The hype around the 2025 NASCAR season opener is through the roof, and for good reason. For the first time in over 50 years, the legendary Bowman Gray Stadium—better known as the “Madhouse”—is hosting a Cup Series event. The Busch Light Clash isn’t just back; it’s coming in hot, with 17,000 seats already sold and fans clamoring for what promises to be an unforgettable night of short-track chaos.

Bowman Gray, steeped in history and notorious for its no-holds-barred racing, is the kind of place where NASCAR’s roots really shine. It’s tight, it’s rough, and it’s unapologetically raw. Add in the fact that the Clash is a non-points race—essentially a free-for-all—and you’ve got the perfect recipe for fireworks. But while the track’s grit and history are being celebrated, it’s the new bells and whistles causing a stir. NASCAR has gone all out to make this event feel special, including some facility upgrades. Fans love a show, but not all of them are sold on one particular addition.

Chris Weaver, a long-time NASCAR cameraman, posted a video on Twitter showcasing Bowman Gray’s brand-new Musco Lighting system, installed just in time for The Clash. The lights can flash and even sync up with music, promising a spectacle unlike anything the Madhouse has seen before.

“The new Musco Lighting system at Bowman Gray Stadium was turned on this evening for the first time. It was installed for The Clash but will be a permanent fixture. They did a pretty cool sound test also that showed how the LEDs can dance to the music. Welcome to the Madhouse!” Weaver wrote.

Reactions, however, have been anything but unanimous. Some fans are thrilled about the modern touch, while others are raising red flags—quite literally, in some cases.

A light show in the Madhouse but not everyone thinks it lightens the mood

“I hate this trend at racetracks. And I’m the guy who embraces change,” one fan tweeted. “But damn it, there’s too many people that can have serious medical conditions due to the lights. What’s the answer? Don’t go? Yeah, seems like that’s a great option when we already can’t get a–es in seats.”

Another fan chimed in, pointing out potential safety risks. “Not trying to be a buzzkill, but for all the stadiums doing light shows, when someone falls, misses a step, and hurts themselves during these inconsistent light displays, the fallout could be interesting.” Others took a more personal stance: “I don’t have epilepsy, but that would give me a seizure. I’m at a race, not a rave.”

Criticism wasn’t universal, though. A few fans joked sarcastically about taking the light show to the next level. “They should do that during the race,” one quipped. But overall, the backlash highlights a growing tension in motorsport: how far can you push the spectacle before it starts alienating the core fanbase?

For NASCAR, the return to Bowman Gray is a chance to connect with its gritty, short-track roots while still embracing the showbiz flair that has defined its more recent events. Moving the Clash from the Hollywood glitz of the LA Coliseum to a blue-collar, fan-first venue like Bowman Gray is a bold choice—and one that’s been mostly welcomed by purists.

But upgrades like the Musco Lighting system represent a delicate balancing act. NASCAR is trying to appeal to younger, more casual fans without alienating its hardcore base. The Clash kicks off the season with a bang, and modern features like synchronized light shows are part of that effort. However, the fan reaction shows that not everyone is on board with this approach.

The concerns are valid. For one, light shows like these can pose health risks to people with epilepsy or other sensitivities to flashing lights. Critics have also pointed out that the lighting could distract drivers or create unnecessary safety hazards in a venue as tight and intense as Bowman Gray. Add to that the potential for increased liability if someone gets injured in the stands, and it’s clear why some fans are uneasy.

On the flip side, NASCAR’s decision to make Bowman Gray’s new lighting system a permanent feature suggests that the organization is betting big on its entertainment value. The lights might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for fans who enjoy the spectacle, it’s one more reason to be excited about the Madhouse’s return to the spotlight.