NASCAR kicks off the 2025 season with the Cook Out Clash

On February 2, 2025, the NASCAR season will kick off with the return of the NASCAR Cup Series to Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, after more than five decades away. This event marks the reopening of this historic quarter-mile venue for NASCAR's top categories. Although not a points-paying race for the championship, the "Cook Out Clash" will serve as the season's opening competition. The race will be broadcast live in the United States on FOX Sports 1 at 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) and in Mexico and some Latin American countries on FOX Sports 3.

Cook Out Clash Schedule

The event times are based on Eastern Time (ET). Below are the details of the activities:

Saturday, February 1, 2025:

• 6:10 p.m. ET: Practice and qualifying.
• 8:30 p.m. ET: Qualifying races.

Sunday, February 2, 2025:

• 6:00 p.m. ET: Last Chance Race.
• 8:00 p.m. ET: Cook Out Clash.

Latin America Schedule

For fans in Latin America, the event times converted to key time zones are as follows:

Mexico (CDMX):

• Saturday: 5:10 p.m. (Practice and Qualifying), 7:30 p.m. (Qualifying Races).
• Sunday: 5:00 p.m. (Last Chance Race), 7:00 p.m. (Cook Out Clash).

Colombia, Peru, Ecuador:

• Saturday: 6:10 p.m. (Practice and Qualifying), 8:30 p.m. (Qualifying Races).
• Sunday: 6:00 p.m. (Last Chance Race), 8:00 p.m. (Cook Out Clash).

Chile, Bolivia, Venezuela, Paraguay:

• Saturday: 7:10 p.m. (Practice and Qualifying), 9:30 p.m. (Qualifying Races).
• Sunday: 7:00 p.m. (Last Chance Race), 9:00 p.m. (Cook Out Clash).

Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil:

• Saturday: 8:10 p.m. (Practice and Qualifying), 10:30 p.m. (Qualifying Races).
• Sunday: 8:00 p.m. (Last Chance Race), 10:00 p.m. (Cook Out Clash).

A Revamped Format for a More Open Competition

The "Cook Out Clash 2025" introduces a competitive format that removes privileges based on past achievements. All drivers must perform well from practice sessions to final qualifying. The event is divided into several stages:

Practice and Qualifying

• Practice groups: Participants will be divided into three groups with three sessions each.
• Time-based qualifying: Each driver’s best lap time will determine their starting positions for the qualifying races.
• Pole assignment: The fastest times will define the top positions in each preliminary race.

Qualifying Races

• Four 25-lap races: Only green flag laps count.
• Direct qualification: The top five from each race advance to the main event.
• No overtime: Each race will end after the exact number of laps established.

Last Chance Race

• Duration: One 75-lap race for those who did not qualify directly.
• Starting positions: Determined by prior results.
• Access to the main event: Only the top two finishers will secure a spot.

Main Event: Cook Out Clash

The main race will feature 23 drivers over 200 laps, with only green flag laps counted. There will be a scheduled pause on lap 100 for adjustments and refueling. Of the 23 spots:

• 22 spots: Determined by the results of the qualifying races and the Last Chance Race.
• Final spot: Reserved for the highest-ranked driver in 2024 points who has not qualified.

Bowman Gray Stadium: A Venue with Legacy

Several current NASCAR Cup Series drivers have prior experience at Bowman Gray Stadium. Notable examples include:

• Kyle Larson: Competed in the ARCA Menards Series East in 2012, earning the pole position and a fifth place.
• Chase Elliott: Participated in 2012 in the same series, finishing sixth.
• Bubba Wallace: Finished second in 2012 in one of his races at this track.
• William Byron: Competed in 2015, with a challenging 15th-place result.
• Alex Bowman: Raced in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2011, achieving four top-5 finishes that season.
• Ryan Preece: Won the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour in 2013, leading all laps of the race.
• Corey LaJoie: Secured a victory in 2012, leading the majority of laps.
• Daniel Suárez: Raced in 2013 and 2014, finishing ninth and second, respectively.
• Justin Haley: Finished third in his only appearance in 2015.

Opened in 1937, Bowman Gray Stadium is the oldest continuously operating weekly track in NASCAR. Its quarter-mile oval has witnessed milestones like Richard Petty's 100th victory in 1969. Current drivers like Alex Bowman and Kyle Larson have also competed here during their careers.

Recently, NASCAR secured the stadium lease, ensuring its operation through 2050 in collaboration with the city of Winston-Salem. This initiative aims to preserve the venue's legacy while strengthening its importance as a key piece in motorsport history.

Culture and Tradition in Winston-Salem

Known as "The Madhouse" for its lively atmosphere, Bowman Gray has hosted a variety of events, including concerts, boxing, and football. Its history is closely tied to NASCAR, dating back to early races organized by Bill France Sr. and Alvin Hawkins in 1949.

The stadium is also a community hub and fan favorite, with iconic local spots like J.S. Pulliam Barbeque and Kermit’s Hot Dog House being integral to the fan experience for generations.