By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
USC Quarterback Caleb Williams will continue his off the field activities as he will have his first Coliseum highlight of 2023.The 6-1 sophomore will be waving the green flag for NASCAR’s first race of its 75th anniversary season. He has been named the Honorary Starter for the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum on Sunday, Feb. 5. He’s the latest addition to a star-studded event that includes racing from the top drivers and cars of the NASCAR Cup Series, and performances by hip hop icons Cypress Hill and Wiz Khalifa. NASCARS season-opening exhibition airs live on FOX, with the main event beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
In December, Williams became the eighth player in USC’s storied history to win the Heisman Trophy. He led the nation with 42 touchdown passes and threw for 4,537 yards for a team that won 11 games. Moreover, Williams’ elusiveness made him a threat on the run, as he rushed for 442 yards and six TD’s, while also creating opportunities for his teammates as he scrambled out of the pocket.
The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner will have in opportunity to participate in one of NASCAR’s festive events in its second year at the LA Memorial Coliseum.
The sanctioning body announced earlier this month that 27 cars will compete in the 150-lap Clash main event. Up to 40 NASCAR Cup Series drivers will attempt to qualify for that main event via four heat races and two last-chance qualifiers that will determine the final field of 27.
Last years event brought in some 65,000 fans. NASCAR is looking to top that number this year
Practice and qualifying begin at 3 p.m. PT on Saturday, Feb. 4. “SHOWTIME” will be Sunday as heat races begin at 2 p.m. PT on Sunday, Feb. 5. That will be followed by the Cypress Hill performance.
And then shortly after 5 p.m. PT, Williams will wave the green flag for the main event, which features a special mid-race performance by Wiz Khalifa.
