Denny Hamlin didn’t mince words last year when he predicted that NASCAR’s move to Bowman Gray Stadium for the Clash would be a disaster. He feared freezing temperatures, reduced seating, and an unpredictable race environment would turn the event into a logistical mess.
But after Sunday’s Cook Out Clash, Hamlin has completely changed his tune—and for good reason.
What unfolded was a thrilling short-track showdown, packed with intensity, fan passion, and good old-fashioned NASCAR chaos. And while Hamlin couldn’t defend his Clash crown, even he had to admit: NASCAR pulled it off perfectly.
“Well, it was a great exhibition. I think that NASCAR did a fantastic job. Kind of, you know, putting the nice spice on this thing and certainly making the atmosphere feel like a big event. It was good. Overall, I was pretty pleased with our weekend.”
Elliott, Hamlin, and Blaney Deliver a Classic at ‘The Madhouse’
The Clash at Bowman Gray didn’t just live up to expectations—it exceeded them.
- Chase Elliott set the tone early, leading the first 96 laps before Hamlin briefly took control.
- Seven cautions later, the race momentum shifted again, with Elliott regaining the lead on lap 126.
- Ryan Blaney surged past Hamlin on lap 147, completing a thrilling battle at the front.
Despite losing pace late in the race, Hamlin was captivated by the atmosphere and execution of the event, something he never expected after doubting the move to Bowman Gray last year.
“The roaring crowds had fans sporting tattoos of Richard Petty’s signature or the No. 3 wrapped in angel wings. Goodyear’s short-track package worked out well, and there were no passing difficulties.”
NASCAR Went All-In to Make This Event a Success
NASCAR knew they had a lot to prove when they chose Bowman Gray Stadium—and they didn’t hold back.
- A $10 million investment upgraded the track to top-tier safety and competition standards.
- Fans from 44 states, five countries, and three continents made the trip, including some from Australia.
- The stadium, despite its smaller 17,000-seat capacity, generated the kind of electric energy that even the L.A. Coliseum couldn’t match.
For NASCAR, this was more than just another race—it was a statement that grassroots-style short-track racing still has a place in the sport.
Hamlin’s Honest Reflection on His Performance
While Hamlin praised NASCAR for delivering a top-tier event, he couldn’t hide his own frustration at missing out on another Clash victory.
“A little disappointed in myself not to do better on the restarts there and not hold the bottom. But I just made a mistake that I didn’t get back out of the car before we went green there. And so just didn’t quite have it there.”
Even though he felt Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney had stronger cars in the second segment, Hamlin was still proud of his team’s execution—and his new teammate saw it as a win.
From Skeptic to Believer: Hamlin’s New Perspective
A year ago, Denny Hamlin thought the Clash at Bowman Gray would be a disaster. Now, he’s one of its biggest supporters.
It’s a testament to NASCAR’s ability to evolve and execute bold ideas, proving that historic venues still have a place in the modern era.
As the #11 team regroups for the Daytona 500, Hamlin might not have left Bowman Gray with a trophy, but he left with a new respect for what NASCAR pulled off—and that, in itself, is a major victory.