The chartered teams enjoy peace of mind knowing that they will start every points-paying race in the NASCAR season. However, they won’t enjoy the same privileges when it comes to special events. This was evident with the roll-out of the new format for the Cook Out Clash at the Bowman Gray Stadium.

There was a time when the Bush Light Clash allowed a total of 27 entries, but by 2023 this was narrowed down to 23 entries. Multiple cautions and long stoppages forced NASCAR’s hand into redistricting the number of cars on the quarter-mile track. And the historic return of the Cup Series event at Bowman Gray will see NASCAR has opted to stick by this rule.

What is the format for the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium?

Only 23 drivers will be allowed to compete in the main event; thus, 13 Cup Series regulars won’t have a shot to win at the Clash. It all starts with the practice sessions that will decide the starting position of the Heat races. The entire field will be split into three practice groups, and all of them will receive three sessions. The competitor’s fastest lap time in their final practice run will determine their starting position for the Heat race.

In total, there will be four Heat races, and competitors will have to give their best in 25 laps. Only green lap flags will be counted, and there will be no overtime. The top five drivers from each heat race will advance to the main event. This will bring the field to 20 drivers out of the 23 spots available for the Clash. However, there will be one last opportunity for the drivers who failed to advance through the Heats with Last Chance Qualifiers.

The starting position for the LCQ will be determined by the finish of the drivers in the Heat races. This time around the competitors will have 75 laps without overtime to make their way into the Clash. The top two finishes for the LCQ will make their way into the main event, thus stretching the field to 22 entries. But what about the final spot? Well, there’s a special provision for that spot that could work out in favor of a Cup Series regular.

The 23rd spot is reserved for the driver who finished the highest in the 2024 season driver points standings, and who failed to qualify for the Clash. For example, if Joey Logano fails to advance through Heats or the LCQ, the last spot will be awarded to him. If Logano did make the cut, the spot becomes available to the Cup star who had the best finish in the driver’s standings and didn’t advance to the Clash through the qualifying rounds.

Favorites to win the Clash at Bowman Gray

There was a time when NASCAR hosted the Clash at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. But, in 2021, they opted to go for a short oval at the LA Coliseum, and now the event returns to its roots at the Madhouse. Now with the main event featuring a total of 23 drivers, it becomes easier to track the front runners who could win the prestigious race in 2025.

Denny Hamlin is the first name that comes to our mind, as he is the reigning champion and has won the event four times. The JGR star is one of the rare drivers who is an expert when it comes to short-track racing; his skills were on full display at the Bristol night race last season. Out of his three wins in 2024, two of them came on short ovals, so he is among the front runners to conquer the Bowman Gray Stadium.

Next in line, we have Joey Logano, the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion. Now, like Hamlin, he has the experience of navigating his way around short tracks, and he won the All-Star race at North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2024. Moreover, he has two Clash wins from 2017 and 2022, which makes him one of the strong contenders for Clash at Bowman Gray.

Last but not least, we have a surprise pick in Kyle Busch. Rowdy does have a lot to prove after a torrid 2024 season with Richard Childress Racing. The massive overhaul of the personnel at RCR and the potential of a massive comeback story could work out in his favor. Not to forget, like the two drivers above, he also has multiple Clash wins to his name. So watch out for Kyle Busch, as he could start the 2025 season with a bang.