Courtesy NASCAR Communications
LOS ANGELES (Feb. 1, 2023) – NASCAR announced today that two-time Olympic gold medalist Athing Mu will serve as the Honorary Torch Lighter for the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum on Feb. 4.
“Athing Mu is one of the most accomplished young athletes in the world,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s Senior Vice President, Racing Development and Strategy. “It’s an incredible privilege to welcome a world-renowned champion to light the torch atop the iconic Peristyle at the Busch Light Clash.”
The 21-year-old American middle-distance runner hailing from Trenton, New Jersey, has made history in her sport. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she became the youngest woman ever to win gold in the 800 meters while also securing a gold medal as part of the women’s 4 x 400m relay team. And in 2022, Mu became a world champion in the 800 meters.
Recently, Mu showcased her exceptional skills by winning a bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships. Moreover, her tactically smart and determined performance at the Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field resulted in her crossing the finish line first, setting a new American record and claiming the Diamond League title in the women’s 800m with an impressive time of 1:54.97. This winning time surpassed her previous American record of 1:55.04 set in 2021.
As she prepares to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Mu aims to continue her remarkable success and solidify her status as one of the world’s top middle-distance runners.
On Sunday, Feb. 4, racing begins on the Coliseum’s temporary, quarter-mile asphalt track at 1:30 p.m. with the NASCAR Mexico Series’ King Taco LA Batalla en El Coliseo followed by the NASCAR Cup Series’ Busch Light Clash at 5 p.m.
The third-annual Busch Light Clash is the NASCAR Cup Series’ season-opening exhibition featuring the sport’s top stars. NASCAR on FOX will once again carry the broadcast for the Busch Light Clash while the NASCAR Mexico Series Race will be on FS1, Fox Deportes, Fox Sports 3 in Mexico, and available pan regionally on Claro Sports and the D Motors channel on DirecTV.
A single ticket purchased is good for both races, and fans are encouraged to get their tickets now while supplies last by visiting www.nascarclash.com.
