“Part racing, part religion, and part wrestling.” This is how Bowman Gray Stadium’s promoter, Gray Garrison, once described the legendary short track. NASCAR’s return to the iconic track for the Cook Out Clash certainly lived up to that reputation. The Cup Series’ exhibition race brought out the chaos that fans had long associated with the “Madhouse.” With the intense on-track battles and roaring fans, it didn’t feel that quarter-mile bullring hosted a race after 54 years. Notably, NASCAR’s most popular driver Chase Elliott won the race after dominating the two-day show.

However, the return to Bowman Gray was more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane, it also reignited a long-running debate. After years of Clash at LA Coliseum, a debate around the change of venue dominated the weekend. Some saw Bowman Gray as a raw, traditional short track that embodies NASCAR’s roots, while others dismissed the notion. Amid the ongoing debate, Brad Keselowski’s driver Chris Buescher picked a side with a candid remark.

Chris Buescher’s candid take on the Coliseum debate

Chris Buescher’s outing at Bowman Gray didn’t go entirely as planned. After winning his heat race from the pole, Buescher secured a front-row start for the main event. However, in the melee of the feature race, he slipped down the order and finished in tenth place. Despite a mixed outing, his enthusiasm for the venue was undeniable.

In a candid conversation with Matt Weaver, Buescher contrasted Bowman Gray with the LA Coliseum. “Yeah, this one races like a racetrack. LA don’t know if it was just a curve, straightaways, or what, but, and I’m biased, I like this place that was fun racing. It was rough, but it was fun racing. So much better here,” says Buescher.

Notably, NASCAR hosted the Clash at LA Coliseum in 2022. After three years of running, the sanctioning body decided to move back to its roots at Bowman Gray Stadium. The track hosted its maiden NASCAR race after 54 years and delivered a spectacle. However, it was more than special for Buescher. The RFK Racing driver’s performance at Bowman Gray marked an improvement over his previous outings in the Clash.

This was the first time the RFK Racing driver qualified for the main event, having missed the starting grid in the past three LA-based clashes. Securing a front-row start was a significant step forward, even if the race result wasn’t what he hoped for. Despite the result, Buescher loved racing and the atmosphere at the track as he praised the crowd. “So, I’ve seen that for weekend shows here. I’ve seen it all through the Madhouse production. We knew we were coming into, and fans didn’t disappoint us for sure,” he further added.

While Buescher’s race ended in a top-ten finish, the day belonged to Chase Elliott. Starting from the pole, Elliott dominated most of the race by leading a record 171 laps out of 200. With this win, Elliott set the stage for the upcoming season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Notably, in 1987, Chase Elliott’s father Bill had won the preseason clash before clinching the Daytona 500. A win in a couple of weeks will place Chase alongside his father.

The night saw its share of hard-fought battles, with drivers trading paint and positions in front of an electrified crowd. Team Penske’s driver Ryan Blaney delivered a stunning performance too. Despite starting from the back of the pack, he passed everyone to finish a close second behind Elliott. Apart from him, Denny Hamlin also dominated the track by leading 28 laps. However, after a restart, he failed to keep the lead.

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Chase Elliott echoes Buescher’s sentiments

Meanwhile, Chris Buescher was not the only driver who supported Bowman Gray as the Clash’s new home. Race winner Chase Elliott also backed the move, saying the track brought something special to the event. Elliott, who has raced at the LA Coliseum in the last three years, felt that its appeal faded after the first year.

In a media interaction, NASCAR MPD said, “I think having it out there in Los Angeles was a great thought. I commend them for their effort in doing it. But I think the shine wore off of it after the first year. I think that the (Bowman Gray) Stadium is a place that has some historical value from a NASCAR presence perspective… I think that’s going to last more than a year…”

These comments reflect that NASCAR’s efforts to revive one of its most historic tracks have worked. Many fans and drivers loved to race in front of a roaring crowd. For Elliott, the track’s regular weekly events and variety of races add to its charm, providing an authenticity that can’t be replicated in newer venues. As NASCAR looks ahead to the new season, the debate over the Clash’s venue will probably continue. But for now, Bowman Gray’s thrilling return has reminded everyone what makes stock car racing so interesting.