Watching drivers in Clash at the Coliseum

 

The Clash at the Coliseum, the second race on a specially constructed circuit inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, will kick off the 2023 NASCAR season on Sunday.

Even though it was a non-points race, the Clash in 2017 attracted a lot of attention because NASCAR moved it from its traditional location at Daytona International Speedway to Los Angeles. The event was deemed a success and paved the way for potential stadium races in the future.

NASCAR Power Rankings: 10 memorable Clash moments

MORE: Toyota wants to increase its NASCAR presence

Drivers will compete in Year Two on a familiar course that is still being paved. After the Clash, the racing track from last year was removed.

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Michael Hembree

February 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m.

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The Clash at the Coliseum, the second race on a specially constructed circuit inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, will kick off the 2023 NASCAR season on Sunday.

Even though it was a non-points race, the Clash in 2017 attracted a lot of attention because NASCAR moved it from its traditional location at Daytona International Speedway to Los Angeles. The event was deemed a success and paved the way for potential stadium races in the future.

NASCAR Power Rankings: 10 memorable Clash moments

MORE: Toyota wants to increase its NASCAR presence

Drivers will compete in Year Two on a familiar course that is still being paved. After the Clash, the racing track from last year was removed.

Sunday drivers in Los Angeles must keep an eye on:

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Logano, Joey

Points placed: 2022 saw a successful Cup campaign.

previous three races: Won in Phoenix, placed sixth in Martinsville, and last in Homestead

Before Clash: Won in 2022

By winning the opening Clash at the Coliseum and the final race of the season in Phoenix to claim the Cup championship, Logano set bookends on the year 2022. On Sunday, he'll be one of the favorites.

Chastain, Ross

Points standing: second in 2022

3rd in Phoenix, 4th at Martinsville, and 2nd at Homestead in the previous three races

Before Clash: not eligible last year

The most notable athlete of 2022 was Chastain, who took home two victories and basically made a name for himself during the majority of the year. Can he make a strong start in 2023? If so, he won't be able to use his Hail Melon maneuver at Martinsville because NASCAR banned it on Tuesday.

McKinley Harvick

Position in points: 15th in 2022

In the previous three races, Phoenix fifth, Martinsville sixteenth, and Homestead eighth

Clash history: 10th in 2022

The final roundup for Harvick, who has said that this will be his final year as a full-time Cup racer, will start on Sunday. He'll probably enter the game with fire in his eyes.

QUESTIONS TO RESPOND TO

Kenny Busch

Position in points: 13th in 2022

7th at Phoenix, 29th at Martinsville, and 9th at Homestead in the previous three races

Clash history: second in 2022

This is Kyle Busch's Brave New World, so welcome. He starts a new phase of his career at Richard Childress Racing after spending 15 seasons with Joe Gibbs Racing. At the Clash from a year ago, he led 64 laps but ultimately failed to overtake Joey Logano.

Reddick, Tyler

Position in points: 14th in 2022

23rd in Phoenix, 35th at Martinsville, and 35th at Homestead in the previous three races

21st place at Clash in 2022

In the Clash from the previous year, Reddick ran remarkably well, leading 51 laps until pulling over due to drivetrain problems. He has a new ride at 23XI Racing to kick off the new year.

Gibbs, Ty

Position in the standings: Won the 2022 Xfinity Series championship

The three most recent Cup races were 19 at Martinsville, 22 at Homestead, and 22 at Las Vegas.

Before Clash: didn't participate in 2022

Following a fruitful—and contentious—Xfinity campaign, Gibbs advances to the Cup full-time with his grandfather's squad. Will he be the cocky youngster of 2022 or a more steady driver in Cup's first season?