Clash at the Coliseum: NASCAR returns to L.A. to open 2023 season

NASCAR returns to sunny Southern California to kick off the 2023 season with the second edition of the Clash at the Coliseum on Sunday (5 p.m. ET, main event at 8 p.m. ET, FOX).

The event will build on its successful inaugural LA that took place last year. The 150-lap main event of the annual preseason exhibition race will feature 27 cars, up from 23 last year, on a purpose-built quarter-mile asphalt track inside the famous Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

What is the program of events?

Practice: Saturday, 6:00 PM ET
Qualifying: Saturday, 8:35 PM ET
Race Day: Sunday, 5:00 PM ET

Who won the Clash last year?

Joey Logano held off Kyle Busch in dramatic fashion to take the checkered flag. Logano won the Cup Championship for the second time in his career.

Logano wins the 2022 Clash at the Coliseum

Joey Logano holds off Kyle Busch in the final five laps to capture the Clash at the Coliseum.

What should I know about the crash?

Main Event: NASCAR will use heat races to establish the 27-car field for the Clash, and there will be only one provisional for the driver who was highest in the 2022 driver standings. That means the 2022 Cup champion , Joey Logano, knows for a fact that he will compete in the main event.
qualification: Single vehicle qualifying will take place on Saturday after scheduled practice. It will consist of one round, 3 laps, one warm-up, two timed races, in order determined by 2022 owner points (lowest to highest).
Heat races: It will be established in order of qualification. The top five in each race advance to the Clash. The remaining five finishers in each heat continue to Race 1 of the last qualifying opportunity and Race 2 of the last opportunity. The top three in both LCQ 1 and LCQ 2 advance to the Main Event.

Since this is Hollywood, can I expect celebrity appearances?

Yes! Among those scheduled to attend the Clash are rapper Wiz Khalifa, who is performing live on race day; actor Rob Lowe, who serves as Grand Marshal; and Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, who serves as honorary pallbearer.

What else do I need to know to prepare for the NASCAR season?

I’m glad you asked. Here’s the latest news and events from the world of racing.

The first year of the Clash brought the heat with an electric day of racing action. Let’s see what awaits us in 2023!

FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience