WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — NASCAR is bringing the Clash to Bowman Gray Stadium, and now we have more details about how the sanctioning body plans to make sure the historic quarter mile is ready for the Cup Series.
NASCAR has named Justin Swilling as the project lead for the Clash at Bowman Gray. Swilling is the director of marketing services for NASCAR and has already been busy making plans on how to make this event a marquee NASCAR event but not lose the magic that is Bowman Gray Stadium. He says the idea of holding the Clash at Bowman Gray is getting back to the core of what NASCAR was built from.
“We’ve got to ensure that we’re attracting new, young, diverse, dynamic fans but also feeding that core … This event will do just that. We think it’s going to showcase what racing has always been about and will always be about,” Swilling said. “It’s going to shine a light on a weekly racing showcase in a venue that’s doing this … every Saturday night that folks should be able to go catch either in Winston-Salem at Bowman Gray Stadium or at another nearby NASCAR regional track.”
Logistically, it will be a lot of work to prepare the track for a Cup Series race. First and foremost, they will identify and address any safety issues. The walls and fencing may need to be updated or improved to handle the weight of the cars. The pit area at Bowman Gray has plenty of room. A usual Saturday night event can see up to 100 teams in the pits, so parking 40 NASCAR haulers will be no problem with the right plan.
One of the biggest challenges may be parking for fans. Some of the parking areas normally used for fans may be turned into the FOX TV compound or the midway area with all of the souvenir trailers. There are also a lot more support vehicles that come with a Cup race that will need to park nearby. Some fan parking will likely be transitioned to parking areas that are slightly farther away.
But the anticipated crowd at this event won’t be any bigger than some of the highest-attended weekly races. A typical opening night for the Bowman Gray racing season sees standing-room-only crowds. NASCAR is not planning to add additional seating to the venue which will hold 17,000 plus some standing room capacity. There are four suites in the tower overlooking the start-finish line, and the WSSU fieldhouse in turns three and four will be used as a hospitality area and media center.
There will be more than the Cup Series racing that weekend at Bowman Gray. Swilling says NASCAR is working on a plan that could feature the local weekly series or one of the regional divisions.
Bowman Gray is all about history. It’s where NASCAR first raced on pavement, it’s where Richard Petty won his 100th race and it’s hosted a who’s who of historic racing names. This race will continue that tradition.
“We’re going to make history again in 2025, which is what we’re really excited about. The opportunity to showcase our most premiere national series at one of the most iconic NASCAR venues is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Swilling said.
You’ll pay $25 to reserve your place in line, and that will be put toward the cost of your ticket or refunded if tickets sell out before your place in line. NASCAR says ticket prices for the Clash will be in line with what you’d pay for similar seats at any other Cup Series race.
