The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season, which will mark the 75th anniversary of the sport, will start with an unofficial season opener at LA Memorial Colosseum. The LA Clash At The Colosseum made its cup debut last year alongside the Next-Gen car and was one of the most successful events of last season, and the sectioning body is expecting similar numbers this year.
The 2023 season event had a solid start with the 2023 Rose Parade Float, which had a fair share of controversies. The premier stock car racing series has now made an announcement that will surely excite fans. The drivers who finish on the podiums will get medals to honor the history of the sport and the Colosseum, which has hosted two Olympics in the past.
The winner will get a 24-Karat gold plated medal while the P2 finisher will; get silver and P3 the Bronze medals. NASCAR senior vice-president Ben Kennedy who is credited with the idea, will be the open who will present the award. Cup champion Joey Logano got a Colosseum-shaped trophy last year when he won, while P2 Kyle Busch and P3 Austin Dillon never really got anything. This year drives have one more reason to fight for the top 3.
“These will be tremendous prizes for our drivers who are competing inside a venue that’s hosted two Olympic Games and is preparing for a third. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCAR’s 75th anniversary.” Ben Kennedy said in a press release.
NASCAR will have a podium (!) with medals (!) for the top three finishers at the Clash next month. Fitting, considering the Coliseum has hosted two Olympics and has a third coming up.
Even better if P1 moves P2 to win and they have to stand there together. 😬
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) January 17, 2023
Adding medals will definitely raise the bar of expectations for the event. NASCAR has a few big entertainment shows planned for the fans, which include a pre-race performance from the band Cypress Hill and a half-time performance from rap sensation Wiz Khalifa.
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How Twitter reacted to the plan to award medals
The reaction from fans on Twitter was very mixed, as some were quick to support the idea while others weren’t fully overboard. Most comments supported the idea, as NASCAR used to have podiums in the past. Few were not in favor of the idea, as they labeled it as one of the many “woke” changes coming into NASCAR.
Might as well handout participation trophies 🥴
— Matt Dercole (@mattdercole924) January 18, 2023
Man you people complain to no end about littlest of things, this medals are ONLY for the CLASH not the whole season. Guess reading is hard for a lot of you good grief 😑
— Taylor #GlimmerGang (@TaylorBMcardle) January 18, 2023
You know what, since it’s The Clash at a Colosseum, why not do medals. This race is just for bragging rights.
— Tim (@golic_2004) January 17, 2023
Not surprised that in today’s society they all don’t get participation medals
— Hank Faulkner (@FaulknerHank) January 18, 2023
Does the rest of the field get a participant Trophy ? They are out in California…hate to hurt any feelings…
— Tony Lanala (@earnhardt_3) January 18, 2023
Wait, why is this such an issue? It's something unique to the colesium see so if this is an an issue. Why not drop all the special trophies for tracks then…
— OBBG Star (@OBBG_Star73) January 17, 2023
I like it!
— JMP1299 (@1stinlastout99) January 17, 2023
This also just proves again that some people will complain about anything new and different. Even if it is a one off.
2nd place is first loser. And what the hell does the Olympics have to do with NASCAR or automotive sports for that matter.
— Bill Kowalski (@BillKowalski1) January 18, 2023
NASCAR: *Claims that only winning matters and doesn't pay attention to top 5's, top 10's, and average finish*
Also NASCAR: "LeT's Do PoDiUmS"
— Tyler (@t_sholts) January 17, 2023
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