This weekend, NASCAR is finally back, and it all starts with the Busch Light Clash. In the past couple of years, the Los Angeles Coliseum played host to the Clash, but all that has changed. This year, the Bowman Gray Stadium is making a comeback to NASCAR and playing host to the Clash.

However, it is worth mentioning that the 0.250-mile track is polarizing among the Modified community. Of course, nobody is questioning its history and role as a part of NASCAR’s identity. However, some have wondered whether the event might turn out into a circus and be less about racing. Fortunately, there is one NASCAR driver who has leaped to Bowman Gray’s defense, and that is Ryan Preece.

Ryan Preece explains why’ The Madhouse’ is unique

The new RFK Racing recruit hails from Berlin, Connecticut, and is familiar with Bowman Gray. He used to volunteer to race at ‘The Madhouse’ and was quite fond of the track. Ahead of the Clash, Preece is getting a head-start in familiarizing himself with the short track. To be precise, he is linking up with Hughes Motorsports for the Madhouse Classic Modified race, ahead of the Clash. Understandably so, he has always been a fan of the track.

He told Short Track Scene, “What I did is I ran a true Bowman Gray modified race one time. I actually raced the Whelen (NASCAR) Southern Modified Tour, which is a traditional wide tire car, probably, I think three times. So, there are some differences. The Bowman Gray style modified, it’s not a spooled rear end, the motors are a little different as well as a narrower tire. So, there are some little differences, but at the end of the day, from what I understand, their weekly show it’s exactly that, it’s a show.” 

Ryan Preece loves the theatrical nature of Bowman Gray and how it truly feels like a ‘show’. According to him, racing is only part of the equation. The other part of it is the overall experience, so the fans are also important. Preece acknowledged that sometimes the entertainment comes at the cost of racing, and he is not a fan of that but understands that the fans are there for a reason.

He continued, “As much as it is racing, you’re there to entertain fans… part of racing is entertaining and that’s something that they definitely still do, which sometimes comes at the detriment of their race cars… I don’t necessarily support that at all,”. However, he is aware that the Bowman Gray organizers work hard to pack the grandstands with passionate fans. “But it’s different and obviously, they pack that place every single week.” 

The RFK driver insisted that he respects the purity of racing at ‘The Madhouse’ and admitted that the history behind Bowman Gray Stadium motivates him to perform at the track.

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The RFK Racing driver will be aiming for nothing less than a win

Since he is familiar with Bowman Gray, his primary mission will be to win. For that, he has to win his Heat Race, avoid the Last Chance Qualifier, and then beat 22 other cars in 200 laps. He said, “Winning in general you want to do, right. But, Bowman Gray and the history that’s behind it, you look back at some of the names and adding your name to that list of the Cup Series going and winning at Bowman Gray, that’s where NASCAR was pretty much born, so it would be pretty special to go and do that, and what better way than to kick it off here in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.”

The Cup Series winners at Bowman Gray indeed are an esteemed list of drivers including Richard Petty, Rex White, Junior Johnson, Bobby Allison, and many more. The track also saw Petty win his 100th race, but his first time out there was less than memorable, Petty recalled, “I had no idea what was going on or anything. I think I spent more time in the infield than I did on the racetrack.”

For Ryan Preece, the main priority is to get through the weekend. If he can somehow win, it will be a massive confidence booster as the 2025 campaign truly kicks off. Preece admitted that short-track racing is one of his strengths and he has made it to the Busch Clash three years in a row. Now, he is hoping to make it four out of four, and it will be even more special with his new team behind him. Preece will drive the #60 Ford Mustang for RFK Racing as he hunts for his first Cup Series win.