Fans Go After Fox Network for “Butchering” the Clash at the Coliseum After Years of Mishaps

The 2024 season has kicked off for NASCAR with the Busch Light Clash race at the LA Memorial Coliseum. Despite it being just an exhibition race, on as well as off-track drama has already begun unfolding. The Clash race was sprinkled with a few heated moments. Fans wait for all those emotional outbursts and conflicts that add a bit of spice to the race. So they were livid after the Clash because Fox broadcasters did a sloppy job.

The Clash race at the Coliseum was rescheduled to Saturday night after last-minute changes. Both broadcasters and NASCAR officials had to work on a tight schedule to make the event a success. But that did not stop fans from venting their frustration on social media.

Immediately following the Busch Light Clash, fans were simmering with emotions. They were thoroughly disappointed with Fox’s coverage of the race. Especially those fans who could not reach the venue and had to watch the live broadcast. They pointed out that several incidents during the race were missed by Fox cameras. For instance, the heated tussle between Ricky Stenhouse and John Hunter Nemechek, and the condition of Bubba Wallace in the final lap.

One fan was particularly articulate about his opinion. “Not even a week ago people who started watching racing in the last two years were like ‘is there a racing series that hates its viewers more than F1’ and buddy id like to introduce you to Fox NASCAR coverage for over two decades.”

Another fan compared the broadcast with the race. “Can’t tell if the broadcast is worse than the race or vice versa it’s a toss up.”

Some fans were absolutely hilarious with their tweets. One said, “Mike Joy: ‘And Ross Chastain has been sucked up by a UFO in Turn 2.’ ‘Fox Camera: *shows a camera shot of the fat guy in section 200 with a 9 shaved into his chest hair”. Another tweeted: “Fox cameras just do their own thing and if they happen to catch something you are lucky’.”

Another fan straight up bashed Fox for their work: “The race was good, and FOX absolutely butchered it.”

One user criticized the production crew: “Dam wouldn’t know. Was watching some dude not able to figure out what camera to select on . Saw some crew chiefs in the stands instead.. Terrible night for the crew besides the booth.”

Fans did not mince words while dissecting Fox’s coverage of the Clash race at the Coliseum. However, Fox’s unexpected slip-up does put forward some logical factors.

Watch This Story: Ross Chastain Discusses His Odd Counteraction Against 23XI Driver Post-Clash

Fox had to adjust on short notice for the Clash

Some factors need to be considered before passing a verdict on the Fox coverage. The Clash race at the Coliseum was initially supposed to be held on Sunday afternoon. NASCAR took the difficult decision fearing that stormy weather on Sunday may postpone the race to a later date. The qualifying race for the Daytona 500 is set for February 14. So it would have been challenging for the production team and television partners to haul all their equipment across the country to Daytona.

So NASCAR announced the change in plans on Saturday itself. That left Fox with a small time window to prepare- less than six hours. It may have been possible that Fox could not bring in as many cameras, camera people, and other stuff to make the show a success.

Still, it is arguable that Fox could have done a better job. Especially when they did not mention the arguments and fights that ensued after the race. Further, it was very confusing for fans if the commentators were reacting to one thing, and the cameras zoomed in on entirely irrelevant factors.

We hope that Fox will up its broadcasting game for the incoming races in the NASCAR 2024 season.

Read More: Ricky Stenhouse Jr Calls Out Michael McDowell’s “Pinball” Game at the Busch Light Clash