Chase Elliott Praises Bowman Gray Stadium After Thrilling Clash Victory

In a night filled with excitement and competitive racing, Chase Elliott emerged victorious at the Clash held at Bowman Gray Stadium, earning praise for both the event and the venue. The race, which took place on February 4, 2025, showcased not only Elliott’s driving prowess but also the engaging atmosphere of the historic short track.

Elliott, who started from the pole position, dominated the race, leading a remarkable 171 of the 200 laps in his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. His winning moment came on lap 126 when he made a decisive pass on fellow competitor Denny Hamlin. Reflecting on his victory, Elliott described the experience as “special,” particularly due to the enthusiastic response from fans in attendance.

“It seemed like a success,” Elliott stated. “I know it’s always tough from a winner’s perspective when everything goes your way, but it seemed like the track was racey. I just thought the whole deal was much improved from the last couple of years, for sure.”

The 200-lap feature was a showcase of skill and strategy, with Elliott and Hamlin leading nearly every lap. Hamlin demonstrated his ability to navigate the outside lane effectively, even making a notable move to take third place from Tyler Reddick early in the race. The night was not without its challenges, as several wrecks punctuated the event, a common occurrence at Bowman Gray.

Ryan Blaney’s performance also turned heads, as he surged from the back of the pack, starting in 23rd place to finish a commendable second behind Elliott. “I don’t have any issues with coming back,” Elliott remarked, highlighting the overall positive experience of the event. “Tire wear came into play. The environment from not only tonight but (Saturday) night, the place was packed out. It just seemed like a good all-around event, and I feel like if we’re going to race on a football field, this is probably as good a place as any to do it.”

The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium was a sold-out event, drawing ticket holders from an impressive 44 states, five countries, and three continents, a testament to the race’s growing popularity. This year marked a shift for NASCAR, moving the Clash from its traditional home in Daytona to Los Angeles in 2022 and now to the storied short track in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Elliott expressed his preference for Bowman Gray over the previous venue, citing several factors that enhanced the racing experience. “I think the size of the track; it seemed bigger to me,” he explained. “The straightaways seemed a little longer, the corners didn’t seem like such a sharp apex. And I think all of those things, combined with the track surface having some age to it, probably had a pretty large impact on the race being better and putting it a little more in your hands as far as tire management and all that stuff.”

As the NASCAR season progresses, the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium has set a high bar for future events, demonstrating the thrill of short-track racing and the deep connection between drivers and fans. With Elliott’s endorsement and the enthusiastic turnout, it’s clear that Bowman Gray has solidified its place in the NASCAR calendar as a venue that delivers excitement and memorable moments.