In response to an imminent severe weather threat, NASCAR has been compelled to make significant schedule adjustments for this weekend’s Busch Light Clash exhibition event at the LA Memorial Coliseum.
Originally slated for Sunday, NASCAR announced on Saturday afternoon that the Main Event of the race would be brought forward to Saturday at 8 PM ET (5 PM PT). FS1 will broadcast the Clash, while MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will provide radio coverage.
The decision to alter the schedule was driven by the forecast of unprecedented severe weather on Sunday, prompting NASCAR to prioritize the safety of fans, competitors, and staff. Acknowledging potential worsening conditions, NASCAR urged fans to make decisions with safety in mind.
As a result of the schedule change, the Busch Light Clash race weekend has been condensed. Heat Races and the Last Chance Qualifier race have been eliminated, with the top 22 positions in the starting grid determined by lap times from Saturday’s practice session. The 23rd position will be set by 2023 driver points.
Saturday’s practice session has been rescheduled for 5:35 PM ET (2:35 PM PT). Additionally, the NASCAR Mexico Series race, initially set for Sunday, will now take place after the Busch Light Clash on Saturday night.
The decision reflects the gravity of the weather forecast, with the National Weather Service issuing 16 alerts for the Los Angeles area due to an impending rainstorm. Given the tight timeline leading up to the Daytona 500 races in a couple of weeks, NASCAR opted to prioritize safety and reschedule the Clash.
While the exhibition event marks the beginning of the 2024 NASCAR season, the first points-paying races are scheduled at Daytona International Speedway in a few weeks. With Daytona 500 qualifying day approaching on February 14, NASCAR deemed it necessary to make proactive adjustments in light of the adverse weather outlook.
The rescheduling decision underscores NASCAR’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of all involved, maintaining the integrity of the sport, and navigating challenges with agility and responsibility.
