Excitement is reaching fever pitch as NASCAR fans eagerly anticipate the first major event of the 2025 season! The wait is over, and the rumble of engines is just around the corner. If you’re asking, “What Time Is The Nascar Race On Today?” you’ve come to the right place. Get ready for the NASCAR Cup Series exhibition race, the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, happening tonight at 8 p.m. ET.
Tune In: NASCAR Clash Start Time and Channel
Mark your calendars and set your reminders! The green flag for the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium is scheduled to wave at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) tonight, Sunday. For those eager to catch every moment of the action, you can watch the race live on Fox. Before the main event, don’t miss the Last Chance Qualifier race at 6:00 PM ET, also airing on Fox. This is your chance to see who will secure the final spots in the Clash lineup and ramp up the pre-race drama.
The Clash at Bowman Gray: A Unique NASCAR Spectacle
This year’s Clash is particularly special as it marks the return of the NASCAR Cup Series to Bowman Gray Stadium, a legendary quarter-mile short track in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This historic venue is hosting its first Cup Series race since 1971, promising a night of thrilling, close-quarters racing under the lights. The Clash, traditionally a preseason exhibition race, has been a NASCAR season kickoff event since 1979. While it was previously held at Daytona International Speedway and more recently at the Los Angeles Coliseum, the move to Bowman Gray Stadium injects a fresh dose of old-school, short-track excitement into the NASCAR calendar.
Image: Excitement builds for the NASCAR Cup Series Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, a historic short track venue.
What’s the Format? Clash at Bowman Gray Explained
The NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium features a 200-lap main event with a field of 23 drivers. Qualifying for this prestigious race is a battle in itself. Drivers earned their spots by competing in four heat races on Saturday night, with the top five finishers from each heat advancing to Sunday’s main event. For those who didn’t automatically qualify through the heats, the Last Chance Qualifier race, happening before the Clash, offers another opportunity. The top two finishers from the LCQ will also get to race in the Clash. Adding another layer of competition, the 23rd and final spot is awarded to the highest-ranked driver from the 2024 Cup Series points standings who hasn’t already qualified.
Key Players and the Starting Lineup
The starting lineup for the Clash is set, and it’s packed with talent! Chase Elliott, driving the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, will start from the pole position after winning his heat race. Other notable frontrunners include heat race winners Chris Buescher, Denny Hamlin, and Tyler Reddick. Hendrick Motorsports will be well-represented with William Byron and Alex Bowman also securing starting positions through the heat races. Kyle Larson battled his way into the field by winning the Last Chance Qualifier. Here’s a glimpse at the top of the starting grid:
- Chase Elliott
- Chris Buescher
- Denny Hamlin
- Tyler Reddick
- Brad Keselowski
- Chase Briscoe
- Joey Logano
- Christopher Bell
- Noah Gragson
- Shane Van Gisbergen
… and so on. (See the original article for the complete starting lineup)
Image: Chase Elliott, pole sitter for the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, ready for action.
Bowman Gray Stadium: More Than Just a Track
Bowman Gray Stadium isn’t your typical NASCAR venue. Located right in the heart of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, this quarter-mile asphalt short track is known for its tight racing and passionate local fanbase. Its compact size and flat corners promise plenty of door-to-door action and potentially some dramatic moments throughout the 200-lap race. The weather forecast for Winston-Salem tonight is cool and cloudy, with temperatures in the low 40s, so expect the drivers to be battling not only each other but also the chilly conditions.
Don’t Miss the NASCAR Clash Tonight!
So, to answer your question again, the NASCAR race, the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, is tonight at 8:00 PM ET on Fox. Get ready for an exciting night of NASCAR racing as the Cup Series stars take on the challenge of Bowman Gray Stadium. It’s a race you won’t want to miss!
