The Clash at Bowman Gray: Where to Watch and Driver Lineup
The Clash at Bowman Gray has arrived. Prepare for the ultimate NASCAR showdown at the iconic quarter-mile short track at Bowman Gray Stadium. The close proximity of stock cars racing at the iconic Bowman Gray Stadium just inches from each other will make for an interesting spectacle. For the first time in 44 years, NASCAR will host the “Cookout Clash” on February 2, 2025, at BGS in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
In recent years, the event has been held at the Los Angeles Coliseum and Daytona International Speedway. The race will be exhibition-style, meaning any points accrued will not count toward official season standings. Points are unimportant, but will the Clash at Bowman Gray set the stage for Daytona on February 16? Is there a chance the race will pre-determine the 2025 season?
Race Preview
The Sunday race previews what to expect going into Daytona on February 16. The Clash at Bowman Gray capitalizes on the excitement and fandom of NASCAR, but it hasn’t always been that way. Initially a single-day event, it was pulled from the venue in 1971 due to 85 Hall of Famer Bobby Allison’s highly disputed finish. Subsequently, Allison was not officially recognized as the winner until October 23, some 17 days before succumbing to cancer.
The focus has shifted to honoring his memory and re-introducing the track where it all started four decades ago. Though drivers aren’t racing for points, performance at The Clash at Bowman Gray typically predicts how a driver’s season will fare. Chase Elliot is currently ranked at the top of the list in No. 1 for success this season in a field of 23. Will he reign supreme throughout the season? Here’s where to watch and an overview of current driver standings.
The Clash at Bowman Gray Driver Lineup and Ranks
- Chase Elliot (Hendrick Motorsports)
- Chris Buscher (RFK Racing)
- Denny Hamlin (23XL Racing)
- Tyler Reddick (23XL Racing)
- Brad Keselowski (RFK Racing)
- Chase Briscoe (Joe Gibbs Racing)
- Joey Logano (Team Penske)
- Christopher Bell (Joe Gibbs Racing)
- Noah Gragson (Front Row Motorsports)
- Shane van Gisbergen (Trackhouse Racing)
- William Byron (Hendrick Motorsports)
- Ryan Preece (RFK Racing)
- Kyle Busch (Richard Childress Racing)
- Bubba Wallace (23XL Racing)
- Carson Hocevar (Spire Motorsports)
- Austin Cindric (Team Penske)
- Ross Chastain (Trackhouse Racing)
- Daniel Suarez (Trackhouse Racing)
- Alex Bowman (Hendrick Motorsports)
- Todd Gilliland (Front Row Motorsports)
- Last Chance (Race Winner)
- Last Chance (Second Place Winner)
- Highest Remaining Driver
Where to Watch
To catch the action-packed race live, tune in to Fox Sports on February 2, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. or stream online through FuboTV. FuboTV offers a trial period for all new customers. The Clash at Bowman Gray can be streamed live online or through the FuboTV app. The app is available for download through the Google Play Store for Android and the App Store for Apple users.
Final Thoughts
Since Bob Welborn won the Clash at Bowman Gray’s inaugural event in 1958, it has left a permanent imprint on the hearts of NASCAR fans everywhere. So, naturally, when NASCAR decided to shy away from hosting races at Bowman Gray Stadium, it was a blow. There was controversy surrounding whether the late Bobby Allison won the race, so it seemed right to the turn page.
Even so, the hope of moving back to Bowman Gray is to add a more “new age” feel to the venue and race, respectively. Capitalizing on the modern era of NASCAR while marrying it with past nostalgia is mapping a new history. Spectators and the breadth of NASCAR are ready for the once-in-a-lifetime experience the race is expected to offer.
