Bowman Gray Stadium Will Host NASCAR’s The Clash

Start your engines, Winston-Salem! On January 31 and February 1, Bowman Gray Stadium will host NASCAR’s The Clash for the second year in a row!

January 23, 2026

What is The Clash?

The Clash refers to both the weekend-long event (January 31 and February 1) and the headline race on Sunday. As the season opener for the NASCAR Cup Series, The Clash has been a NASCAR staple since it began in 1979.

Saturday Events

• 10:15 AM – Madhouse Classic practice & qualifying races
• 1:15 PM – Madhouse Classic race, Modified Division
• 2:45 PM – Madhouse Classic race, Sportsman Division
• 3:45 PM & 4:15 PM – Driver Q&As
• 4:30-5:15 PM – Driver appearances
• 6:10 PM – Clash practice & qualifying races

Sunday Events

• 3-4:35 PM – Driver appearances and Q&As
• 6 PM –  Clash Last Chance Qualifier
• 8 PM –  The Clash

Bowman Gray Stadium: A NASCAR Icon

Bowman Gray Stadium holds a special place in NASCAR history as the sport’s very first and longest-running weekly track. Built in 1937 as a public works project, the stadium originally functioned as a football field. In 1947, a paved track was added, and in 1949, the stadium hosted its first NASCAR race. (Visit Winston-Salem)

• Stats: NASCAR has held 30 Cup Series events at Bowman Gray Stadium.
• Driving the News: NASCAR took over as the manager of the stadium’s racing operations in 2024 under a lease agreement with the City of Winston-Salem that runs through 2050.

Why It Matters

The Clash will bring an estimated 15,000-18,000 fans to Winston-Salem, delivering a major economic boost to the city and showcasing Winston-Salem to millions of NASCAR enthusiasts worldwide.

• By the Numbers: The 2025 Clash drew sold-out crowds both days and reached more than 3 million viewers!
• Legends: Chase Elliott, the winner of the 2025 Clash, returns to Bowman Gray this year! He’ll be driving the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for NAPA Auto Parts.

New In 2026

• Bowman Gray Stadium recently installed a new $1 million video board — nearly double the size of its previous board.
• The Madhouse Classic will feature an additional race this year, with a Sportsman Division race preceding the Modified Division feature.
• NASCAR introduced the Clash Fan Track Walk, a ticketed add-on experience that allows fans to walk the track and meet drivers!

Off-Track Clash Events

NASCAR Trivia Night | January 29 at 7 PM | Fiddlin’ Fish

• Test your racing history knowledge for a shot at four tickets to The Clash — and don’t forget to pull out your old-school NASCAR gear for the best-dressed competition!

NASCAR Clash Fan Preview | January 30 from 10 AM – 2 PM | Winston-Salem Fairgrounds

• Meet current Cup Series drivers, attend driver and alumni Q&As, and get behind the wheel in iRacing simulators!

Clash Hauler Parade | January 30 at ~ 2:30 p.m. | Downtown, Research Parkway

• Watch NASCAR team haulers travel through downtown Winston-Salem en route to Bowman Gray Stadium.

FanFare on Fourth | January 30 from 3:30-5 PM | Merschel Park

• Meet NASCAR driver Raja Caruth, check out Dale Earnhardt’s iconic racecar, compete on racecar simulators, and more!

NASCAR Cars + Coffee | February 1, 10 AM – 1 PM | Fifth & Main Streets (canceled) 

• Check out this free, cruise-in-style car show featuring classic and custom vehicles, NASCAR showcars, and driver appearances!