NASCAR Driver Discloses Huge Cup Series Offer With a Desperate Plea to Fans

The Clash is returning to Bowman Gray and Danny Bohn is eager to take part. With an offer in hand, he sent out a message to his fans for help.
bowman gray stadium

NASCAR Ditching $98.5 Billion Partner’s Services for the Clash at Bowman Gray Shocks Fans

Despite being the image of the Busch Light Clash race, NASCAR's beer sponsor is leaving to let in a delectable burger brand.
bowman gray stadium

Unfazed Ryan Blaney Still Craving ‘Flipped Off’ Moment Despite Bitter Bowman Gray Experience

As NASCAR prepares for its return to Bowman Gray, Ryan Blaney reveals an unpleasant memory - but he wants its repeat.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Brickyard 400 Qualifying Jul 20, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan

NASCAR Avoids Near Scare as It Sells Out Bowman Gray Months in Advance Dodging Major Criticism

Despite being at the receiving end of fans' frustration several times, NASCAR avoids major scrutiny by keeping Bowman Gray's respect intact.
2021-june4-bowman-gray-main-image

NASCAR Lawsuit: Everything You Need to Know About Michael Jordan & FRM’s Preliminary Injunction Re-Filing

The ongoing NASCAR lawsuit has thrown Michael Jordan's team's future in the balance, as a slew of updates indicate.
NASCAR: Cup Qualifying

About Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum

Pre-season games may just be for exhibition purposes, but they are a crucial part of the season for any sport. For NASCAR, this pre-season event has been the Clash since 1979. Since its inception, it has been held at the Daytona International Speedway until 2022 when it was moved to the LA Memorial Coliseum in 2o22. 2024 is the third season in which the race will take place at the new venue and in this period, racing fans have had mixed feelings about the event.

What is Clash at the Coliseum?

The Clash at the Coliseum is a pre-season exhibition race that is held on the weekend preceding the official season opener of the NASCAR Cup Series, the Daytona 500. Clash is considered to be the unofficial commencement of a new season despite there being no Cup points for the drivers. The format of the race is also different from Cup Series races. It usually proves to be a testing ground for drivers to test their cars in a competitive setting before The Great American Race. Newer fans of the sport may believe that it is a recent concept, but the event has been around for more than four decades.

USA Today via Reuters

History of the Clash race

The first ever Clash dates back to 1979 at the Daytona International Speedway. For the first 11 editions, the race used to be a 20-lap race on a 50-mile track. The first-ever winner of this event was Buddy Baker driving for the Rainer-Lundy racing team. The race was called the Busch Clash when it began, as it was ideated by Busch Beer's then-brand manager, Monty Roberts. He had worked in motorsports before with Ford and the Ontario Motor Speedway.

Clash at the Los Angeles Coliseum

Moving away from the Daytona International Speedway was a tough decision for fans, but NASCAR decided to take the risk in 2022. There have been several changes since the move. The track is 0.25 miles in distance on which drivers will race for 150 laps. Only the laps ran under green flags are counted and the event must end under green flag racing. As of 2024, a total of 23 drivers take part in the main race and 40 drivers try out their luck over the weekend. For the 2024 edition, the purse amount is $2.21 million, which will be distributed among the racers.

USA Today via Reuters

Format for the Busch Light Clash at the LA Coliseum

Over the years, the Clash has seen several format changes. For the 2024 edition, a total of 36 drivers will attempt to qualify for the main race on Sunday. The qualification will be held over 6 races but before that, there is practice. The drivers will be split into 3 groups of 12 for 3 practice sessions each. The fastest drivers in the final practice session will be the pole-sitters for the heat races. For example, the fastest driver in practice will start the first heat race from P1, the second-fastest will lead the second heat race, and so on.

There will be a total of 4 heat races with 9 drivers each. The qualifying positions for the drivers that are outside the top 4 fastest in practice will also be determined by their lap times in the session. For example, the fifth-fastest will start P2 in the first heat, the second-fastest will start P2 in the second heat race, and so on. At the end of the heats, the top 5 drivers from each race will qualify for the main event.

For the remaining drivers, there will be 2 last-chance qualifying [LCQ] races of 75 laps each. The winner of those races will qualify for the event. If the previous year's champion or highest points scorer doesn't qualify through these means, they would enter the main race regardless, but would have to start from the last position. The main race will run for 150 laps divided into 2 stages of 75 laps.

USA Today via Reuters

Who are the past winners of the Clash?

It may be an exhibition, but winning the clash would put anyone on an elite list. The first winner of the event was Buddy Baker and the year after, the Intimidator Dale Earnhardt was victorious. Earnhardt would go on to win 5 more Clash races, making him the most successful driver of the event. Legends like Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Allison, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr, and Jimmie Johnson are also among the winners.

Since the race moved to the LA Memorial Coliseum, the two winners of the event have been Joey Logano (2022) and Martin Truex Jr (2023). Kyle Busch won the event in 2021 when it was held on the road course at Daytona and the last winner of the Clash on the Daytona oval was Erik Jones in 2020.

USA Today via Reuters

Changes in the name of the Busch Light Clash

Over the years, the event has seen some name changes. In 2013, it was renamed from the Busch Clash to the Sprint Unlimited at Daytona. In 2017, it was called the Advance Auto Parts Clash before being renamed Busch Clash again in 2020. When the race was moved to the LA Memorial Coliseum in 2022, it was once again rebranded and is now known as the Busch Light Clash.

VenueLA Memorial Coliseum
LocationLos Angeles
First Race1979
Distance37.5 miles
Laps150
Previous NamesBusch Clash, Sprint Unlimited at Daytona, Advance Auto Parts Clash
Most Wins (Driver)Dale Earnhardt Sr (6 wins)
Most Wins (team)Joe Gibbs Racing (11 wins)
SurfaceAsphalt
Length0.25 miles
Turns4
Prize Money$2,210,000 (Total purse value)
Where to WatchFOX