Bowman Gray Stadium, a legendary short track in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is making a notable return to NASCAR’s premier series with the 2026 Clash scheduled for February 1. This announcement has ignited excitement among fans and drivers alike, as the quarter-mile oval, nestled around the Winston-Salem State University football field, will kick off the NASCAR Cup Series FOX Sports broadcast season. Following its reintroduction in 2025 after a 54-year hiatus, the stadium’s return highlights NASCAR’s strategy to spotlight historic venues and deliver action-packed preseason events.

Built in 1937 and known affectionately as ‘The Madhouse,’ Bowman Gray boasts a storied past with NASCAR Cup races held there from 1958 through 1971. It has long served as a hub for summer weekly racing and witnessed iconic moments, including Richard Petty’s 100th victory and Bobby Allison’s final points-paying Cup race win in 1971. Under NASCAR’s management since 2024, the Clash event in 2025 at Bowman Gray lived up to its intense reputation, featuring tight racing, fan reactions, and compelling on-track rivalries that reinvigorated enthusiasm for short-track Cup racing.

Ryan Blaney Expresses Strong Support and Excitement for Clash’s Return

NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney, known for his aggressive driving style and competitive spirit, has been vocal in his support for the Clash’s comeback to Bowman Gray. Speaking on SiriusXM, Blaney shared his enthusiasm about the event’s return, saying,

“Absolutely love it! I was hoping they would do that again. I thought it was a huge success earlier this year. I loved running around that place. I think everybody really enjoyed it. I think they put on a really good show, honestly,”

—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Champion.

Blaney’s passion was clearly demonstrated during the 2025 Clash, where he started dead last in a 23-car lineup and mounted a formidable charge to finish second behind Chase Elliott. His performance showcased not only skillful maneuvering on the challenging quarter-mile but also highlighted the competitive nature and unpredictable excitement that the Clash fosters. Reflecting on his experience, Blaney added,

“There was a lot of passing. There was a lot of tire fall off, so I think it was good they finally got that out there. I see everybody excited about it, as they should be. So that’s great news. I love keeping it there at Bowman Gray, at least for 2-3 years… I’m happy it got a second date.”

—Ryan Blaney

Bowman Gray’s Role in NASCAR’s Evolving Race Rotation Strategy

The Clash’s relocation back to Bowman Gray reflects NASCAR’s broader approach to rotating venues for marquee events, aiming to maintain fan interest and capitalize on the unique atmosphere different tracks provide. When the Clash was staged at the Los Angeles Coliseum from 2022 through 2024, initial excitement gave way to waning enthusiasm by the third race, prompting NASCAR to pivot back to a classic short track with deep roots in the sport’s history.

After over a decade at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the NASCAR Championship finale was shifted to Phoenix Raceway in 2020 to grow attendance. However, the racing there often lacked the dramatic finishes Homestead was known for, influencing NASCAR’s decision to return the finale to Homestead in 2026. Blaney recognizes this pattern of venue rotation and supports its continued use, noting,

“We talk about rotating the championship weekend, you can rotate that race too, and they’ve done that.”

—Ryan Blaney

This approach shows NASCAR’s effort to balance tradition with innovation, giving fans fresh experiences while honoring iconic motorsports landmarks like Bowman Gray.

Joey Dennewitz Highlights Bowman Gray’s Historic and Contemporary Significance

Joey Dennewitz, managing director of NASCAR Regional, underscored the importance of Bowman Gray Stadium in NASCAR’s legacy, affirming the 2025 Clash’s impactful place in its history. He remarked,

“We wrote a new chapter in the storied history of motorsports at Bowman Gray Stadium with the Cook Out Clash this year.”

—Joey Dennewitz, NASCAR Regional Managing Director.

Dennewitz’s reflection emphasizes how the event bridged generations, connecting legendary racers like Richard Petty and Bobby Allison to today’s stars. The successful staging of the Clash revived widespread interest in short-track racing and demonstrated the venue’s ability to deliver compelling NASCAR action to packed stands and lively crowds.

Ryan Blaney Shares Insights on Racing Simulators and Their Limitations

Alongside his thoughts on the Clash, Ryan Blaney provided a candid perspective on the role of simulation technology in modern NASCAR preparation during a Team Blaney Podcast discussion. While simulators have become essential tools, especially for road course preparation, Blaney remains cautious about their applicability for oval tracks. He explained,

“I think you can learn some bad habits if you’re fully trusting a sim. I mean, it’s just real life to sim work in anything. There’s always going to be a little bit of a disconnect, at least nowadays. Maybe 10 years from now, it’s going to be perfect.”

—Ryan Blaney

Discussing his experience with simulator glitches that disrupt visual and motor coordination, Blaney shared that such inconsistencies sometimes force him to stop simulation sessions. He uses these simulations mostly to reference gear shifts and brake points and prefers relying on data analysis over sim time whenever possible. Blaney clarified,

“It doesn’t happen very often, but yeah, I use a lot for gear reference. Brake points, I feel like, get to be fairly similar,”

and,

“Everyone’s a little different. Some guys do SIM, others watch races, and look at data from last year. I’m more kind of a data guy than a SIM guy. But everyone’s a little different.”

—Ryan Blaney

This pragmatic approach underscores his belief that while technology aids preparation, real-world experience and data study ultimately shape race readiness and strategy.

Looking Ahead: The Impact of Bowman Gray’s Continued NASCAR Presence

The return of the Clash to Bowman Gray Stadium in 2026 is poised to solidify the track’s role as a vital fixture in NASCAR’s event calendar. With enthusiastic backing from drivers like Ryan Blaney and NASCAR officials, the event is expected to sustain the high-energy, competitive racing that fans crave. Its success also points toward a strategic model wherein NASCAR embraces rotation of events among iconic venues, balancing heritage with fresh excitement.

As NASCAR fans anticipate the February 1 Clash, the combination of historic ambiance, passionate crowds, and top-tier talent promises to deliver another memorable chapter in the sport’s ongoing story at Bowman Gray. Meanwhile, Blaney’s vocal support and his portrayal of simulators reveal the evolving landscape of racing preparation and the blend of tradition and innovation at NASCAR’s core.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won Talladega?

A. Blaney took eighth place at the Charlotte Roval, which got him into the Round of 12.

In the Talladega fall race, Blaney narrowly won by 0.007 seconds against Ryan Newman. This victory pushed him into the Round of 8, even after an early spin onto pit road.

Q. Has Ryan Blaney won at Talladega?

A. Blaney clinched victory at the Talladega fall race, finishing just 0.007 seconds ahead of Ryan Newman. Despite an early spin into pit road, he moved on to the Round of 8.