Ryan Blaney Fuels Busch Light Clash Replacement Fire as He Reveals Unkind Bowman Gray Experience

The discussion on whether NASCAR will relocate its Busch Light Clash from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to a different venue next year has caught the attention of the community even before the 2024 season started. While there’s nothing concrete as of yet, specks of information every now-and-then always left fans curious to know about future plans. The discussion especially gained traction after NASCAR acquired the iconic Bowman Gray Stadium this month, with many touting it to be the new home of the exhibition event. And what drew the community’s attention to the track even more was a recent interview by Ryan Blaney, where he revealed the “unreal” experience he had while racing there, while also revealing how the venue could replace the LA Coliseum.

Ryan Blaney’s childhood experience at Bowman Gray stadium

Affectionately known as “the Madhouse,” the Bowman Gray Stadium holds a unique place in the hearts of racing enthusiasts. As for Blaney’s connection to the place, growing up in the Winston-Salem area meant that Saturday nights were synonymous with short-track racing at the iconic venue. In fact, speaking about his younger years, the 2023 Cup Series champion even shared a funny memory that perfectly showcased what makes the North Carolina track special.

“Yeah, I mean it’s, yeah I grew up right there in the Triad town over from Winston. And I raced there a few times. I ran Bandolero there, Legends car, and it was an experience unlike anything I’ve ever been a part of. And I’ve been to a few modified races there back in the day. But when you have young kids shooting you the bird, and I was a young kid at that time. I was 9 years old, and I had kids younger than me shooting me the bird while I was going. It just shows you the atmosphere there, you know?” said Blaney while laughing his heart out.

“And it’s wild, so yeah. I mean we’ll see what they do with that in the future. I think there’s opportunities there to me, that’s a possible clash replacement for the Coliseum. I mean, it’s the same thing pretty much, so we’ll see what they go with that. But I think it’s good. I mean why not snag it up and have it at your disposals. So I think it’s good,” Blaney continued.

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But why is the Bowman Gray Stadium so special and such a hot favorite for Ryan Blaney? Well, that answer’s not too far away if you go back in time.

The Alluring History of Bowman Gray Stadium

Bowman Gray Stadium boasts a storied history, having hosted races since its inception in 1937. While the stadium was initially constructed as a public works project to provide jobs during the Great Depression and was even used for collegiate football at some point, it later added trotter horse racing to its roster. Eventually, auto racing became a highlight at the on the 0.250-mile dirt oval during the late 1940s, marking its place in NASCAR history. Each Saturday night during the spring and summer, the stands would fill up with thousands of fans eager to witness some of the most thrilling racing action on the asphalt surface.

Bowman Gray’s tight turns and short straightaways create an arena for intense battles among competitors. Notably, the fastest lap ever recorded here stands at 12.965 seconds in the Modified Division, achieved by driver Tim Brown in 2016. Beyond racing, Bowman Gray Stadium also serves as the home turf for the Winston-Salem State University Rams football team. Additionally, it once played host to the Wake Forest University football team until Groves Stadium (now known as Truist Field at Wake Forest) opened in 1968.

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Donning multiple hats in its long history, the Bowman Gray Stadium certainly holds a place among NASCAR’s iconic tracks. What do you think about the Busch Light Clash moving to the venue? Let us know in the comments below!