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PHOTOS: Clash at the Coliseum

By Yannick Peterhans, Michael Chow, Jason Goode and Julia Zara

NASCAR comes to downtown Los Angeles in a first-of-its-kind race at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The event was opened by hip-hop star Pitbull, followed at halftime by Los Angeles native Ice Cube. The drivers raced 150 laps around the tight quarter-mile track, finishing the race in just under an hour. Joey Logano would clinch the victory, celebrating with donuts on the track and a FaceTime call to his family.

USC Annenberg Media photographs of NASCAR's Clash at Coliseum

A fan cheers and records on her phone as a C-17 Globemaster flies over during the national anthem before Sunday’s race. (Photo by Yannick Peterhans)

USC Annenberg Media photographs of NASCAR's Clash at Coliseum

A pre-race qualifying heat determined the position of the 23 cars that would compete in the Clash. In this qualifying round, Kyle Busch scored first, followed by Tyler Reddick, Justin Haley, and Joey Logano. In the final race, Logano would take first, collecting his second Busch Lite Clash victory after a win at the Daytona International Speedway in 2017. (Photo by Jason Goode)

USC Annenberg Media photographs of NASCAR's Clash at Coliseum

A young fan at the NASCAR Fan Fest held in conjunction with the Clash at the Coliseum. Various sponsors set up exhibition booths and activities for fans, old and young, to enjoy. (Photo by Michael Chow)

USC Annenberg Media photographs of NASCAR's Clash at Coliseum

Daniel Suárez signs the hat of a young fan after the race outside of the Coliseum. Suárez was the only driver from Mexico, and was greeted by a large Angelino fan base as he exited the garage area. Suárez scored 14th at Sunday's clash, driving a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. (Photo by Yannick Peterhans)

USC Annenberg Media photographs of NASCAR's Clash at Coliseum

Team Penske driver Joey Logano races ahead on the track. Logano overtook Kyle Busch after Busch led for 64 laps and held him off for another 35 for the win. (Photo by Michael Chow)

USC Annenberg Media photographs of NASCAR's Clash at Coliseum

Rapper and singer Pitbull opens the Busch Light Clash with an enthusiastic performance underneath the Coliseum’s peristyle. His setlist included iconic pop culture songs like “International Love” and “Feel this Moment.” (Photo by Julia Zara)

USC Annenberg Media photographs of NASCAR's Clash at Coliseum

Fans dance and cheer to Pitbull as he performs “Give Me Everything” and “Timber.” (Photo by Michael Chow)

USC Annenberg Media photographs of NASCAR's Clash at Coliseum

Michael McDowell (#34) and Martin Truex Jr. (#19) remained neck and neck throughout the race. After 150 laps, Truex Jr. would edge out McDowell scoring 15th, followed by McDowell at 16th. (Photo by Yannick Peterhans)

USC Annenberg Media photographs of NASCAR's Clash at Coliseum

A fan looks over the Coliseum at the beginning of Sunday’s race. Nearly 60,000 fans came to the Coliseum to watch the Clash at the Coliseum. (Photo by Yannick Peterhans)

USC Annenberg Media photographs of NASCAR's Clash at Coliseum

Fans cheer as Joey Logano overtakes Kyle Busch after Busch held the lead for 64 laps. Busch would go on to place second in the race. (Photo by Michael Chow)

USC Annenberg Media photographs of NASCAR's Clash at Coliseum

Joey Logano creates a cloud of smoke with his tires after winning the Clash at the Coliseum. Logano, a driver for Team Penske, burned rubber in front of and on top of the finish line to celebrate his victory. (Photo by Jason Goode)

USC Annenberg Media photographs of NASCAR's Clash at Coliseum

Team Penske Joey Logano, a father of three, Facetimed his then-pregnant wife as he received the trophy for winning the Clash. His wife has since given birth to his first daughter. (Photo by Michael Chow)

USC Annenberg Media photographs of NASCAR's Clash at Coliseum

The LA Memorial Coliseum at sunset as the inaugural Clash at the Coliseum draws to a close. While many NASCAR fans were skeptical of whether the race would be successful on such a short track, a large turnout and a tight race opened the door to future races at the Coliseum. (Photo by Michael Chow)