NASCAR has announced a huge change to its 2025 Cup Series calendar. The legendary Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, once a cornerstone of NASCAR racing, will play host to the opening event of the season on February 2, 2025. This event, dubbed ‘The Clash’, marks a return to roots for NASCAR, reigniting the Cup Series at the track for the first time since 1971.

Built in 1937 and affectionately known as the ‘Madhouse,’ Bowman Gray has long been a part of NASCAR history, hosting the Cup Series from 1958 to 1971. Ben Kennedy, Executive Vice President and Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer at NASCAR commented on the calendar change, as quoted by Motorsport:

“Bowman Gray Stadium has a storied history in motorsports, so we look forward to bringing the Cup Series back to this revered racetrack for the first time since 1971.

“As NASCAR’s first weekly racetrack, Bowman Gray Stadium holds a special place as the original home to grassroots racing. With a history of intense competition, we are proud to host The Clash at the ‘The Madhouse.'”

General view of the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Strutmasters.com 199 at Bowman Gray Stadium on August 1, 2015 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. The Bowman Gray Stadium is set to make a NASCAR comeback.
General view of the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Strutmasters.com 199 at Bowman Gray Stadium on August 1, 2015 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. The Bowman Gray Stadium is set to make a NASCAR comeback.
Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Winston-Salem’s Mayor, Allen Joines, also explained:

“The city of Winston-Salem is very excited and grateful to NASCAR for selecting Bowman Gray Stadium as the site for The Clash in 2025. This further solidifies our city’s relationship with NASCAR and the many fans in the region as we welcome the NASCAR Cup Series back to Bowman Gray Stadium.”

As anticipation builds, NASCAR Studios and FOX Sports Films are producing a documentary titled “The Madhouse: NASCAR’s Return to Bowman Gray Stadium,” promising fans an intimate look at the track’s transformation and historical significance.

NASCAR Cup Series Current Standings

  1. Kyle Larson – 779 points
  2. Denny Hamlin – 758 points
  3. Christopher Bell – 701 points
  4. William Byron – 678 points
  5. Ryan Blaney – 702 points
  6. Tyler Reddick – 774 points
  7. Chase Elliott – 773 points
  8. Brad Keselowski – 636 points
  9. Alex Bowman – 615 points
  10. Joey Logano – 557 points
  11. Daniel Suarez – 497 points
  12. Austin Cindric – 451 points
  13. Martin Truex Jr. – 662 points
  14. Ty Gibbs – 602 points
  15. Bubba Wallace – 587 points
  16. Chris Buescher – 584 points
    (PLAYOFFS CUT-OFF)
  17. Ross Chastain – 584 points
  18. Chase Briscoe – 485 points
  19. Kyle Busch – 465 points
  20. Todd Gilliland – 454 points
  21. Michael McDowell – 431 points
  22. Carson Hocevar – 414 points
  23. Josh Berry – 412 points
  24. Noah Gragson – 400 points
  25. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – 376 points
  26. Ryan Preece – 341 points
  27. Erik Jones – 337 points
  28. Justin Haley – 329 points
  29. Corey LaJoie – 327 points
  30. Daniel Hemric – 323 points
  31. Austin Dillon – 319 points
  32. John Hunter Nemechek – 313 points
  33. Zane Smith – 262 points
  34. Harrison Burton – 243 points
  35. Kaz Grala – 166 points
  36. Cody Ware – 47 points
  37. Joey Hand – 43 points
  38. Jimmie Johnson – 39 points
  39. Derek Kraus – 32 points
  40. David Ragan – 17 points
  41. Kamui Kobayashi – 8 points
  42. Will Brown – 6 points
  43. Cam Waters – 2 points