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NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Toyota Owners 400 Apr 2, 2023 Richmond, Virginia, USA Bubba Wallace waves to fans before the race during the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway. Richmond Richmond Raceway Virginia USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJohnxDavidxMercerx 20230402_tdc_sx1_0011
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NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Toyota Owners 400 Apr 2, 2023 Richmond, Virginia, USA Bubba Wallace waves to fans before the race during the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway. Richmond Richmond Raceway Virginia USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJohnxDavidxMercerx 20230402_tdc_sx1_0011
The clock is ticking. Only two days are left until NASCAR embarks upon the first thrilling event of 2025. The Cook Out Clash race is all set to be flagged off on February 2nd, and this year NASCAR has a new venue for the grand exhibition race. Bowman Gray Stadium will do the honors – and drivers like Bubba Wallace are especially apprehensive. Why? Because of the context behind the track’s nickname: ‘Madhouse.’
Bowman Gray has been the racing community’s go-to for almost eight decades. For NASCAR, the story began in 1949, when the track hosted the sport’s first race. Aside from hosting legendary drivers like Richard Petty, David Pearson, and countless others, the track had a specialty – rowdy fans.
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Bubba Wallace lets slip his concern
The quarter-mile short track may look innocent and small from the outside. However, once you enter one of Bowman Gray’s races, the sound of screaming fans and roaring engines is sure to get to you. Even after NASCAR left in 1971, the regional series continued. Every week, thousands of fans pack the stadium in downtown Winston-Salem and take full advantage of the close-quarters seating. Gearheads can easily reach out and slap their favorite drivers as they zoom by. They also flip the birds quite often, when intense rivalries boil over into the grandstands.
Poll of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Do you think Bubba Wallace's concerns about the 'Madhouse' at Bowman Gray are justified?
Yes, it's a dangerous track
No, he's overreacting
It's part of the sport
Not sure
Do you think Dodge's return to NASCAR will reignite the glory days of American muscle cars?
Absolutely, it's about time for a comeback
No, the sport has moved on
Maybe, but it depends on their performance
I don't care as long as the races are exciting
Whats your Perspective on:
Will Bubba Wallace conquer the 'Madhouse,' or will chaos reign supreme at Bowman Gray?
Have an interesting take?
With the rise of electric vehicles, should NASCAR embrace EVs or stick to traditional V8 engines?
Embrace EVs, it's the future
Stick to V8s, it's the heart of NASCAR
Find a balance between both
Let the market decide
Do you think Hooters' financial struggles will have a lasting impact on NASCAR?
Yes, it's a significant blow to the sport
No, NASCAR will move on quickly
Maybe, but it depends on future sponsorships
I don't care as long as the races continue
Are you excited about Amazon Prime Video stepping in as a sponsor for Chase Elliott?
Absolutely, it's a fresh start
No, I miss the Hooters era
I'm indifferent, as long as Elliott performs
I'm skeptical about streaming services in NASCAR
Want to dive deeper?
Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.
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This hair-blazing, white-knuckle drama is what jitters Bubba Wallace. The 23XI Racing No. 45 Toyota driver is gearing up to return to Bowman Gray. Despite having run races here before, Wallace admitted that his anticipation is immense. We heard his one-word verdict on expectations from the ‘Madhouse’ in a recent ‘NASCAR Live’ episode: “Chaotic.“ Then Wallace slipped out his fervent wish: “Hope it all works out.” Other drivers are no less apprehensive. Hendrick Motorsports stars William Byron and Kyle Larson have experienced the rowdy nature of the track. However, they also know that, unlike the L.A. Coliseum, fans here would know exactly what is going on in the race.
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Bowman Gray Stadium
Wallace’s Cup Series rival and dear friend Ryan Blaney got the ‘Madhouse’ experience when he raced as a 10-year-old. Apparently, a 7-year-old fan flipped the bird at him – further proving the raw energy of the track. Bubba Wallace made further comments about the repaved track. With brand-new track lighting and visibility, it would be a unique show: “It’s going to be interesting to see the racing surface – it’s two-and-a-half car-lengths wide. We’ll see how it works out. But it’s going to be entertaining, I think that’s what they’re going for. So I hope we make the big show.”
Bubba Wallace’s apprehensions have solid evidence in the past. Bowman Gray witnessed a big crash barely two years ago.
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Knowing what we are in for
Well, Bowman Gray has been the springboard for several renowned entities in NASCAR. It is the track where famous moonshiner Junior Johnson got his first NASCAR start. It witnessed a young Richard Childress fall in love with the sport. Then Richard Petty won his 100th Cup Series victory in 1969. All these moments make for a dazzling show. But the ‘Madhouse’ is still renowned for its iconic wrecks, which are keeping Bubba Wallace on the edge. Most recently in June 2022, a 50-lap Modified feature witnessed a scary pile-up on the very first lap.
The drivers involved included Chris Fleming, Jonathan Brown, Danny Propst, Gary Young Jr., and Lee Jeffreys. Fleming slammed the outside wall coming to the green flag, and every car incurred heavy damage. Although he tried to climb back aboard his vehicle, Fleming confessed that he lost all his points. He blamed the track’s tricky nature for this mishap. “Bowman Gray is Bowman Gray. He’s the master of manipulation. Let’s face it, I’m not a young superstar. I’m the old grandpa. Gray [Garrison, Track Promoter] can do what he wants with the points. I know that when I go in the gate that that’s the reason I will not run for the championship.”
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Now it is the NASCAR Cup Series drivers’ turn to experience Bowman Gray’s havoc. As the race is just around the corner, we cannot wait to watch it!
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Debate
Will Bubba Wallace conquer the 'Madhouse,' or will chaos reign supreme at Bowman Gray?
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What’s your perspective on:
Will Bubba Wallace conquer the 'Madhouse,' or will chaos reign supreme at Bowman Gray?
Have an interesting take?