Did you know that Winston-Salem, North Carolina holds a remarkable place in American motorsports history? Though best known today as the city of arts and innovation, its role in stock car racing, and particularly NASCAR, dates back nearly eight decades.
A Quarter-Mile That Made a Big Impact: Bowman Gray Stadium
Central to Winston-Salem’s NASCAR legacy is Bowman Gray Stadium—a historic venue nestled right in the heart of the city. Originally built as a football stadium in 1937, the iconic quarter-mile track quickly became a racing landmark.
In its heyday, from 1958 through 1971, the track hosted 29 NASCAR Cup Series races, which made for a significant chapter in the sport’s formative decades. Champions and legends like Richard Petty, Junior Johnson, Richard Childress, David Pearson, Bobby Allison, and Rex White all battled on the tight, flat oval at various points in their careers.
Bowman Gray even earned the nickname “The Madhouse” due to its intense, bumper-to-bumper style racing and passionate fans crammed close to the action.
A Long Hiatus and a Historic Run
After 1971, Winston-Salem’s stadium disappeared from the NASCAR Cup Series map for more than half a century. Though weekly racing continued for grassroots drivers, NASCAR’s premier Cup cars did not return… until very recently.
It all changed in February of 2025, when the Cook Out Clash, an exhibition event that traditionally kicks off the NASCAR season, was staged at Bowman Gray Stadium. It was a true homecoming for the sport’s roots, and fans from around the country packed the 17,000-seat facility for the 200-lap non-points races that was broadcast nationally on FOX.
If you missed out on the action, here’s a little recap from last year’s race:
- Chase Elliot led the majority of the race and took the checkered flag in front of a sellout crowd.
- Fans traveled from dozens of states and even overseas to experience the race, proving the event’s broad appeal (and Winston-Salem’s hospitality).
- The event showcased not only Cup cars but also the electric atmosphere of short-track racing that built NASCAR’s grassroots.
- The city’s locals and businesses banded together to welcome racing races with Clash-themed events and gatherings.
The 2026 Cook Out Clash: Back to The Madhouse
Buoyed by the success of the 2025 event, NASCAR is bringing the Clash back to Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1st, 2026, and reaffirming Winston-Salem’s place on the national racing stage.
The return of a marquee NASCAR event to North Carolina carries weight far beyond a single weekend. Bringing events like the Clash to venues like Bowman Gray Stadium reconnects modern NASCAR with the places that shaped its identity. In an era dominated by superspeedways, the Clash’s short-track is setting a reminder that NASCAR’s roots remain deeply tied to local communities and blue-collar racing culture.
Looking for Ways to Get In on the Action?
You don’t have to be in the grandstands to be part of the excitement. There are several new, signature events planned away from the track this year to bring fans together ahead of the big race.
Visit Winston-Salem has compiled a master “Clash Weekend Guide” with information about related concerts, cruise-ins, community festivals and more. You can find the full details by visiting their website, but here a few notable highlights:
- NASCAR Trivia at Fiddlin’ Fish (Thursday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m.) Clash weekend kicks off with race-themed trivia, $5 select pints, food trucks, and prizes for winning teams, including race tickets. Fans are encouraged to wear old-school race-day gear for additional prizes.
- NASCAR Clash Fan Preview (Friday, Jan. 30, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) This ticketed event at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds offers up-close access to NASCAR. See Cup Series cars, meet current and legendary drivers, enjoy interactive features, racing simulators, hauler tours, and more.
- Hauler Parade (Friday, Jan. 30, 2:30 p.m.) Dozens of NASCAR team haulers will travel in unison along downtown’s Research Parkway on the way to Bowman Gray. Fans are encouraged to be in place by 2 p.m.
- FanFare on Fourth (Friday, Jan 30, 3:30–5 p.m.) Downtown’s Merschel Park hosts this free, family-friendly festival featuring NASCAR displays, driver appearances, race simulators, kids’ activities, vendor booths, music, and more.