The roar of NASCAR engines will reverberate through the historic Bowman Gray Stadium on February 2, 2025, as the Cook Out Clash returns to this iconic venue. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the quarter-mile oval boasts a rich NASCAR legacy, hosting its first race in 1958 and its last in 1971, when Bobby Allison claimed victory. The stadium’s resurgence has been fueled by a $530,020 grant from the North Carolina Motorsports Relief Fund, facilitating significant upgrades, including enhanced lighting, new catch fences, and the crucial addition of a SAFER barrier, ensuring the safety of drivers and spectators alike. This return to Bowman Gray marks a significant moment for NASCAR, connecting the sport’s present with its storied past.
The 2025 Cook Out Clash weekend will be a two-day spectacle, commencing on February 1 with practice sessions broadcast on Fox Sports 1. Drivers will be divided into three groups, each taking to the track for three practice runs. The final practice session holds particular weight, as it will determine the starting lineups for the four 25-lap heat races. These heats will be pure racing action, with only green-flag laps counting towards the final results and no overtime extensions. The top five finishers from each heat race will secure their coveted spots in Sunday evening’s main event.
The Clash format offers drivers multiple pathways to the feature race. While the heat races offer the most direct route, those who don’t finish in the top five still have a chance through the 75-lap Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) scheduled for Sunday afternoon. This high-stakes race will award the 21st and 22nd starting positions in the main event to the top two finishers. The final spot on the grid, the 23rd starting position, is reserved for the highest-ranked driver from the 2024 standings who hasn’t already qualified through the heats or the LCQ, adding another layer of intrigue to the weekend’s competition.
The 200-lap Cook Out Clash feature race will be a showcase of skill and strategy. The winners of the four heat races will lead the field, with the Heat 1 victor claiming pole position and subsequent heat winners lining up behind. A strategic midpoint break at Lap 100 will provide teams and drivers a crucial opportunity for adjustments. As with the heat races, only green-flag laps will count towards the final race results, emphasizing the importance of clean racing and minimizing incidents.
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season kicks off with the high-octane Clash at Bowman Gray, setting the tone for a thrilling year of racing. The regular season then unfolds across a diverse range of tracks, from the high banks of Daytona to the road courses of Sonoma and Watkins Glen. The schedule includes classic venues like Darlington, Bristol, and Talladega, alongside newer additions like the Chicago street course. The All-Star race takes center stage at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway, further emphasizing NASCAR’s commitment to honouring its roots. This blend of iconic tracks and innovative racing environments promises a compelling season for fans and drivers alike.
After a grueling regular season, the playoffs begin on August 31 at Darlington, culminating in the championship race at Phoenix on November 2. The ten-race playoff format intensifies the competition, with each race carrying significant weight in the pursuit of the championship trophy. The diverse track selection in the playoffs, including short tracks, superspeedways, and road courses, demands versatility and adaptability from the contenders. The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series schedule promises a season filled with exciting racing, historic moments, and the crowning of a new champion.
