NASCAR has been at the receiving end of criticism for its handling of the 2024 season’s kickoff. Following the decision not to organize practice sessions before the qualifying race for the Daytona 500, fans slammed the governing body for making the Clash non-accessible for the fans without a ticket. However, the situation has changed with a 360-degree turn from NASCAR.

In what might seem like a first for NASCAR, it has been announced that fans will have free access to the LA Coliseum on track day for the Busch Light Clash. With the race set to happen on February 4, NASCAR’s original idea to prevent fans from accessing the venue on February 3 had faced harsh criticism. The official handle of the Busch Light Clash conveyed the good news with a video announcement on Twitter.

NASCAR fans will have free entry to races before the main event at the Coliseum

TV viewership numbers and attendance records have taken a hit in the past few years. Considering the circumstances, NASCAR’s decision to prohibit fans came as a surprise. With Los Angeles being an excellent opportunity for gathering revenue, stardom for the opening ceremony, and some fans, NASCAR might have reconsidered its decision.

NASCAR Senior Vice President Ben Kennedy announced through a tweet that NASCAR will address the concerns of the fandom. Opening up the venue to the fans on February 3, Kennedy made a shocking revelation: even non-ticket holders can watch the qualifying, practice, and heat races for the Cup Series and Mexico Series.

As for the deal with Coliseum, the agreement is in its final year, 2024. If the contract is not renewed, NASCAR must find another possible venue to host the Busch Light Clash. The decision to not allow fans to race before the main event was surprising, considering that NASCAR fans in LA might not be able to witness the event in their city again.

Since 2022, a short track has been built annually to open the NASCAR season. One of the additions this year has been the NASCAR Mexico Series. Trackhouse Racing’s #99 driver, Daniel Suarez, is set to return to his roots with the Mexico Series race on Sunday.

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The fandom has often made its grievances clear to the decision-making body. However, there have been no free-track days in recent history. Usually, a ticket comes with a package that includes the main event and the build-up races like practice and qualifying. But this is new for NASCAR. With celebrity attractions lined up for the main event, fans could change their minds and buy a ticket for Sunday after the practice races.

Dillon Francis is set to join Machine Gun Kelly at the LA Coliseum

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Last week, NASCAR revealed the addition of popular hip-hop artist Machine Gun Kelly to the roster of stars performing on the opening night of the 2024 NASCAR season. The Grammy-nominated MGK will perform during the race break on February 4, which adds to the event’s attractiveness. While the fans haven’t shown any particular liking to the announcement, NASCAR is looking forward to it.

In an exciting turn of events yesterday, NASCAR also announced that the producer of multiple platinum records and music producer, Dillon Francis, will be the pre-race DJ for the Busch Light Clash. Francis has excelled in the electronic music industry and has produced multiple hits over the years. Having collaborated with world-class artists and megastars over the years, his inclusion is much anticipated.

“Having Dillon Francis DJ for the Busch Light Clash adds another electrifying element to an energy-packed event. Fans can anticipate a non-stop party starting with Dillon’s pre-race performance at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum,” stated Ben Kennedy.

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Overall, the unofficial season opener could be a great success if appropriately organized. With free access to the track, NASCAR might have pleased some fans. However, the real test lies in producing an electric race on the weekend.