WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The much-awaited new NASCAR Cup Series season is set to kick off with the 2025 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 2, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET. This event marks the return of the series to its roots with the first exhibition race held at the iconic circuit. After three years at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Clash returns to its traditional quarter-mile track, promising excitement and nostalgia.
The Cook Out Clash will comprise over 200 laps, with 23 drivers competing for the trophy. To qualify for this prestigious event, drivers must navigate practice and heat races held the day before. Each heat race offers competitors another opportunity to make their mark and secure their spot.
The weekend's schedule is jam-packed. On Saturday, February 1, the action begins with the NASCAR Advanced Auto Parts Madhouse Classic, followed by practice and qualifying sessions for the Cup Series at 6:10 p.m. The four 25-lap heat races kick off at 8:30 p.m., with the final heat leading directly to the main event the following day.
Local hero Tim Brown, the winningest modified driver at Bowman Gray with 101 wins, is among the competitors this year. "I’ll be honest with you, when I turned 30 years old, I kind of gave up on my lifelong dream of being a Cup driver...,” said Brown, reflecting on his unexpected opportunity to be part of this race. He now has the chance to drive the Cup car he has prepared, embodying the hopes of many local fans.
Another local favorite is Burt Myers, the defending modified champion, who will pilot the No. 50 Chevrolet. Myers shares the excitement of returning to the historic track where he has so much experience and success. Known for his aggressive racing style, Myers is expected to make waves during the Clash.
Veteran Cup drivers like Denny Hamlin, who is aiming to win the Clash for the second consecutive year, add star power to the lineup. The entirety of Saturday’s racing activity is fraught with anticipation as drivers, teams, and their fans look forward to what promises to be thrilling their competition on this character-filled track.
The format for the 2025 Cook Out Clash is strategically set to spice up the competition. Each driver will participate in three sessions split among three practice groups. The top qualifiers from practice will then be seated based on their fastest lap times during the final session, establishing the starting positions for the heat races. The structure of the races ensures high-stakes tension right from the outset.
After the four heat races, the top five finishers from each are guaranteed entry to the main event. For those who don't make the cut, there’s still hope with the 75-lap Last Chance Qualifier lined up on Sunday afternoon. The top two finishers from the LCQ will earn their spot for the main event, alongside the driver highest standing not yet qualified from the 2024 NASCAR Cup points rankings. This layered approach keeps drama at the forefront right up to the race start.
Among the field of competitors are other notable names who have blanketed Bowman Gray with their history. Ryan Preece and Kyle Larson, along with other prominent drivers, will use their past experience at the stadium to try and gain the upper hand. Preece has shown his prowess here before, having dominated races within the modified events at the venue.
With the stakes higher than ever and the atmosphere electric, the 2025 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium is all set to serve as the ultimate kickoff to the NASCAR season, combining local talent with NASCAR favorites and delivering adrenaline-pumping action to fans both at the track and watching at home.
This event signifies not only the start of the NASCAR season but also celebrates the legacy of one of short track racing's earliest venues, reaffirming the bond between the sport and its dedicated fan base. The anticipation builds as drivers sharpen their skills, and fans plan their trips to witness some of the most fierce competition of the year.
Whether you’re there live or watching on FOX, the Cook Out Clash promises to be more than just another race. Each lap will be steeped in history, passion, and the irresistible thrill of competition as teams and drivers vie for victory on this iconic track.