via Imago
Mandatory Credit: Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (12792606l) #22 US racing driver Joey Logano (R) in action against #18 US racing driver Kyle Busch (L) and #5 US racing driver Kyle Larson during the NASCAR Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum in Los Angeles, California, USA, 06 February 2022. NASCAR Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum, Los Angeles, USA – 06 Feb 2022
via Imago
Mandatory Credit: Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (12792606l) #22 US racing driver Joey Logano (R) in action against #18 US racing driver Kyle Busch (L) and #5 US racing driver Kyle Larson during the NASCAR Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum in Los Angeles, California, USA, 06 February 2022. NASCAR Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum, Los Angeles, USA – 06 Feb 2022
The Auto Club Speedway is undergoing a major revamp, which could potentially see the southern California venue out of action for a couple of years. In light of this, NASCAR is exploring possible solutions. One of them is turning the Clash at the Coliseum into a points race. Unfortunately for NASCAR, there were a fair number of NASCAR fans and community members who were not happy about this. Among the most prominent voices raised against were those of Dale Earnhardt Jr, Carson Hocevar, and spotter Brett Griffin.
Dale Jr. was pretty clear that he would love to see the likes of Irwindale and Kern back on the calendar. Safe to say, he was not the only one sharing that sentiment, as fellow racers Carson Hocevar and Ryan Vargas agreed with him.
@Irwindale_Spdwy @KernRaceway please
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) February 3, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
According to Hocevar, the money spent on Coliseum each year could rather be used to revamp the Irvingdale Speedway or the Kern Raceway, and they would be much more embraced by the community.
irwindale or kern could use that money to build collusium and be more loved and embraced by the community for supporting one of the two tracks, and would trickle down and help their weekly programs. just an idea.
— Carson Hocevar (@CarsonHocevar) February 3, 2023
Besides the drivers, fans also provided their views on the same.
What did Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the rest of the community say?
A fair number of fans suggested that a few former tracks be added back to the NASCAR Cup Series calendar. The Irwindale Speedway and the Kern County Raceway were fairly popular picks. In essence, if the sport was leaning more towards short tracks, fans feel that there are plenty of better options than the LA Coliseum.
There are two incredible tracks that deserve consideration. @KernRaceway and the often overlooked @Irwindale_Spdwy. Let’s look at the short tracks WE HAVE. If we can build a track from scratch we can certainly invest in seating & upgrades on a track that won’t be dismantled.
— Matthew Dillner (@MatthewDillner) February 4, 2023
man.
— Ryan Vargas (@RyanVargas_23) February 3, 2023
Others were simply not happy about the LA Coliseum being considered for a point-scoring race. According to some, it was alright as an exhibition race, where the number of cars is limited. However, having a full grid on the short track could be very difficult indeed.
Some people have even observed that fans have been clamoring for more short-track races.
Ewe…
I enjoy the event as an exhibition but not a points paying event.
— Brian Murphy (@Brian_Murphy_) February 3, 2023
One solution is leave Fontana alone. 💪🏻
— Brett Griffin (@SpotterBrett) February 4, 2023
The fact that track is somehow still open after every winter there's a threat a threat of it getting demolished is hilarious 😂😂😂
— Ryan Ostrander 8 🏁 (@RyanOstrander_8) February 3, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Everyone has been asking for more short tracks… https://t.co/39S8bc1r8z
— Bozi Tatarevic (@BoziTatarevic) February 3, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
For now, all the drivers are looking forward to the first race of the season at the LA Coliseum. Then, the real action begins with the official start of the 2023 NASCAR Cup season at the Daytona International Speedway.
WATCH THIS STORY: From The Chicago Street Race to L.A Coliseum: 5 NASCAR Races To Watch Out For in 2023
