Denny Hamlin admits he ‘likes’ NASCAR’s commitment to uphold LA Clash at the Coliseum despite negative profits for Cup teams

Denny Hamlin finished only once at the Busch Light Clash race and it was in ninth place, in 2023.

Denny Hamlin admits he ‘likes’ NASCAR’s commitment to uphold LA Clash at the Coliseum despite negative profits for Cup teams

Denny Hamlin (Credits: IMAGO)

It was announced that the Busch Light Clash will triumphantly return to the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2024. This has caught Denny Hamlin’s heart as the Joe Gibbs Racing’s No:19 driver couldn’t be happier about NASCAR’s decision to extend the Clash’s stay on the calendar.

On February 4, 2024, the LA Coliseum will host this spectacular event for the third consecutive year. As the opening spectacle of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, it promises to set the stage for an unforgettable year of racing. The Busch Light Clash is no ordinary race; it consists of two intense heat races leading up to the main event.

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Speaking about this on his ‘Actions Detrimental’ podcast, Denny Hamlin shared his thoughts on this exhilarating development. While the prospect of traveling all the way to Los Angeles for an exhibition race might seem daunting to some, Hamlin sees it as a brilliant move. He remarked, “So The Clash is returning to LA, I like that move.” 

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Hamlin acknowledged, “From the financial standpoint, The Clash isn’t really a heavy-paying event, so all the teams pretty much lose money on it.” However, he also recognized the event’s positive impact on the sport, citing its strong television ratings in its early editions. The spectacle and excitement generated by The Clash have contributed significantly to NASCAR’s appeal.

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Denny Hamlin favors the Clash as the best alternative, with Bristol Dirt race removal

The JGR driver understands the challenges this decision poses for race teams, both logistically and financially. The logistics involve starting the season with a cross-country journey to LA, followed by a rapid shift to the opposite side of the United States for the Daytona race. Then, shortly after, it’s back out west for another race. It’s a demanding schedule, to say the least.

Bristol Dirt Race
Bristol Dirt Race (Credits: CBS Sports)

Turning his attention to another hot topic in the NASCAR world, Hamlin weighed in on the decision to return Bristol Motor Speedway to its traditional concrete surface, leaving the dirt behind. He added, “The Bristol Dirt (Race) is going away. I think that’s the right thing to do, for sure.” 

While dirt racing initially garnered enthusiastic support, Hamlin acknowledged its novelty had worn off, with attendance numbers tapering in the second year. The return to the concrete surface is not just a matter of preference for Hamlin; it also makes practical sense, as loading and cleaning up tons of dirt comes with significant costs and logistical challenges.

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