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Ryan Blaney vs. Chase Elliott: A Cook Out Clash for the Ages at Bowman Gray

Carl Smith by Carl Smith
February 3, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Ryan Blaney vs. Chase Elliott: A Cook Out Clash for the Ages at Bowman Gray

Feb 1, 2025; WInston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney (12) wrecks during the heat races for the Clash at Bowman Gray at Bowman Gray Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

The 2025 NASCAR season couldn’t have kicked off with a more thrilling opener as Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney went toe-to-toe in an electrifying battle at Bowman Gray Stadium. With a massive 40% turnout from local fans, the Cook Out Clash had all the makings of an instant classic.

For Chase Elliott, this win was personal—a tribute to his father, Bill Elliott, who dominated a pre-season opener at Daytona back in 1987. But Ryan Blaney stole the show, charging from last place to second in a heroic comeback drive that had fans on the edge of their seats.

Blaney’s Breathtaking Charge from 23rd to 2nd

Blaney’s weekend didn’t start smoothly. A prelim issue forced him into a last-place qualifying finish, meaning he had to fight through the field from 23rd. Despite that setback, Blaney showcased his masterclass in racecraft, methodically working his way to the front.

💥 Key Race Stats:
🔹 Elliott led 171 of 200 laps—most ever in the Clash
🔹 Blaney surged from 23rd to 2nd in an incredible charge
🔹 Final margin of victory: 1.3 seconds

But as the laps ticked down, Elliott expertly navigated lapped traffic, forcing Blaney to give up the fight in the closing moments.

💬 Blaney’s raw reaction post-race:
“I think we were pretty evenly matched. When I started to go, I just didn’t have enough right rear. And I’m like, Oh shit… I am not gonna make this pass, right? And I am not gonna just bulldog into him and get chased out of here with pitchforks.”

Despite falling short, Blaney’s performance proved he is a serious threat for the 2025 season.

Déjà Vu for Blaney? Another Incredible Comeback, But No Win

Blaney couldn’t help but see parallels to the 2024 Clash, where he started from the back and finished third.

💬 Blaney’s thoughts on back-to-back comebacks:
“That’s a fun time, so I hope the fans enjoyed it. I was saying last year we came from last to third, and this year last to second. I just got to not start last so we might have a shot to win one of these things.”

At The Coliseum in 2024, Blaney missed out on victory due to a poor final restart. This year, a lack of grip and track position in the closing laps made the difference.

Chase Elliott’s Take: A Win with Added Drama

Elliott, now a two-time Clash winner, was thrilled with his dominant performance, but he also had a tense moment battling Denny Hamlin.

💬 Elliott on battling Hamlin:
“I was afraid. But at the end of the day, we just had to race hard and hope for the best.”

For a guy who once called Elliott a “9-year-old,” Hamlin certainly gave him a scare this time.

Final Take: A Rivalry Renewed?

With Blaney finishing 2nd for the second straight year, the NASCAR world is left wondering—is a Blaney vs. Elliott title fight brewing in 2025?

The speed, strategy, and sheer talent from both drivers set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable season.

🚨 Could Blaney finally break through for a win next time, or will Elliott’s dominance continue?

One thing is certain—NASCAR’s biggest stars are just getting started.

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