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via Imago

via Imago

The 2024 NASCAR Cup season is less than a week away, and it all starts with the Clash at the Coliseum. Ahead of the race weekend, NASCAR revealed the weekend schedule. The cars will first hit the track at 6:10 PM for a practice session and fans will be able to catch it on FS1. This will be followed by NASCAR Race Hub at 8:00 PM and the Cup Series heat races at 8:30 PM. All of this is expected to kick off on Saturday, after the NASCAR Mexico Series practice at 1:15 PM, followed by a second session and qualifying.

On the following day, the NASCAR Mexico Series starts the proceedings at 4:30 PM. At 6:00 PM, is the NASCAR Race Day Programme. At around 6:40 PM is the Last Chance Qualifying session, which will determine the main race’s grid. Finally, the main race will begin at 8:00 PM as drivers compete to win the invitation-only event.

What is the Clash at the Coliseum in the Cup Series?

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Every year before the NASCAR Cup season kicks off, drivers compete in an exhibition race. This race is always held before the Daytona 500 and is a non point-scoring race. Admittedly, not everyone gets to participate in the event, because there is a limited number of spots and drivers have to qualify for them. The Clash has been in operation since 1979 and been held at two tracks, the Daytona International Speedway, and the LA Coliseum.

READ MORE: NASCAR to Test Its First Electric Compact Utility Vehicle at the Clash in Los Angeles

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As it turns out, the Coliseum is only a recent development, having played host since 2022. Prior to that, the Daytona road course hosted the Clash for the 2021 season, otherwise the oval layout has always been the battle ground for the Busch Light Clash. This race is important because it seemingly sets the tone for how the season will play out.

What is special about this year’s edition of the Clash?

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This year, the fans have a lot more to look forward to, this weekend, than just the race. Before everything, NASCAR is expected to test the electric vehicle, which is supposed to represent the future of the sport. David Ragan will have the honor of being the first driver to sample the car and put it through its paces. Prior to this, the car has been undergoing a lot of tests, including one at the Martinsville Speedway.

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As for the Clash at the Coliseum itself, it is hard to pick any favorites to win. Joey Logano and Martin Truex Jr have won the last two editions, so they are a good shout for a race win. On the other end of the spectrum, not much is known about driver pace until a wheel is put on the tarmac.

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