The engines are revving, and the anticipation is palpable! NASCAR fans, your wait is over. The roar of the Cup Series is back as we kick off the 2025 season with the highly anticipated Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium – and it all happens tonight at 8 p.m. ET!
For the first time since 1971, the NASCAR Cup Series is taking over the legendary quarter-mile short track of Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This isn’t just any race; it’s the Clash, an exhibition event known for its thrilling, close-quarters racing action.
When to Tune In: NASCAR Race Time Today
Mark your calendars and set your reminders! The NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium green flag is scheduled to wave at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) tonight, Sunday, February 2nd, 2025. Make sure you’re settled in and ready for some intense racing action as the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series battle it out under the lights.
How to Watch the NASCAR Race Today: TV Channel and Streaming
You won’t want to miss a single lap of this exciting event. For viewers in the United States, the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium will be broadcast live on Fox.
But the racing action starts even earlier! Before the main event, catch the Last Chance Qualifier race at 6:00 PM ET, also airing on Fox. This is where drivers who didn’t automatically qualify through Saturday’s heat races will fight for their chance to make it into the Clash.
What is the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium?
The Clash is no ordinary race. It’s a preseason exhibition showdown, a thrilling appetizer before the points-paying season truly begins. This year, 23 of NASCAR’s top drivers will compete in a 200-lap sprint race at the Bowman Gray Stadium’s tight quarter-mile oval.
Qualifying for the Clash is unique. The top five finishers from each of the four heat races held on Saturday night secured their spots in Sunday’s main event. For those who didn’t make it through the heats, there’s still a chance! The Last Chance Qualifier race earlier on Sunday evening offers a final opportunity for two more drivers to race their way into the Clash. A 23rd spot is awarded to the highest driver in the 2024 Cup Series points standings who hasn’t already qualified.
Starting Lineup for the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium
Get ready to see your favorite drivers line up in the following order for tonight’s race:
- Chase Elliott, No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet (Heat one winner)
- Chris Buescher, No. 17 (Heat two winner)
- Denny Hamlin, No. 11 (Heat three winner)
- Tyler Reddick, No. 45 (Heat four winner)
- Brad Keselowski, No. 6
- Chase Briscoe, No. 19
- Joey Logano, No. 22
- Christopher Bell, No. 20
- Noah Gragson, No. 4
- Shane Van Gisbergen, No. 88
- William Byron, No. 24 Liberty University Chevrolet
- Ryan Preece, No. 60
- Kyle Busch, No. 8
- Bubba Wallace, No. 23
- Carson Hocevar, No. 77
- Austin Cindric, No. 2
- Ross Chastain, No. 1
- Daniel Suarez, No. 99
- Alex Bowman, No. 48 Ally Racing Chevrolet
- Todd Gilliland, No. 34
- Kyle Larson, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet (LCQ winner)
- Josh Berry, No. 21 (LCQ runner up)
- Ryan Blaney, No. 12 (points provisional)
Where is Bowman Gray Stadium Located?
Bowman Gray Stadium is situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. For those planning to attend future events, the address is readily available online for navigation.
Bowman Gray Stadium Track Details
Prepare for tight, wheel-to-wheel action! Bowman Gray Stadium is a quarter-mile asphalt short track. Its small size guarantees plenty of excitement and close racing, making the Clash a must-watch event.
Weather Forecast for Race Night
Expect a cool and cloudy evening in Winston-Salem tonight. Temperatures are predicted to be in the low 40s Fahrenheit, so dress warmly if you’re heading to the track! The cool weather should make for fast racing conditions.
Get ready for a thrilling night of NASCAR action! Tune in to Fox at 8 PM ET to catch the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium and witness the first NASCAR Cup Series race of the 2025 season!
