For decades, short tracks have been the heartbeat of NASCAR, but in recent years, many have faced closure, abandonment, or outright demolition. While the sport has thrived on superspeedways and road courses, the loss of historic short tracks has become a major concern among drivers and fans alike.
Now, following the electrifying success of the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray, NASCAR stars like Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch are making it clear—it’s time to invest in the tracks that built the sport.
Bowman Gray: A Turning Point for NASCAR’s Short Track Revival?
The return to Bowman Gray Stadium after a 54-year absence wasn’t just a nostalgia trip—it was a proof of concept. With fans packing the stands and millions watching at home, NASCAR saw firsthand what short-track racing can bring to the table.
It’s no wonder NASCAR is already considering long-term investment in Bowman Gray, ensuring it remains a fixture for the next 50 years.
But what about the other forgotten short tracks that once defined NASCAR?
Elliott: “We Need to Keep These Tracks Alive”
Chase Elliott, who triumphed at Bowman Gray, was vocal about the importance of preserving historic tracks.
“You hate to see—‘historic’ might be the wrong word—but the cornerstone racetracks of what paved NASCAR to be what it is today shut down or go away,” Elliott said. “If us having a race or if it’s the Rockingham case where those guys are taking Xfinity and Trucks over there, if that’s going to keep that place alive and keep it from shutting down or getting bulldozed, then I think that’s a victory for motorsports.”
Elliott’s point is hard to ignore. Tracks like North Wilkesboro and Rockingham Speedway have already received investments, bringing them back into the national spotlight with races across various series like CARS Tour, ASA, and the Whelen Modified Tour.
But what happens to the tracks that don’t get these opportunities?
NASCAR’s Broadcast Money Could Be the Key
With NASCAR’s new media rights deal securing billions in revenue, an idea has been floated—why not use part of that money to invest in short tracks?
This could allow aging tracks to modernize, ensuring they remain viable for decades to come. The goal? To provide an environment where grassroots racers can thrive while keeping NASCAR connected to its roots.
Kyle Busch: “Reinvest in the Future”
Kyle Busch echoed Elliott’s sentiments, saying NASCAR needs to put more focus on preserving local tracks.
“It’s great for the sport to reinvest in the future for other racing and local-level racers,” Busch said. “Seeing how Bowman Gray is benefitting, I think other tracks like Five Flags Speedway and some in Alabama deserve that opportunity.”
Busch has long been an advocate for grassroots racing, often competing in late model and Truck Series events at short tracks across the country. His stance aligns with many in the NASCAR community who believe tracks like Bowman Gray shouldn’t be an exception—they should be the blueprint for revitalizing the sport.
What’s Next? A New Era of Short Track Racing?
With drivers pushing for action, and NASCAR seeing the success of events like The Clash at Bowman Gray, there’s a growing momentum for change.
Could Rockingham, Five Flags, or even tracks like Hickory and South Boston be next?
One thing is certain—the fight to save NASCAR’s short-track heritage is far from over. And if Chase Elliott, Kyle Busch, and other drivers have their way, the 2025 season and beyond could mark a major shift toward bringing short-track racing back to the forefront.
