For a while, NASCAR has had a short-track problem. Over the years, so many short tracks have been forced to shut down and eventually abandoned. In light of this, many NASCAR drivers have been declaring that something needs to be done to save them. Among them is Chase Elliott, who triumphed at the Clash at Bowman Gray, which is incidentally a short track.

NASCAR saw an opportunity where they can promote the Madhouse for the next 50 years. Other short tracks have also been revitalized including, North Wilkesboro Speedway. This was all thanks to Dale Earnhardt Jr. restoring the track. Speedway Motorsports also chipped in, as did the state of North Carolina. Since then, North Wilkesboro Speedway has been used for short track-focused series like CARS Tour, ASA, the SMART Modified Tour, and the Whelen Modified Tour. Even the Rockingham Speedway, received a similar investment recently. But, why do drivers want short tracks preserved?

Chase Elliott and others spoke about how NASCAR could save short tracks

According to drivers, the sport has a responsibility to preserve short tracks for the long term. The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium was a bit of an acid test for NASCAR. This was because it was the first time that the Cup Series raced at the track since 1971. What’s actually interesting is that Bowman Gray still hosts races to this day.

According to Clash winner and 2020 Cup Series champion Chase Elliott, “You hate to see (and) ‘historic’ might be the wrong word, but the cornerstone racetracks of what paved NASCAR to be what it is today shut down or go away. If us having a race or if it’s the Rockingham case where those guys are taking Xfinity and Trucks over there, if that’s going to keep that place alive and keep it from shutting down or getting bulldozed, then I think that’s a victory for motorsports. Whether it’s NASCAR or whatever, I just think having these racetracks survive this day and time is a really big deal.”

It is a fair point to make. NASCAR’s rich history makes it stand out amidst other motorsports rising to popularity. It’s safe to say that NASCAR is the most American Motorsport on the planet, and short tracks have always been crucial. Elliot further added,“We need to try to make sure we’re doing as much as we can to keep those places in business and give us the opportunity to even return there one day, right? What happens if the effort from the state didn’t happen and Rockingham goes away, North Wilkesboro goes away?” 

Now, this has turned into a serious conversation in the NASCAR community. An idea has been floated around to use broadcast money to prepare them for the highest level. This would in turn ensure the tracks’ longevity for a few decades.

On a similar note, Kyle Busch noted that it is great for the sport to reinvest in the future for other racing and local-level racers. Seeing how Bowman Gray is benefitting, he believes that other tracks like Five Flags Speedway and a few in Alabama deserve the opportunity. While NASCAR has it’s opportunity to work on track improvements, drivers are looking forward to the 2025 season for more blood, grit and glory.

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Now, the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series is in full swing. Elliott has already drawn first blood with his win in the Clash, but the real season will begin in a little more than a week. The Clash at Bowman Gray is an excellent appetizer to whet the fans’ excitement for the upcoming season. However, the real season begins with the Daytona 500, and it will be interesting to see who emerges victorious.

Out of the current drivers, Denny Hamlin is the most successful, having picked up three wins in his career. As for Chase Elliott, this is a feather that he has yet to stick in his cap. Teammate William Byron is already the first of the Hendrick Motorsports quartet to win the iconic race. Naturally, Elliott wants to etch his name in history, alongside his father Bill Elliott who has won it twice.