NASCAR acquires lessee of Bowman Gray Stadium
Built in 1937, Bowman Gray Stadium is a classic short track. The track is located in Winston Salem, NC. It later became the first weekly racing series for NASCAR in 1949.
The track is owned by the City of Winston-Salem, NC. Now, NASCAR has acquired Winston-Salem Speedway, Inc., the lessee of the facility.
NASCAR will now manage the speedway with the lease expiring in December 2050
NASCAR Cup Series ran events at the track from 1958 to 1971. The Clash at the Coliseum is set to go away in 2025, and this opens the door for NASCAR to bring the Cup Series back to Bowman Gray Stadium.
NASCAR comments
“As NASCAR’s first weekly racetrack, Bowman Gray Stadium holds a special place in the history of our sport,” said Ben Kennedy, Senior Vice President, Racing Development and Strategy, NASCAR.
“We are grateful to the Hawkins family’s multi-generational legacy of leadership at this historic track and we’re thrilled to oversee racing at one of the crown jewels in NASCAR Regional.”
Kennedy added, “We look forward to leading the racing operations of the facility in partnership with the City of Winston-Salem to preserve the history and legacy of the racetrack for the next generation of fans and racers.”
City of Winston-Salem comments
“Bowman Gray Racing has been a part of the fabric of Winston Salem for many years. In fact, some attribute NASCAR’s beginning to the races held at Bowman Gray Stadium,” said City of Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines.
Joines added, “It is for that and other reasons that 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.”
Austin Shuford: Track General Manager
Shuford has signed on as the new general manager of the facility.
“As one of racing’s most beloved and enduring venues, it’s truly an honor to be named the new general manager of racing operations at Bowman Gray Stadium,” said Austin Shuford.
“I look forward to learning from the Garrison, Pinilis, and Hawkins families to preserve and extend the greatness of Bowman Gray Stadium. Thanks to NASCAR for this fantastic opportunity to join their organization and the chance to entertain race fans at weekly events throughout the year.”
