Time to change the setting of the thrilling Cup Series opener. A permanent fixture on the NASCAR Cup Series grid since 1979, the Clash has shifted venues several times. The past two years were at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, a multipurpose stadium in California. But NASCAR found its purpose a little lagging here and hence is all ready to pack its bags for the new Clash address.

The L.A. Memorial Coliseum was a thrilling temporary quarter-mile track, as Denny Hamlin clinched the Clash win this season. NASCAR’s Next-Gen car proved itself at this location before the regular season, and Goodyear tires also found a testing ground. However, the Coliseum lacked one thing: convenient distance. Teams had to travel all the way to California for a non-points-paying race. However, that is slated to change in 2025.

The Clash is closer to home now

The Cup Series will now host the historic Clash at the Bowman Gray Stadium, another quarter-miler. Journalist Bob Pockrass took to X to update and wrote, “The Clash will once again be run on a quarter-mile track — but in 2025 it’ll be at Bowman Gray Stadium. Sunday, Feb. 2. On FOX.” This venue is both closer to home—only an hour north of Charlotte, North Carolina—and also closer to NASCAR fans’ hearts. Built in 1937, the Bowman Gray hosted Cup races from 1958 to 1971.

Called the Madhouse, Bowman Gray Stadium is a hallowed ground for NASCAR. Dale Earnhardt Jr recently explained its significance in a promotional video. “They call it the Madhouse. A cornerstone for what stock car racing is, has been and always will be. A place where fenders rub, tempers flare, and legends have raced since 1949. In 2025, the Bowman Gray Stadium opens for the NASCAR Cup Series in the NASCAR Cup Clash.”

Ben Kennedy, Executive VP and Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer of NASCAR, explained how crucial Bowman Gray is to the NASCAR spirit. “Bowman Gray Stadium has a storied history in motorsports, so we look forward to bringing the Cup Series back to this revered racetrack for the first time since 1971.” He added, “As NASCAR’s first weekly racetrack, Bowman Gray Stadium holds a special place as the original home to grassroots racing. With a history of intense competition, we are proud to host The Clash at the ‘The Madhouse.’”

To further promote the return of Bowman, NASCAR will also hit the big screens.

Silver screen celebration of the comeback

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Returning to a racetrack that carried NASCAR during its formative years calls for a proper tribute. So NASCAR Studios and FOX Sports Films are producing a one-hour documentary to mark the occasion. The Madhouse: NASCAR’s Return to Bowman Gray Stadium will feature on FS1, and more details about when to watch the movie will be available at a later date. The movie would explore the rich and evergreen history of Bowman Gray and also delve into the Clash race in 2025.

This grand announcement has gotten locals excited as well. City of Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines put forth his eagerness. “The city of Winston-Salem is very excited and grateful to NASCAR for selecting Bowman Gray Stadium as the site for The Clash in 2025. This further solidifies our city’s relationship with NASCAR and the many fans in the region as we welcome the NASCAR Cup Series back to Bowman Gray Stadium.”

Let us see how this novel initiative pans out next year at The Clash!