The Clash will again be hosted at Bowman Gray Stadium
Bowman Gray Stadium is a 1/4-mile paved oval in Winston Salem, North Carolina. It was the first track to host weekly NASCAR racing back in 1949 and it’s now the longest-running weekly racetrack.
The track hosted the NASCAR Grand National, now known as the NASCAR Cup Series from 1958 to 1971. But, since 1971, the Cup Series didn’t return until this year. In 2025, the Clash was moved to the North Carolina track.
Bowman Gray Results: February 2, 2025 (NASCAR Cup Series)
For 2026, Bowman Gray Stadium is back on the schedule. The NASCAR Cup Series returns to The Madhouse for 2026.
The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1. The event will be broadcast by FOX.
In 2024, NASCAR entered a long-term agreement of management of racing operations with the city of Winston Salem at the track.
Joey Dennewitz comments
“We wrote a new chapter in the storied history of motorsports at Bowman Gray Stadium with the Cook Out Clash this year,” said Joey Dennewitz, Managing Director, NASCAR Regional.
“As NASCAR’s first weekly racetrack, we are proud to bring the 2026 Cook Out Clash back to the original home to grassroots racing. Thanks to the City of Winston-Salem and Winston-Salem State University for their continued partnership at ‘The Madhouse’.”
Bowman Gray Stadium will now be managed by NASCAR
Winston Salem Mayor
“The City of Winston Salem is deeply honored to have been chosen to host the 2026 Cook Out Clash,” said City of Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines.
“The 2025 race was an immensely successful event for all parties involved. We will work hard to ensure that the 2026 Cook Out Clash is even more successful.”
Jeremy and Morris Reaves
“We are proud to support the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in our backyard in Winston-Salem,” said Jeremy and Morris Reaves, CEO and Founder of Cook Out.
“We look forward to bringing our NASCAR racing family together in our community once again with the Cook Out Clash. Last year was so amazing and we can’t wait to do it again!”
Justin Swilling
“Cook Out is an amazing partner that continues to have a positive impact across NASCAR,” said Justin Swilling, Project Lead for the Cook Out Clash.
“Their support continues to take our events to the next level, and we look forward to working together to make this year’s Cook Out Clash another memorable sold-out event.”
NASCAR’s return to Bowman Gray Stadium is sold out
