Photos: NASCAR clashes at the Coliseum

The Coliseum hosted arguably the most unique event in its storied history Sunday when NASCAR took over the recently paved field for a wheeling-banging, bumper-breaking exhibition race featuring the sport’s top racers.

Veteran Los Angeles Times photographer Allen J. Schaben was on hand to document the Coliseum’s NASCAR debut. Here’s a collection of his best photos from the motorsport showcase:

Corvette Racing driver Jordan Taylor, dressed in costume as his alter-ego race car driver Rodney Sandstorm, waves a racing flag as racing fans arrive at the Busch Light Clash At The Coliseum.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Fabian Martinez, left, and his sons Jonathan, center, and Alexander wear racing helmet hats while playing games at the NASCAR Fan Fest.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

NASCAR racer Bubba Wallace walks down the staircase to the track as he is introduced and cheered by fans at the Busch Light Clash At The Coliseum.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Drivers and their crews prepare to race in the Busch Light Clash At The Coliseum.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

NASCAR racers and crew line the track while the national anthem is played at the Busch Light Clash At The Coliseum.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

A view of fireworks and the C-17 flyover from McChord AFB in Washington during the national anthem before the start of the Busch Light Clash At The Coliseum.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

With a view of downtown Los Angeles and the snow-capped mountains in the background, NASCAR racers circle the quarter-mile track.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Rapper Ice Cube performs at the Busch Light Clash At The Coliseum.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

With a view of downtown Los Angeles in the background, NASCAR fans watch and cheer as racers circle the quarter-mile track during the Busch Light Clash At The Coliseum.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

The pack of cars race around the quarter-mile track at the Coliseum.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Rapper Pitbull performs at the Busch Light Clash At The Coliseum.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Austin Cindric spins out and collects Bubba Wallace on the track during the race.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

With a view of downtown Los Angeles in the background, NASCAR fans watch and cheer as racers circle the quarter-mile track during the Busch Light Clash At The Coliseum

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

NASCAR fans watch and cheer as racers circle the quarter-mile track during the Busch Light Clash At The Coliseum.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

NASCAR driver Joey Logano, #22, does a celebratory burn-out to honor his pit crew as they cheer him on after he won the Busch Light Clash At The Coliseum

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Amaya DiBella, center, waves a checkered flag as her grandparents, Vice DiBella, left, and John DiBella and mom Inez DiBella cheer after Joey Logano’s win at the Coliseum.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)