Kyle Petty Sets the Record Straight on Bowman Gray’s NASCAR Impact Ahead of The Clash

NASCAR is going back to its roots in 2025, and honestly, for many, it feels like a homecoming. The season-opening Clash is heading to Bowman Gray Stadium, a gritty, no-frills quarter-mile short track in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It’s a far cry from the glitz of the LA Coliseum, but that’s the point.

Bowman Gray, affectionately known as the “Madhouse,” is where NASCAR’s heart beats loudest. And if you’re wondering why this place is such a big deal, Kyle Petty is here to school us. Spoiler alert: It’s not just a track—it’s a living, breathing chapter of NASCAR history.

Kyle Petty reveals the legends of Bowman Gray

Kyle Petty recently took us on a tour of Bowman Gray, and it was like flipping through a family photo album of NASCAR royalty. “This is where the 2025 Clash will be, bringing it back old school,” Petty said, his voice dripping with nostalgia. “NASCAR has so much history here.”

He started with the Wood Brothers, the legendary team that’s been around since dirt tracks were the norm. “Glenn Wood raced here,” Petty explained. “This is where it all began for them.” If you’ve ever wondered where the Wood Brothers’ magic started, look no further than Bowman Gray.

Then there are the Myers brothers, Billy and Bobby. If their names don’t ring a bell, they should. These guys were some of the earliest pioneers of the sport back in the 1950s, and their legacy of nurturing talent and uplifting the sport is honored every year with the Myers Brothers Award at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

But perhaps the most jaw-dropping story is Richard Childress’. Yes, that Richard Childress—the man who went from selling peanuts in the stands to owning Dale Earnhardt’s championship-winning team. “Richard Childress sold peanuts and popcorn here,” Petty explained. “He went on to be Dale Earnhardt’s owner, and a champion owner at that in the Cup Series.” Even though Dale Sr. was not the first Earnhardt to win a race here, Childress and “The Intimidator” went ahead and won six Cup series titles together between 1986 to 1994.

For Childress, Bowman Gray is more than just a track—it’s where his journey began. “I think the track looks outstanding,” he said, reflecting on the recent renovations. “You’re still going to have that flat quarter-mile racetrack where you’re going to have to beat, bang, and push. Somebody is going to leave there mad, for sure.”

Childress’s rise from peanut vendor to team owner is the stuff of legends, and it all started at Bowman Gray. “This is where it all started for me,” he said. “It’s incredible to see NASCAR coming back here.”

And, of course, there’s Petty’s dad, Richard Petty, who notched his 100th career win at Bowman Gray in 1970. “The King” himself is part of the track’s lore, and that alone makes it hallowed ground.

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The $3 Million Purse and What It Means

Now, let’s talk money. While the history of Bowman Gray is enough to get any fan fired up, NASCAR is throwing in a little extra incentive for the 2025 Clash: a record-breaking purse of $3,002,500. That’s a hefty jump from the $2.21 million offered at the LA Coliseum in 2024.

The winner is expected to pocket roughly 10% of that total, which is a pretty sweet payday for an exhibition race. The rest of the purse will be divvied up among the charter teams, ensuring everyone shows up ready to rumble.

This isn’t just about the cash, though. It’s about NASCAR’s effort to elevate the Clash from a casual exhibition to a must-watch event. Once seen as a warm-up act, the Clash is now a high-stakes showdown that sets the tone for the season.

Denny Hamlin, a four-time Clash winner, hasn’t been shy about the financial challenges of participating in the event. “Economically, this race is a loss no matter what you do to it,” he said after last year’s race. “If you asked all of us, if we had the option, all teams probably would opt out of participating in the Clash because it has a bad negative impact.”

The increased purse is NASCAR’s way of addressing those concerns. It’s a nod to the teams and drivers, sure, but it’s also a statement: the Clash matters. And when you combine that with the nostalgia of Bowman Gray, you’ve got a recipe for something truly special.

NASCAR’s return to Bowman Gray isn’t just a trip down memory lane—it’s a bold move that bridges the sport’s past and future. By pairing the raw, unfiltered energy of the “Madhouse” with a modern, high-stakes event, NASCAR is reminding us why a lot of older fans fell in love with the sport in the first place.

For fans, the Clash at Bowman Gray promises to be a thrilling start to the 2025 season. For drivers, it’s a chance to carve their names into the track’s storied legacy. And for NASCAR, it’s proof that sometimes, the best way forward is to look back.