Last year, Dale Earnhardt Jr. made the audacious prediction that Bowman Gray Stadium would host NASCAR’s Clash again in 2025, and he was correct. In March 2024, Earnhardt Jr. tweeted, “Is NASCAR about to give us the Clash at BG in 2025?” following the Hawkins family’s 75-year lease on the historic track being acquired by NASCAR. Fans debated the hypothesis, and over a year later, NASCAR revealed the race’s location, which is scheduled for Sunday, February 2. Bowman Gray Stadium, which hosted NASCAR’s first weekly race in 1949, has a unique role in the organization’s history. An oval circuit in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, known as “NASCAR’s longest-running weekly race track,” has long been a favorite among fans due to its grassroots.
Allen Joines, the mayor of Winston Salem, stated, “The City of Winston Salem is delighted that NASCAR is acquiring Winston-Salem Speedway Inc.” “I am doubly happy that NASCAR has committed to the continuance of the weekly races at the stadium, that are so popular with our citizens and visitors.” For the past two years, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has hosted NASCAR’s Clash. The decision infuriated a number of Californians, who claimed that NASCAR was reducing their already meager number of appearances outside of Sonoma Raceway during the year. Fans conjectured that when NASCAR purchased the lease for Bowman Gray, the venue might host future events such as the Clash or perhaps All-Star races. At first, several questioned Earnhardt Jr.’s forecast, pointing to the chilly February weather in Winston-Salem compared to Los Angeles.
Others questioned whether Bowman Gray’s remarks on the preservation of classic tracks like North Wilkesboro Speedway made Earnhardt Jr. think about buying him. He worked with government representatives to secure a grant in 2019 that would enable the track to be rebuilt with new concrete, LED screens, and more advanced technology, and he assisted construction workers in getting the circuit ready for iRacing simulator studies. The All-Star race was held at the Speedway in 2025 after NASCAR returned there in 2023. Fans swiftly rallied around the prospect of the Clash coming to Bowman Gray, despite the initial pessimism. By the end of November 2024, almost three months before to race day, the event was completely sold out. Justin Swilling, NASCAR’s Clash project head, emphasized the significance of the venue’s return. “The sellout of The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium speaks volumes about the monumental nature of the event at this historic venue,” said Swilling.
“We’re honored to bring such an incredible race weekend to Winston-Salem that will provide an opportunity to place the stars of Bowman Gray Stadium’s Modified Division in the national spotlight.” Bowman Gray, the oldest track on NASCAR’s schedule, opened in 1937 and is now owned or operated by the organization.
