Racing at Bowman Gray Stadium is never just about speed—it’s about chaos, emotion, and unfiltered fan passion. And at the Cook Out Clash, all three were on full display as local racing icon Burt Myers and NASCAR Cup Series driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. found themselves at the center of the night’s most explosive moment.
The historic quarter-mile track made a triumphant return to the NASCAR spotlight, and the fans packed into the legendary venue weren’t just spectators—they were the third combatant in this heated showdown.
The Crash Heard ‘Round Bowman Gray
The Last Chance qualifier was always destined for fireworks, but when Stenhouse and Myers tangled, sending the local hero spinning into the SAFER barrier, the stadium erupted in fury.
Myers, an 11-time Bowman Gray Modified Champion, had the home crowd behind him, and when his race was cut short, their rage was deafening.
Middle fingers shot into the air. Boos rained down. Social media lit up. Stenhouse, the NASCAR Cup veteran, became public enemy No. 1 in Winston-Salem.
But in a moment of surprising poise, Myers didn’t point fingers. Instead, he offered a level-headed take on the chaos:
“I shoved him out, but I was getting shoved from behind, just like everybody else was, and ended up getting turned around. Like I said, I don’t want to put any blame on too much until I see exactly what happened.”
For a driver who had just been sent packing from a race in front of thousands of his most loyal fans, Myers’ words weren’t just unexpected—they were a masterclass in sportsmanship.
Bowman Gray’s Unforgiving Battleground
For those unfamiliar, Bowman Gray isn’t just a racetrack—it’s a gladiator pit. The quarter-mile bullring is notorious for its tight racing, aggressive bumping, and absolute refusal to allow personal space.
Myers, no stranger to the track’s chaotic physics, recognized that survival isn’t just about talent—it’s about adapting:
“The difference between a modified and a Cup car is I can make up ground in the modified by driving it harder. When you drive a Cup car harder, you slow down.”
That insight is why the transition from short track hero to NASCAR Cup contender isn’t easy. Cup cars demand precision—pushing too hard only invites disaster.
Even in the wake of disappointment, Myers wasn’t about to let frustration cloud the bigger picture. At 49 years old, he knew just how rare this opportunity was.
“I never thought I’d be making my first ever Cup start at 49 years old,” he admitted, still soaking in the gravity of the moment.
One wreck wouldn’t define him. One night wouldn’t define him. He had stepped into the arena, and that alone was worth the battle.
The Aftermath: Social Media’s Savage Clapback
While Myers himself remained measured in his response, his AmeriVet social media team took a different approach—one that had NASCAR Twitter howling.
Their post on X (formerly Twitter) took a hilariously brutal jab at Stenhouse, reminding fans of his own past wrecks in the most sarcastic way possible.
In a sport where grudges fuel drama, this friendly fire post-race banter kept the rivalry simmering—and guaranteed that fans won’t forget this showdown anytime soon.
A Night of Chaos, A Race to Remember
The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray wasn’t just another race—it was a full-blown spectacle, one that reminded fans why short-track racing is the heart and soul of NASCAR.
From boos and controversy to high-speed heroics and pure fan passion, this event delivered everything NASCAR needs to thrive in the modern era.
And if Myers and Stenhouse find themselves in a rematch down the line, one thing is certain—the fans will be ready.
