Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is home to NASCAR’s “longest-running weekly paved track” in existence since the legendary Big Bill France and Alvin Hawkins decided to sanction the first NASCAR event in 1949 on the asphalt of the iconic quarter-mile bullring inside the Bowman Gray stadium. This “Madhouse,” as lovably called by fans, has seen many historic feats. From its early midget days in the pre-NASCAR era to watching The King win his 100th career victory in 1969, BGS has seen it all.

When NASCAR’s senior VP of racing development and strategy, Ben Kennedy, claimed his second and last ARCA East Series victory at the fateful Bowman Gray in 2013, it became a moment of continuity for the fabric of NASCAR. Nevertheless, it was also recently announced that the premier stock-car racing sanctioning body has acquired the rights to the 17,000-capacity sporting venue until 2050. This raises a very important off-season question. With a configuration similar to a certain expired off-season “Coliseum” in L.A., speculations have arisen: Has NASCAR already invested in their new “Clash” venue?

NASCAR’s Two-Decade Plus Lease on the Stadium Where Richard Petty Won His 100th

This speculation has been given birth by the fact that before the Clash’s three-year experiment at the home of the USC Trojans in L.A., Dale Jr took to the quarter-mile in 2021 for tire tests to ascertain the feasibility of the initial year of the Clash experiment on a similar, yet temporary layout. Now, after the effective expiry of its three-year contract, speculations have been rife over the next venue for the controversial Clash exhibition.

Fans have made many claims, but the recent discussions involving Ben Kennedy and SiriusXM’s NASCAR radio revealed the potential, as well as the already solid connections and foundations laid down between NASCAR and the Bowman Gray stadium management. Kennedy explained how this track was integral to the France family and NASCAR. After all, his grandfather, Bill France Jr, met his wife Betty Jane on this gloried racetrack. 

“This dates back to the early days of NASCAR, as early as the 1940s and the 1950s, when we used to co-promote races there actually with the Hawkins family… Up until the early 70s, you had convertible racing there. Modified’s kind of the beginning parts of that in 1949 and the 1950s and there’s so many great names that have competed at Bowman Gray stadium, ” the VP said.

As discussions progressed with Dave Moody, Ben Kennedy hinted at a “future plan” for the quarter-mile bullring as he went on to say, “You know, I had a conversation a little over two years ago, initially with Gray Garrison and the family of Bowman Gray, and they were talking about what their future might look like… And you know, we had our eyes on our future as well, and we started having a few conversations, and kind of overtime, one thing led to another, and here we are announcing that we’ll be the leaseholders of Bowman Gray Stadium.” Kennedy did not specify the type of future or even a timeline, however.

Gray Garrison used to be the promoter at the North Carolina “Madhouse” and had earlier described the events at the iconic racetrack as “part racing, part religion, and part wrestling.” This is exactly what the Clash could need to rejuvenate itself amidst claims of a dying exhibition.

Is it a Potential Permanent Venue or Asset Management?

Trending

Martin Truex Jr’s Crew Chief Makes Heartbreaking 4-Word Racing Admission

May 04, 2024 04:11 PM EDT

Tony Stewart’s ‘Little Bi**Es’ Warning Goes Wrong After Last Lap Horror in the Indy 800

May 04, 2024 04:25 PM EDT

“Get This M*f*** Down”- Disgruntled Bubba Wallace Puts 23XI on Blast After Shocking Let Down at Signature Track

May 06, 2024 02:30 AM EDT

“Getting the Heck Out of Miami”- F1’s Outrageous ‘$’ Ask Leaves NASCAR World in Utter Disbelief

May 04, 2024 10:26 AM EDT

Dodge’s NASCAR Legacy Walks the Tony Stewart Path as Ultimate Rescue Leaves Fans Jaw-Dropped

May 04, 2024 10:47 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NASCAR stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

When Dale Jr took the Cup car to Bowman Gray in the fall of 2021, it was the first time since 1971 that the iconic flat-oval had a Premier Series car run on it. Nowadays, the quarter-mile acts as a venue for many modified, sport-stock, and stadium-stock races. Additionally, NASCAR will mainly use it initially as part of the Whelen All-American Series for races until August of this year. NASCAR fans remain unsure whether the venue will indeed become a mainstay for any three of the National Series.

However, Kennedy was optimistic when he spoke about the potential of this new acquisition for NASCAR: “We know this comes with a great deal of responsibility, it’s a special place, there’s a lot of things that make Bowman Gray really unique. We want to continue to celebrate that history, continue to protect what makes it really tick at the end of the day, and make even more memories for years to come…..”

With the gloried “madhouse” now relevantly a NASCAR venue, that too for more than the next two decades. It will be interesting to see how NASCAR evolves its legacy with this historic acquisition.

Dale Jr & Racing World Left Speculating After Possible 2025 Busch Clash Venue Acquisition by NASCAR