via Reuters
FILE PHOTO: A digital rendering of the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, which will be held in Los Angeles in February, is seen in this handout picture obtained on November 30, 2021. Courtesy of iRacing/Handout via REUTERS
via Reuters
FILE PHOTO: A digital rendering of the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, which will be held in Los Angeles in February, is seen in this handout picture obtained on November 30, 2021. Courtesy of iRacing/Handout via REUTERS
There is a lot riding on the fate of the inaugural Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Coliseum. However, some more details have emerged along similar lines. Apparently, NASCAR has been eyeing races at the likes of Pacific Northwest, Denver and New York City. However, a lot of it depends on the reception of the LA Coliseum race and how that event turns out as a spectacle.
As it turns out, this has divided many fans, with some believing that it’s a good idea, and others dismissing it. Many are actually concerned about the size of the track and some even compared it to Martinsville. One reaction said, “Has it been taken to account how small this track is even with such a large playing surface like LA Coliseum? Can’t imagine this would work in just any NFL stadium“.
The naysayers all insist that while short tracks are alright, the superspeedways are a lot better. Additionally, some felt that races like the Coliseum are fine as exhibition events. However, they were not really receptive to the idea of having new tracks like these to have points on offer.
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And if it doesn't work it will still be incredibly fun to watch and very cool. NASCAR deserves a ton of credit for giving this a shot regardless of the outcome.
— 🦀 Walker Skeeter 🦀 (@Walker_Skeeter) February 4, 2022
Define “this works.” The Martinsville-esque layout isn’t that conducive to quality competition. While I expect the new car to see better competition than we’ve seen on such venues the last quarter century this kind of venue can’t be close to the best.
— Michael Daly (@Michael95494331) February 4, 2022
LA Coliseum is big enough for a running track around a football field, right? This is basically a Legend Cars track
— Mark Thompson 🇺🇸 (@mrkthompsn) February 4, 2022
Thats fine as long as it only stays as exhibition races, Clash and All-Star traveling circus? I'm down. Points races replaced just for new markets? 🤮
And imagine if they do all of those cities in the same season… 1.5s all over again. This series only flourishs with diversity.
— HarringtonMAH11 (@HarringtonMAH11) February 4, 2022
I think it’d be cool for the clash to rotate to different cities every year with this model or street courses. Be a great way to give new markets racing.
— Jeremy (@J_Mill3048) February 4, 2022
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What else did the NASCAR fans say?
Of course, fans acknowledged the appeal of having races in stadiums. This is because it has the potential to draw in larger crowds, especially since a lot of stadiums have a capacity of over 70,000. The counterargument is that NASCAR could try and rotate venues every year.
Already, NASCAR has boasted that 70% of the LA Coliseum ticket-holders are first-time live viewers. However, once this race concludes, the big issue will be trying to retain the viewer-base. Conventional wisdom suggests that when something is brand new, the interest is piqued and it draws in the numbers.
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However, if the novelty disappoints, then the numbers will dwindle very quickly. Admittedly, this is a very tricky slope that NASCAR is navigating. One thing is for sure, the governing body will be closely scrutinizing this race. If it takes off without a hitch, the sport can green light plans to entertain more such tracks in the future.
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