The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series is set to kick off in grand style, sparking excitement among fans. This year’s season opener promises to be a spectacle unlike any other as NASCAR revisits one of its most iconic venues, Bowman Gray Stadium. Known as “The Madhouse,” Bowman Gray is a quarter-mile oval steeped in NASCAR history.

This marks the first time in 54 years that Bowman Gray will host a NASCAR race. Drivers, sponsors, and fans are gearing up for a weekend filled with action, and the local community is also excited about the event. Local vendors expect the Cook Out Clash to have a massive economic and cultural impact.

NASCAR’s Historic Homecoming to Bowman Gray

The return of NASCAR to Bowman Gray Stadium is more than just a race. It promises to entertain fans and help North Carolina natives and the local racing community. Notably, the track hosted its first NASCAR race in 1958 and remained a staple of the Cup Series until 1971. After a 54-year absence, fans and experts are hailing its comeback as a momentous occasion.

The Cook Out Clash will also deliver a massive economic boost to the Winston-Salem area. Local businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and retailers, are gearing up for an influx of visitors. Ali Starnes of Muddy Creek Experiential expects the event to attract fans from 44 states and five countries, driving significant economic activity.

In a conversation with Triad Business Journal, veteran driver Zack Burick echoed the sentiments. He said, “Hopefully, for us in the construction industry, we get some eyeballs on the logos that are coming around the track. I think the B2B organizations are going to see more long-term results, hopefully, and the folks that are coming from out of town enjoy it and come back for the weekly racing, and it just continues to stimulate the local businesses.”

It’s worth noting that NASCAR is hosting this event after a lot of investment near the track. The track has been modified for the iconic race with a $530,020 grant from North Carolina’s Motorsports Relief Fund. The majority of sponsors are local businesses, and they will surely expect a huge crowd at the quarter-mile oval in Winston-Salem.

Notably, the Cook Out Clash weekend begins on February 1, 2025, with practice sessions. Drivers will compete in heat races on Saturday to secure their spots in Sunday’s main event. The heat winners will claim the top positions in the starting lineup, while others will have one last chance to qualify through the 75-lap Last Chance Qualifier.

The main event is a 200-lap feature race. It will take place on Sunday, February 2, starting in the evening. There will be a midpoint break at Lap 100. This will allow drivers and teams to make adjustments. The break will set up an intense second half of the race. Bowman Gray’s recent upgrades, including new lighting and SAFER barriers, will enhance both safety and the fan experience.

Will rain play a spoilsport?

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While anticipation for the Cook Out Clash is at an all-time high, the weather forecast has added an element of uncertainty to the event. The Weather Underground forecast shows a 30% chance of rain or snow on Saturday during qualifying and heats. Temperatures will range from 41 to 49 degrees, and rain showers will likely occur between 2 and 9 a.m. ET and later in the evening.

The main event on race day may also face a 30% chance of rain showers between 5 and 8 p.m. ET. Cloudy skies and temperatures around 49 degrees could create challenging conditions for both drivers and fans. Notably, NASCAR has faced similar situations in the past, including rain delays at the 2024 Clash in Los Angeles.

This year, the organization is ready to use wet-weather tires if needed. Goodyear designed these compounds for damp conditions, and they could ensure the race proceeds without significant disruptions. Fans, sponsors, and drivers would hope rain gods stay away for two days as NASCAR makes a historic return to Bowman Gray.