2024 wasn’t the best for Kyle Busch. After all, this is the season where he bid goodbye to his historical record and entered a winless streak after 20 long years. But, now that the NASCAR Cup Series Championship season for 2025 is about to start, Busch is preparing for an amazing comeback. The Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium is iconic as it houses the newest addition to the preseason event for 2025. 

The Clash at Daytona has evolved significantly over the years, with the most recent editions taking place under the lights at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Throughout these changes, Kyle Busch has made his mark. Busch has secured two victories in this event since his debut in 2004. However, the question remains whether he would evoke the same spark for Bowman Gray as well. 

Bowman Gray – a new arena for Busch to venture in

NASCAR is returning to Bowman Gray after 54 long years. This has added to the unique nature of the preseason event. For most drivers, this is the first time they will race on this track, as it is for Kyle Busch. The Bowman Gray track, infamously referred to as the “Madhouse” is a short track mile known for contributing to the crazy runs. However, Busch does have some experience with the short tracks. 

The Clash has undergone a sea change in the last few years. This has consequently added to the complexity of the drive as well. His first win came in the 2012 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway. This was about nine years after making his Cup debut. Moreover, Busch reached the podium alongside NASCAR legends Tony Stewart and Marcos Ambrose. His talents were showcased again in the 2021 Busch Clash. This is where he drove the #18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing to another victory. 

Speaking of the same, Busch said, “I would like to think that you know the quarter-mile short track atmosphere can bode well, but the Clash is entirely different. The Colosseum is entirely different from Bowman Gray, you know. But I think that you know, you start with somewhat similar of a baseline and you go from there and you play it out and you see how it is. Track is really narrow getting into three, really narrow coming off A4 with grandstands they way they are in the wall protruding the way that it does”.

One reason the Bowman Gray is known as the “Madhouse” is because of the aura it tends to create. The track extends for only a quarter and the sharp ridges make drivers overly cautious. Given the complex turns and the relatively little room, it builds frustration, leading the drivers to become much more careless and reckless than they would.

Revealing further about how he chooses to carve his path at Bowman, Busch further added, “But I’ve never been there, I’ve never raced there. I take that back. I’ve walked around the track but I’ve never been there for a race. I’ve never watched competition on the track. So I’ve seen plenty of the highlight reels on YouTube though, you know, and I’m a close friend to Burt Myers, so I’ll lean on him a bit. I know he’s racing as well. so it it’ll be fun to race against him and Brown and see how they shake up”.

Burt has been a 12-time modified champion and his insights from the track will be worth leaning on. 

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Busch exhibits excitement as he gets set to start his 2025 season journey with Bowman Gray

Given the kind of sportsman spirit Kyle Busch houses, it is only natural for him not to fall prey to a momentary setback. Busch has an experience that extends for over two decades and consequently, the run around the short track for 200 laps should be a cakewalk for the driver.

Busch said, “I think it’s nice to kind of get back to the roots of the sport and be able to go to a track like Bowman Gray. The sport has done it before with tracks like North Wilkesboro and, obviously, going back to Rockingham this year”.

This is the third season Kyle Busch will hit the tracks for Richard Childress Racing and the hopes are high for a stellar comeback. The race at Bowman Gray is like a warmup, which will allow the drivers to understand their cars better before they get ready for the iconic Daytona 500. 

Further adding to the optimism, Rowdy added, “It’s always nice when you look toward a new year and you have an opportunity to have a few new people around you. Working around the shop and everybody getting that chemistry is something you need for a successful season…Last year, I don’t think we met the expectations that we all wanted,” Busch said.

“Our first season with RCR, we were successful, but unfortunately last year, I don’t think we kind of met the expectations that we all had. Again, we want to turn around and get back to our winning ways this year”.

With Busch’s determination and a renewed team dynamic, the 2025 season at RCR is shaping up to be his shot at redemption.