What better way to try and win a race than to hire the guy who knows it better than anyone else on the planet? Well, that’s exactly what Rick Ware Racing (RWR) has done by announcing that Tim Brown, a Bowman Gray Stadium legend, will drive the team’s No. 15 Ford in the Clash at the quarter-mile oval on February 2. For Brown, who has spent 35 years mastering Bowman Gray’s bullring track and honing his skills as a car builder and mechanic, this is nothing short of a dream come true.

Tim Brown’s long journey from local hero to the NASCAR Cup Series has fans trembling with excitement. At 53, he’s not just chasing his first Cup Series start but also carrying the hopes of fans who genuinely believe he could shake up the competition at the iconic short track.

A legend at Bowman Gray gets his shot

Brown is no stranger to Bowman Gray Stadium. With 12 track championships in the Modified Division and a record-breaking 101 feature wins, he’s the undisputed king of the quarter-mile oval. But his journey hasn’t been confined to the driver’s seat. Over the years, Brown has worked for NASCAR Cup Series teams as a suspension and drivetrain specialist, contributing to cars owned by legends like Cale Yarborough, Michael Waltrip, Jack Roush, and Rick Ware himself.

Despite his staggering success at Bowman Gray, Brown remains humble about his upcoming Cup Series debut. “I’ve worked my whole life to try to be a Cup driver,” Brown shared in a press release. “I’m good with working on race cars for a living because it’s still a pretty cool gig, but I always wanted to drive for a living. For Rick Ware and everybody involved here at RWR to give me the chance to go run a Cup race is so humbling and so heartwarming.”

Brown’s only previous NASCAR national series appearance came in 2009 when he competed in the Craftsman Truck Series at Martinsville Speedway, finishing 27th. Now, he’s ready to take on a new challenge, starting with a bit of preparation at the Madhouse Classic on February 1, where he’ll compete in a 125-lap Modified Division race. The event will also give him a first look at recent upgrades to Bowman Gray, including SAFER barriers that narrow the racing line—a factor Brown believes will play a crucial role.

“Just getting some track time before we climb in the Cup car, which I’ve never driven before other than on the chassis dyno, will be very helpful,” he said.

Despite the scale of the opportunity, Brown remains grounded. “The guys who race these Cup cars today are elite,” he admitted. “They’re the best drivers in the world, and I’m not even going to put myself in that same category. I just want to climb out of that thing at the end of the Clash and see my son and our family with big smiles on their faces.”

Fans rally around the rookie—and bet on a surprise win

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While Brown is tempering expectations, fans are doing the exact opposite. The announcement has sparked a wave of support across social media, with many pointing to his unmatched expertise at Bowman Gray as a reason to believe he could pull off a shocker.

One fan wrote: “That’s awesome. Dude has worked for Rick Ware as a suspension/drivetrain specialist for some time. It’s cool to see they’re giving him a ride when they’re going to his home track where he’s got 12 track championships. I wish we’d see more of this.”

Another declared, “So this is how RWR wins a race.” The sentiment is indicative of how some fans genuinely believe Brown’s intimate knowledge of the track could give him an edge, even against NASCAR’s best.

Some recalled Brown’s appearances on reality TV shows about Bowman Gray, while others celebrated RWR’s decision to give a veteran grassroots racer his moment on the big stage. “RWR gets it. Very happy for Tim Brown and his family. That is one fast cat. I would not be surprised at all if he’s in contention to win the race,” said one optimistic fan.

Brown’s career longevity and short-track prowess also earned him accolades. “Tim can wheel a car at a short track like nobody’s business,” noted one commenter. The overwhelming support reflects a desire among fans to see more local legends get opportunities in NASCAR’s top tiers.

Even skeptics had kind words, with one remarking, “Rare RWR W,” acknowledging that Rick Ware Racing, often viewed as an underdog team, had made a rare winning move by showcasing Brown’s talent at such a historic event.

Brown’s humility and gratitude shine through as he reflects on the opportunity. “I’m not going to leave there and say, ‘Hey, I’m a Cup driver now,’” he explained. “I’m just going to leave there knowing this was the experience of a lifetime.”

Rick Ware Racing has yet to finalize its full driver lineup for 2025, but Brown’s moment in the spotlight is already a win for the team. The Clash is a unique event that breaks the mold, much like Brown himself, and fans are eager to see if the 53-year-old rookie can rise to the occasion.

As one fan put it: “This is sick as hell. I would love to see more opportunities for ‘proven’ drivers like this.” Whether Brown makes headlines with an upset win or simply soaks in the moment, his presence in the Clash is a tribute to NASCAR’s roots—and its future.