The Bush Light Clash at the Coliseum is one of the most anticipated events in the NASCAR calendar. The non-points exhibition race has been the star feature of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum since 2022. However, the 2025 edition will be something different. The Clash is moving to a venue with a racing heritage—the Bowman Gray Stadium.

The Winston-Salem-based racetrack is the most recognizable and historic venue for stock car racing. This will be the first time since 1971 that the Cup series will race at the Bowman Gray. NASCAR’s motive behind this venue change is to celebrate the roots of racing at the historic venue. The Bowman Gray has hosted the Cup Series races from 1958 to 1971. It looks like the one person who is sure of the success that is destined to come NASCAR’s way is none other than Steve Phelps.

The Clash at The Madhouse

Excitement and adrenaline know no bounds at the clash. Despite being an exhibition race, there is hardly anything casual about it. This time the fan experience is expected to reach new heights since its host venue, famously known as The Madhouse, is popular for its high-intensity races with fine margins. The drama and theatrics that unfold because of this are therefore unprecedented.

NASCAR President Steve Phelps is certain that the race will break all previous records. Talking about the venue and the reasons behind such a decision at Kevin Harvick‘s ‘The Happy Hour’, the NASCAR President expressed his sentiments when he said, “I am really excited about it, and it’ll be another sellout.”

Talking about the excitement level around the race and the status of ticket bookings, Phelps added, “We went on sale this week and had a significant number of pre-orders. I think the fans are excited to go see what that race can be. I know I am excited about it.”

So, it’s expected to be a sellout show at the Bowman Gray Stadium in the eyes of the NASCAR President. Additionally, Phelps also believes that through the race, NASCAR’s reach to people outside the world of stock car racing will significantly increase. The NASCAR President further highlighted, “We’re not afraid to take a chance on something right. It’s an exhibition race. It’s an iconic facility that’s 100 years old. It was just a cool thing, and 70% of the people that went to that race had never been to the NASCAR race before. 80% of the people that went to Chicago has never been to a NASCAR race before. I think those are important things.

President Phelps also explained the importance of history, emphasized going back to his roots, and said something excruciating on the matter. It explains why NASCAR is approaching going back to the roots. Phelps further said, “So, for us, schedule variation in continuing to push the boundaries of the schedule is important. But I think you actually need a nod to history as well, right? And so, whether you’re talking about North Wilkesboro and the All-Star race or you’re talking about the clash at Bowman Gray. I think it’s a nod to the history and roots of the sport and I think that’s important.”

Now that NASCAR’s President has explained to the fans the reason behind moving ‘The Clash’ to North Carolina, the hype behind the much-anticipated race is likely to spike up.

Denny Hamlin managed to win the famous race this year. Martin Truex Jr. finished first in 2023; only time will tell who the king of The Clash in 2025 will be. Bowman Gray Stadium has the potential to make the experience of the race memorable. The history of the stadium is a witness to that.

Bowman Gray Stadium: The lone surviving witness of glory days

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The history of Bowman Gray Stadium is unlike any other NASCAR venue. In sporting terms, it’s like the ‘Theatre of Dreams’. NASCAR fans prefer to call it ‘The Madhouse’ because of its intense, close-quarters races. Gray Garrison, the promoter of Bowman Gray Stadium, has described the venue as ‘part racing, part religion, and part wrestling.‘

The history of the first NASCAR race on its racetrack dates back to 1949. Besides the multiple events that it holds, the 0.25-mile asphalt track is home to 4 divisions of weekly competition. The oldest of which is the modified division.

The Bowman Gray Stadium is also the home of the Winston-Salem State University Rams football team since 1956. The venue hosts several community events and high school football matches. Thus, providing much more than a car racing experience to the people of the state.

What are your thoughts on comments from NASCAR President Steve Phelps? Do you think Bowman Gray will be a successful host of The Clash this year? Let us know in the comments.