We all knew the sun would eventually set on the Coliseum, and it did—after kicking off the 2024 season. The honor now belongs to the iconic Bowman Gray Stadium. Unlike the Coliseum, which took over from the Daytona race, BGS doesn’t have that much pressure from its predecessor. Still, ‘The Madhouse’ is leaving no stone unturned as it gears up for ‘The Clash’ in 2025.

With just a little over a month to prep the stadium for top-tier stock car racing, the renovations are in full swing. NASCAR’s goal? To make the race safer, but not everyone’s on board with this plan. Many diehard short-track fans argue that these upgrades could strip the stadium of its legendary charm. But recently, a NASCAR insider stepped up to defend the changes, shutting down the critics.

Renovations are underway at Bowman Gray Stadium

If you know Bowman Gray Stadium races, you know how intense things get in there. It’s seen some of the most heated racing over the years. If you look at the Bowman Gray, it gives you the feel of WWE’s classic steel cage matches. Where drivers are put on the short track and all hell breaks loose after the green flag waves as drivers claw their way to victory. Look at the recent Modifieds races, there are hardly any that end without a brawl. 

In 2023, a late race restart in the 100-lap Sportsman Race at Bowman Gray Stadium ended up with at least 10 cars in the turn 1 wall. Amber Lynn was the lead car with Tommy Neal on her tail. Lynn in the #2 car and Neal in the #21 appeared to miss the corner as they went straight, initiating a massive pile-up. Neal got out of his car and gave the back window of the #2 car a piece of his mind using his fists. Amber Lynn continued in the race, but Tommy Neal was done for the night. Such are the emotions during a race at the BGS.

That’s why Gray Garrison, the promoter of BGS, once said the stadium is “part racing, part religion, and part wrestling.” And while things may still get intense when NASCAR’s Cup Series returns after 54 years on February 2, 2025, we’re hoping they’ll be a little more civilized. NASCAR’s adding a SAFER barrier all around the track (just like at every other NASCAR venue) and a catch fence around the stadium. Their goal is to make ‘The Clash’ safer, but not everyone’s happy about these changes. Sure, the track’s known for its ruggedness, but NASCAR’s top priority is safety, and honestly, that’s how it should be, right?

While hardcore BGS fans are upset, thinking NASCAR’s ruining the track’s charm, NASCAR journalist Matt Weaver came to the rescue. He shared a post from former NASCAR driver Tony White, who explained why these safety upgrades are so important. “Not only will it be safer for the drivers by reducing G-forces during an impact,” White said, “but the track crew won’t have to replace broken posts or pull the walls back after every race… I always had a fear of a car ending up in the stands. That did happen in practice years ago, but it could have been much worse during a race. These new walls will significantly reduce that risk.”

Weaver, however, isn’t too fond of the catch fence himself. He admitted, “Part of what makes the stadium so compelling is the intimacy of being so close to the track.” But like White said, preventing cars from flying into the stands is more important than preserving that old-school vibe.

Sure, the backlash is understandable, but shouldn’t we be proud that BGS is coming back to NASCAR? White has a point: “Quit being so (expletive) negative and enjoy the fact that NASCAR’s top series is returning for the first time since 1971. A lot of other tracks would love to have that kind of excitement.”

A safer barrier and a catch fence aren’t the only upgrades to BGS.

Bowman Gray gets new lights!

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NASCAR’s also bringing in new lights! No fan wants to miss a single second of action at BGS, so NASCAR is upgrading the lighting to ensure better visibility for both drivers and fans. They’re installing a brand-new Musco Lighting system, designed to improve the track’s lighting conditions. This is huge—not only for the people in the stands but also for the millions watching on TV.

Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive vice president, said, “Part of being good stewards of Bowman Gray Stadium includes preparing it to host compelling events that rightfully place it in the national spotlight. We are grateful to Musco for providing the premium event lighting product to illuminate this historic venue. The preparations in advance of The Clash will position this national treasure as a showcase of national and grassroots racing for the next generation and beyond.” The new lighting aims to meet international safety standards while giving fans an unforgettable experience.

Musco’s CEO, Jeff Rogers, added, “We’re excited to be part of this project. Lighting ‘The Clash’ is thrilling, but leaving a legacy LED lighting system for local racing and Winston-Salem State University football makes it even more special.” Bowman Gray will be back in action on February 1-2, so the countdown is on! The stadium is already full! Are you excited about the race? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!