NASCAR officials have recently announced that Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, the super middleweight champion, will be the grand marshal for the upcoming Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum on February 4. Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s senior vice president for racing development and strategy, expressed admiration for Alvarez, noting his association with strength, victory, and triumph. Alvarez’s popularity in Los Angeles and Mexico adds to the excitement of having him give the command to start the engines for the highly anticipated event.

Race Day Schedule and Highlights

The racing action is scheduled to kick off at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, featuring the NASCAR Mexico Series’ King Taco LA Batalla en El Coliseo on the Coliseum’s temporary quarter-mile asphalt track. Following this, the NASCAR Cup Series’ Busch Light Clash will take place at 5 p.m. The final race will involve 23 drivers competing fiercely for 150 laps, with only green flag laps counting towards the total. A break will occur at the midway point after 75 laps, adding strategic elements to the competition.

Qualification Process and Race Format

The lineup for the 22 spots in the final race will be determined based on finishing positions in heat races and the last chance qualifier. The 23rd spot will be reserved for the driver with the highest standing in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series who hasn’t qualified yet. The event will include four 25-lap heat races, with the top-five finishers in each race advancing to the main event.

The last chance qualifier, a 75-lap race, is designed for drivers who didn’t advance in the heat races. The top-two finishers in this race will secure a coveted spot in the Busch Light Clash.

The starting lineups for the heat races will be determined through practice sessions, with the field divided into three practice groups. The drivers’ fastest lap times in practice will set the starting order for the heat races, adding an extra layer of competition and strategy to the proceedings.

NASCAR’s Tradition: Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum

NASCAR has chosen the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum to open its season for the past two years. The inaugural event in 2022 saw Joey Logano emerge victorious, while Martin Truex Jr. claimed the trophy in the 2023 edition held in February. The tradition continues to grow, drawing attention and excitement from racing enthusiasts around the world.

Racing Stars and Fans Unite

Alvarez’s role as the grand marshal adds a unique flavor to the Busch Light Clash, bringing together two worlds – boxing and NASCAR. The event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the skill and determination of 23 drivers battling it out on the Coliseum’s temporary track. Racing fans, both in Los Angeles and Mexico, eagerly anticipate the clash of these motorsport titans.

A Glimpse into the Future

As NASCAR continues to innovate and experiment with unique events like the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, it provides a glimpse into the future of the sport. The combination of traditional racing formats with exciting new elements contributes to the sport’s ongoing popularity and relevance.

The Countdown Begins

With the date fast approaching, the anticipation for the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum is building. Racing enthusiasts, both casual and hardcore, are gearing up for a memorable event that promises high-speed action, unexpected twists, and the unifying spirit of competition. Whether you’re a fan of NASCAR, boxing, or sports in general, mark your calendars for February 4th, as the Coliseum prepares to host another chapter in the thrilling saga of motorsport excellence.