Justin Marks Outlines NASCAR’s Next “Grassroots” Racing Move Amid the Clash’s Questionable L.A. Colesium Future

While the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum went on to be a hit, entertaining the crowd, and opening the 2024 season after a bland 90-day hiatus, not all in the community have taken NASCAR’s decision to move the season-opener to the quarter-mile track in L.A. to their hearts. In fact, the hardcore fandom despises the idea of the organization straying away from Daytona and opting for the makeshift Olympic arena, putting the emphasis on entertainment rather than focusing on actual racing.

As the community voiced their displeasure on social media, former NASCAR driver and Trackhouse Racing team owner Justin Marks had a different view on the Clash as he reacted to the NASCAR driver’s question.

“We use it to showcase”—The idea behind a possible new venue for the Clash

Shortly after the grand pre-season exhibition race got down at L.A., the community was all in for a discussion about the future of the event at the Olympic arena turned race track. Starting the long-lasting debate was NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Anthony Alfredo, who will have a shot at Daytona next week. The driver put out a social media post, asking fans, “So, where should the clash be at next year? #NASCAR”

To which the Trackhouse Racing boss gave a befitting answer. While NASCAR has opted for the quarter-mile track for Busch Light Clash, breaking away from the tradition of hosting it at the Daytona Speedway since 2022, fans, much like many drivers, are not in sync with the organization’s decision. Well, the sanctioning body probably had one idea when it moved away to Los Angeles, i.e., to bump up the entertainment value of the sport, attracting more fans, especially the younger demographic, with a splendid race plus music feats to enthrall the masses.

However, with Alfredo popping the question, it was Justin Marks’ turn to give a quick and concise response that would benefit the sport and bring back the old fans that actually made the sport what it is today. In his tweet, he wrote, “We use it to showcase the grassroots of our sport. Salem, New Smyrna, Wall Stadium, Nashville, Winchester, etc. Climate depending, invest in the track’s infrastructure, galvanize the sport’s foundation. Heck of a show. All entries start the main. But produce it at a level that makes it a true promotional event for the TV viewers.” 

WATCH THIS STORY: Denny Hamlin triumphs in first Clash at the Coliseum, eliciting cheers from fans 

The Kiwi sensation details his experience working with Justin Marks

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In a short span of less than five years, Trackhouse Racing went from a young, budding team trying to find its way into NASCAR’s elite division to becoming one of the fastest-growing teams in the sport. Whether it was Ross Chastain‘s “wrecking ball” image during the 2022 season or Supercar champion Shane Van Gisbergen’s iconic triumph at Chicago last year, the team has constantly upped its game, captivating the fandom and becoming one of the top Chevy teams in the promotion.

Following his two-race stunt last year, SVG finally makes his official NASCAR full-season debut with a Kaulig Racing-Trackhouse Racing collaboration in his first-ever Xfinity Series appearance this year. Reflecting on his experience working with Marks, the Aussie champion said it was “very cool” to work with a visionary like Marks.

Speaking to Frontstretch, he said, “I’ve had a few owners like that and they’re pretty awesome guys to be around. Just forward thinking and out of the box.” He further added, lauding his boss for maintaining his cool all while making path-breaking moves like the team’s recent Moto GP venture, “You see there’s a lot going on at the moment as we’re doing the deal and no, I didn’t know about the MotoGP thing coming out. He’s got so many things going on but seems to have it all under control as well.”

READ MORE: Daniel Suarez Wins NASCAR’s Mexico Series L.A. Coliseum Title