NASCAR Cup Series Returns to Bowman Gray Stadium for Season-Opening Clash Exhibition Race

NASCAR fans can rejoice as the NASCAR Cup Series is set to return to Bowman Gray Stadium next year for the season-opening Clash exhibition race. The announcement was made by NASCAR executive vice president Ben Kennedy, whose great-grandfather, NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., played a role in promoting the historic quarter-mile oval in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Taking over management of the stadium’s racing operations earlier this year, NASCAR is excited to revisit the track that has played a significant role in its history. The Clash exhibition race is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, and will be broadcast live on FOX.

To commemorate the return to Bowman Gray, NASCAR Studios and FOX Sports Films are producing a one-hour documentary titled The Madhouse: NASCAR’s Return to Bowman Gray Stadium. The film will explore the venue’s rich history and preparations for The Clash in 2025.

Bowman Gray Stadium has a long-standing connection to the France family, with NASCAR executives Jim France and Lesa France Kennedy having cheered on Ben Kennedy’s victory at the track in 2013. The stadium, known for its energetic crowd and rowdy atmosphere, has hosted weekly NASCAR events since 1949 and has a list of winners that includes NASCAR Hall of Famers.

With its unique horseshoe-shaped bleachers and nickname “Madhouse,” Bowman Gray Stadium is sure to provide an exciting backdrop for the NASCAR Cup Series’ return. Fans can look forward to witnessing history being made once again at this iconic short track.