NASCAR is set to return to its roots at the historic Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The track, known for its tight confines and high-energy atmosphere, has a reputation for producing intense racing and fierce competition.
Ryan Blaney, who began racing at Bowman Gray as a 10-year-old, remembers the excitement of competing on the small track. “I was getting shot the bird by kids younger than me,” he said with a laugh. The intensity is expected to be just as high this weekend when NASCAR’s Cup Series returns for the exhibition preseason Clash.
The event marks a return to Bowman Gray after nearly 50 years, and drivers are eager to compete on the track that has been home to Winston-Salem State University’s football team since 1938. Tim Brown, the winningest driver in Bowman Gray history with 101 victories, will make his Cup Series debut in the event.
Brown, a 53-year-old mechanic for Rick Ware Racing, said fighting was a requirement to race at the track. “That’s pretty good, right? They were good ones,” he joked about his past battles on the track. With its rich history and passionate fans, Bowman Gray is more than just a racing venue – it’s an experience.
While the event doesn’t count for points, drivers are determined to win and make their mark on this historic track. The Clash is a key lead-up to the Daytona 500, and winning at Bowman Gray will be seen as a significant achievement.
Kyle Busch, one of NASCAR’s most volatile drivers, praised the opportunity to compete at a small local venue and the benefits it brings to other racers. “There are short tracks in Florida that are cool,” he said. “Pensacola is one of them that would really benefit from this opportunity.”
As NASCAR looks to revive its grassroots roots, Bowman Gray Stadium will be at the forefront of this effort. With its unique blend of history, passion, and high-energy racing, it’s sure to bring out the best in drivers like Blaney, Brown, and Busch.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/nascar-clash-bowman-gray-3f12d31c40f09e8eb6900824bcf9fd9c