With only four days left until the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium and the start of the 2025 season, expectations are mounting among the NASCAR faithful. The track, absent from the Cup circuit for over five decades, holds a special place in stock-car racing lore. Kyle Petty highlighted the circuit’s “different vibe” while narrating its significance.
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Petty delved into the rich history of the track that was built in 1937. It is named after Bowman Gray, the then-chairman of RJ Reynolds Tobacco, who played a pivotal role in its inception.
“This place was built in 1937. It was a public works project. It’s a football stadium that they race around. And they’re still racing around it today. They call it the madhouse now. It’s a totally different vibe…” said Petty.
Constructed with a budget of $100,000, the funding for this iconic stadium was a joint endeavor. $70,000 was provided by the federal government, while the remaining $30,000 was generously donated by Gray’s widow. And the track witnessed NASCAR history unfold as much as some of the other legendary venues, including Daytona or Darlington, reminisced Petty.
“It is gonna be a step back in history. It’s going to be like watching the ghost of NASCAR run here when they run the Clash this year,” elaborated Petty. “This racetrack to NASCAR is just as historic as Daytona or the beach at Daytona or Darlington or any of the other racetracks that have lived this long to still be a part of the sport.”
A football field turned racetrack, Bowman Gray is as important to the history of NASCAR as Daytona or Darlington. It’s ‘The Madhouse’ now, but this year’s Clash will bring the ghosts of NASCAR back to life. Just follow me for more history from this iconic place all week. pic.twitter.com/iYxHIqnrNn
— Kyle Petty (@kylepetty) January 28, 2025
Kyle’s first memories of the Bowman Gray Stadium come from the era when his father, Richard Petty, ruled the Cup Series. Richard had a career that spanned from the late 1950s to the early 1990s. Things were much less sophisticated at Bowman Gray in the 1960s.
Kyle recalled that back during Richard’s heyday, the track didn’t have a pit road, nor was there an infield. So, the racers pitted outside the track, right around turn three, then re-entered at turn four. That’s exactly how NASCAR is planning to conduct the Clash this time around.
Richard is sold on NASCAR’s return to Bowman Gray
Richard Petty has a deep connection with Bowman Gray Stadium. It was, after all, the scene of his historic 100th victory back in 1969. Richard was happy with NASCAR’s decision to reintroduce this hallowed venue to the Cup Series circuit for the first time since 1971.
He told WFMY News 2 that NASCAR has made a brilliant move. Richard felt the decision would bridge the gap between the old guard and the new. Fans would witness modern machines thundering around a classic venue, giving the younger generation a glimpse into NASCAR’s storied past.
“New fans will see where NASCAR came from the beginning,” added Richard.
The revered track, ready to host a crowd of 17,000, will undoubtedly stir up a potent mix of nostalgia and excitement. This holds all the more true for drivers who have personal or familial histories tied to its legendary asphalt.
