After a brief hiatus from competing in the season-opening Busch Light Clash, NASCAR’s open-entry cars are once again eligible to participate in the 2025 edition of the prestigious exhibition event. While open teams were eligible in previous years, none made the trip to Los Angeles for the races at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum due to logistical challenges and limited incentives. This year, however, with the event moving to a new location, there is renewed interest and excitement among smaller teams looking to showcase their talent on the national stage.
Why Open Teams Skipped the Coliseum
Since 2022, the Busch Light Clash has been hosted at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a quarter-mile temporary track built inside the historic venue. While the event drew plenty of attention and delivered thrilling moments, the cost of transporting cars and equipment to the West Coast, combined with the exhibition nature of the event, made it less appealing for smaller, open-entry teams that typically operate on tight budgets.
“Traveling to California for a non-points race just didn’t make sense for us financially,” said a spokesperson for one open team. “We’ve had to carefully choose where to race, and while the Clash is a great event, it wasn’t feasible for us to make that trip.”
A New Opportunity in 2025
With the 2025 Busch Light Clash moving to a more centralized location — rumored to be [insert location here if available] — open teams now have an opportunity to rejoin the competition. The reduced travel distance and lower associated costs have already sparked interest among several organizations looking to field cars in the race.
Carl Long, owner of MBM Motorsports, expressed optimism about the potential for open cars to compete again. “The Clash has always been a great way for smaller teams to get some exposure, and with it being closer to home, I think you’ll see more of us trying to get involved,” Long said.
What Open Teams Bring to the Clash
Open-entry teams often add a layer of unpredictability to NASCAR events. These underdog stories resonate with fans, and the drivers’ grit and determination can lead to memorable moments on the track. The Clash, an exhibition with no championship points on the line, provides an ideal platform for open teams to compete without the pressure of the regular season standings.
Garrett Smithley, who is set to drive the No. 66 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for MBM Motorsports in the Clash, echoed this sentiment. “This race is a fantastic opportunity for smaller teams to prove themselves. It’s a chance to run against the best, and we’re excited to be a part of it,” he said.
The Road Ahead for Open Cars
While official announcements about the field are still pending, the renewed interest from open teams adds another compelling storyline to the 2025 Busch Light Clash. The event promises to deliver a mix of top-tier Cup Series stars and ambitious underdog teams, creating a must-watch showcase of NASCAR talent.
With the Clash now more accessible, fans can look forward to seeing a diverse grid that celebrates NASCAR’s roots of open competition and the spirit of perseverance. Whether an open car steals the spotlight or simply puts on a show, their return will undoubtedly add excitement to the season’s unofficial kickoff event.
