The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray had drama, intensity, and a storyline years in the making—but in the end, Chase Elliott stood tall, lifting the Bobby Allison Memorial Trophy to the roar of a passionate NASCAR crowd.
For Elliott, the victory wasn’t just another trophy—it was a statement. After dueling with longtime rival Denny Hamlin, the Hendrick Motorsports star cemented his dominance at The Madhouse, proving once again why he’s the sport’s most beloved driver.
Elliott vs. Hamlin: A Rivalry With History
Elliott and Hamlin have never been best friends, and while they might not be in an active feud today, their past on-track clashes still loom large.
From Martinsville to Phoenix, their bad blood boiled over years ago, and The Clash had all the makings of another explosive chapter.
💥 Martinsville 2017 – The Breaking Point
Chase Elliott was leading the First Data 500, just laps away from a Championship 4 spot—until Hamlin, multiple laps down, made contact, spinning Elliott out of contention.
Tensions boiled over post-race, with both drivers nearly coming to blows as officials stepped in.
💥 Phoenix 2017 – Elliott’s Revenge
Just weeks later, Elliott got his payback, bumping Hamlin into the wall, forcing him to finish a miserable 35th.
Hamlin later admitted fault:
💬 Hamlin: “It was a mistake on my part, and I’ve moved on from it.”
Over the years, tensions have cooled, but The Clash at Bowman Gray brought it all rushing back.
Bowman Gray Battle: Elliott Outduels Hamlin for the Win
Despite starting from pole and leading the majority of the race, Elliott momentarily lost the lead to Hamlin for 28 laps, setting up an epic restart showdown.
For eight intense laps, the No. 9 and No. 11 machines went wheel-to-wheel, but in the end, Elliott reclaimed the lead and never looked back, holding off Hamlin for the final 70 laps.
💬 Elliott on the battle:
“Denny was really good at the second half of that break.”
For Elliott, the victory was sweet revenge for past scars—for Hamlin, it was another bitter loss to a driver who continues to haunt him.
NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver vs. The Villain?
Elliott’s victory wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a win for his massive fanbase.
📣 Voted NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver for Seven Straight Years, Elliott is the undisputed fan favorite.
😈 Denny Hamlin, on the other hand, remains one of the sport’s most polarizing figures.
The contrast couldn’t be clearer—and NASCAR fans loved every second of Elliott’s win over Hamlin.
The Verdict: Is the Rivalry Back?
While Hamlin and Elliott exchanged pleasantries post-race, there’s no denying that their history adds extra fuel to their battles.
With the 2025 NASCAR season heating up, could this be the spark that reignites one of NASCAR’s most memorable rivalries?
One thing is certain—fans will be watching.