Though back in February, the start of this year's travel excursions started with NASCAR's Clash at the Coliseum. Three years ago, I never thought that I would be attending a NASCAR race. I held nothing against the sport, it truly just wasn't on my radar. Swimming is my passion and really the only sport I go out of my way to watch. So when I started dating a NASCAR fan, it became an interesting experience watching, learning, and attending races. The Clash in 2022, the inaugural race there, was my first live NASCAR experience, followed by Michigan International Speedway in 2022, and now the 2023 Clash. Now, I have a favorite team, a favorite driver, and I follow many from the sport on social media.
During our time at the race, I couldn't help but notice all the changes from the first year to the second. While we approached everything differently as spectators, it seems as if NASCAR adjusted their expectations as well. It was wonderful to see how the franchise evolved in such as short period of time to make the race and the event even more accessible for everyone in attendance.
I have learned so much more about the sport than I ever thought possible (i.e. how fast the drivers actually go, the lengths to which they go to ensure the safety of the drivers, how they work strategically with other drivers to move ahead, they don't actually have headlights or windshield wipers, etc.). I've also discovered that the community of fans is starting to diversify, branching out to all races, genders, and orientations. For a sport that hasn't always presented itself as inclusive, I am thrilled to now support a welcoming environment. As far as Clash specific information that I picked up on, the race at the Coliseum is definitely more of a show. I personally believe this is the perfect race for a first time attendee; it is a short track which allows you to see the entire field, the whole time; there's a concert halfway through; there are so many celebrities walking around and willing to take pictures with fans. It truly is a great time, so much so that I had my godparents from the Bay Area come down to meet us for the weekend. We also ran into some friends we met while camping at the Michigan race and were able to catch up with them.
The Coliseum is surrounded by fun fan areas with vendors, picture stations, stages with racers talking before they get in their cars, and so many more experiences. If you plan to attend The Clash in the future, go for the practice rounds on Saturday and purchase your vendor items then so you don't need to carry anything during race day; only bring clear bags, anything not see-through will be turned away; bring sunscreen and an empty refillable water bottle; have a fantastic time because it is a fun experience when you embrace the excitement. I am grateful that we were able to make it to the first ever Clash at the Coliseum and have made it a tradition for us to return year after year.
Of course, with the race taking place in Los Angeles we took advantage of the fact that there was no snow on the ground and ventured out to the beach. If you ever feel like you can't appreciate the ocean, the sand, and the sun, please spend a grey, cold winter in the Midwest and then you will be thrilled to have even 10 minutes walking on the beach. We have so many travel plans set up this year, but starting out with a trip to watch cars go fast while we enjoyed the sunshine was perfect.
Enjoy the pictures, and please check back soon for more posts and updates!
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