Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum making Saturday Cup Series heat races free to the public
NASCAR has fully reversed course on its decision to close the Saturday practice, qualifying, and heat races for the Mexico and Cup Series to the public at the Busch Light Clash.
Not only will the Saturday action now be open to the public, but it will be completely free for any would-be attendees out there.
You read that correctly. According to an announcement from the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum’s official account, even those without a ticket for the 8:00 pm ET Cup Series race on Sunday can now attend Saturday for free.
NASCAR’s original 2024 Clash format shook things up
In years past, the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum was a one-day show. But the powers that be saw fit to shake things up for 2024.
“NASCAR has released the format for the Clash at the Coliseum. And, there’s been a significant change from previous years,” Shane Walters of Racing News wrote. “For 2024, the Busch Light Clash will be split into a two-day show. Saturday, February 3rd will host practice/qualifying as well as heat races. The one LCQ race as as well as feature race will take place Sunday, February 4th.
…Now, with it being split into a two-day show, fans at the stadium will only be allowed to watch the LCQ and feature. The building will not be open to the public for Saturday’s portion of the show.”
This format change didn’t go over particularly well with fans. With tonight’s announcement, however, things are looking up for those who want to enjoy the Saturday action up close.