Richard Petty Drops 8-Word Advice for Cup Drivers to Survive Bowman Gray’s Dangers

After an experimenting phase with the Clash at LA Coliseum, NASCAR decided to return to its roots at the Bowman Gray Stadium. The quarter-mile racetrack in downtown Winston-Salem is the longest-running weekly track for NASCAR races. Before stock car racing became popular, stock car racers have been racing at Madhouse since 1949. Although data and simulation, along with the Next Gen car, have changed the sport completely, Richard Petty believes racing at Bowman Gray is a different experience.

The seven-time champ knows something about navigating his way to the victory lane, the famed quarter mile. And with the Cup Series returning to its roots, Petty has shared advice with the new generation on drivers of what to expect at Bowman Gray.

Nothing compares to short-track racing at Bowman Gray Stadium

One of the biggest downsides to modern-day NASCAR racing is dwindling short-track races on the schedule. Back in the day, drivers preferred to race at the short ovals. Tracks like Occoneechee Speedway, Hickory Speedway, and Fairgrounds Speedway hosted Cup racing events. Now the superspeedways, intermediates, and road courses have become a mainstay in the Cup Series. Only a handful of drivers like Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and Brad Keselowski are considered short-track specialists.

Richard Petty won his 100th NASCAR race at the Madhouse and understands the difficulty and challenge of conquering this historic track. Sharing his wisdom on what drivers can expect at Bowman Gray Stadium and how it is different from any other racing venue. “Basically, you’re just busier; the bigger the racetrack, the less busy you are driving the car. You have to think further ahead. When you’re on a big track like Daytona, you gotta look a mile ahead to see what’s going on. At Bowman Gray, you look what’s on front of the hood. It’s completely different driving style so the driver really stays more involved driving the race car on a short track than he does at bigger tracks.”

The King also shared his take on how this Clash event at the Bowman Gray is a perfect bridge that connects the old and the new generations. “I thought it was a good idea from the standpoint that NASCAR started at Bowman Gray, and even before they had the Cup Series, NASCAR in some races there. I look at it from a standpoint that the old fans now get to see the new cars run on an old track, and the new fans will see where NASCAR came from the beginning.” Petty said this in an interview with WFMY News 2.

Interestingly, the 7-time champ also touched upon how NASCAR could better leverage the fan experience with more short-track races. He made a valid comparison of how the short-track races get the fans more involved and hooked in comparison to a superspeedway race at Daytona International Speedway.

Richard Petty believes NASCAR should allow fans to relive history

Trending

1

“Don’t Need NASCAR”- Mike Wallace Warned Against Repeating His Children’s Mistakes Amidst Daytona 500 Fallout

2

NASCAR Rumor: Trackhouse Racing Spoil Dale Jr’s Surprise as Eagle-Eyed Fans Spot Key Detail

3

How NASCAR Saved Carl Edwards From a Spiteful Driver After Pulling a “Mike Wallace” on the Vet

4

Rick Hendrick’s Huge Daytona 500 Favor to Dale Jr & Kelley Earnhardt Revealed by 10-Time Grammy Winner

5

When Sponsor’s Revolt: NASCAR’s ‘Worst’ Driver Dragged to Court Over Shocking Issue

We all know very well how bad NASCAR wants to relive the golden period. In their efforts to attract new race fans, they’ve tried everything from more road course races to switching to streaming partners. In their hustle and constant search for a new formula, NASCAR might be ignoring the importance of the sport’s rich history. And Richard Petty feels that short-track racing is something that stays fresh in the memory of the race fans.

“I think it brings the history back. If you’re going to watch a race at Daytona, they go back to the backstretch, and a lot of times if you don’t follow the car around the track, it’s hard to pick out your race car. When you go to places like Bowman Gray, you’re sitting right there, and instantly you see the whole racetrack. So as far as watching a complete race and seeing everything that’s going on, then the short tracks are best from that standpoint.” Petty added.

It’s good to see NASCAR remembering its roots with special events at tracks like Bowman Gray and North Wilkesboro Speedway. But on the other hand, the dismal short-track package and Richmond Raceway losing a date for the 2025 season is indeed concerning.