Chase Elliott couldn’t have scripted a better start to his 2025 NASCAR season. Under the lights at Bowman Gray Stadium, he put on a short-track clinic, leading 171 of 200 laps and holding off Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney to take the checkered flag in the Cook Out Clash. It was a statement win—an early sign that Elliott, after a frustrating 2024 season, is hungry to reclaim his spot at the top.
But here’s the kicker: That’s not why he wants to return.
A Historic Track, A Rowdy Atmosphere, and a NASCAR Revival
The Clash’s return to Bowman Gray after 54 years was met with skepticism and excitement. NASCAR poured $10 million into the venue, upgrading it to modern Cup Series standards. But would a tight, 0.25-mile bullring deliver the kind of spectacle fans expect from a season opener? Would it feel big enough?
According to Elliott and the roaring crowd of 17,000, the answer was a resounding yes.
Elliott: “This is What NASCAR Should Be”
Speaking on The Dale Jr. Download, Elliott was clear: Bowman Gray delivered.
“That’s a good question,” Elliott said when asked about NASCAR’s future at the track. “I thought it was a huge success. I mean, obviously, for me, it’s easy for me to say that, right? But I think even if I hadn’t won, I would still have the same opinion. Just the atmosphere, the feel—it was great. The pre-race environment was great. And yeah, maybe it only holds 15-20,000, but so what? It looked great, sounded great, and it felt special.”
Drivers Felt the Bowman Gray Heat—On and Off the Track
Bowman Gray’s return wasn’t just about nostalgia—it brought back a level of energy and intensity that modern NASCAR sometimes lacks. Fans were on top of the action, close enough to make their presence loud and clear.
2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney, who finished second, felt it firsthand when he tried to challenge Elliott:
“I’m not going to bulldog into him and get chased out of here with pitchforks. … I just didn’t quite have enough right rear at the end to make a move on him.”
Joey Logano, who finished fourth, was even more blunt:
“The fans being right there, it’s what Bowman Gray is. They’re heckling you, saying whatever they want. I don’t know if you guys got the boos I got.”
For Elliott, that’s exactly the kind of energy NASCAR needs more of.
“As long as NASCAR’s willing to be okay with that number [of fans], which I don’t see any reason why they shouldn’t be, I thought it meant for a great environment. It was plenty loud enough, it was intimate, and it just looked good.”
Elliott Champions Historic Tracks Like Bowman Gray
Elliott has been one of the loudest voices advocating for NASCAR to return to its roots. He’s been vocal about preserving legendary tracks like North Wilkesboro, Rockingham, and now, Bowman Gray.
“NASCAR needs to keep these historic tracks alive,” Elliott said. “We’re always talking about expanding the sport, and that’s great. But we can’t forget where we came from.”
With drivers, fans, and NASCAR insiders raving about the event, the big question remains: Will NASCAR keep Bowman Gray in the Clash rotation?
If Chase Elliott has any say in it, the answer is obvious.
