For the second consecutive year, NASCAR’s Cook Out Clash took place at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a venue famous for its quarter-mile asphalt oval nicknamed ‘The Madhouse.’ In 2024, Chase Elliott seized the pole position and transformed it into a victory behind the wheel of his No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet ZL1. Meanwhile, Ryan Blaney of Team Penske delivered a remarkable performance in the No. 12 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, starting last after a poor qualifying but powering through to finish second, challenging perceptions around the importance of starting positions at this track.
The significance of the 2024 race was heightened by expectations surrounding the 2025 event, which faces uncertainty due to potential heavy snowfall in the region. Elliott shared his views with FOX Sports ahead of the upcoming race, emphasizing that securing the pole position, while valuable, isn’t the definitive factor in success at Bowman Gray, citing Blaney’s outstanding comeback last year as evidence.
Qualifying’s Role and Ryan Blaney’s Comeback Underscored
Chase Elliott highlighted how a strong qualifying performance establishes a solid foundation for the heat races, which in turn ensures better positioning for the main event. He explained,
“It was a really smooth weekend for us, and I think that was probably the biggest takeaway. I think going back was qualifying well, sets you up well for your heat race, got us into a great position to have good track position all night,”
illustrating how a well-prepared start aided their overall success.
Despite this, Elliott clearly demystified the idea that the pole position exclusively determines the outcome, remarking,
“I don’t necessarily think that’s the end-all be-all. I think Ryan kind of debunked that with his performance in the main, but certainly it’d be nice to get off to a good start again this year, and I think we can do that.”
His acknowledgment of Blaney’s resilience after starting at the back reinforced that driver skill and race strategy can override qualifying setbacks at this unique venue.
Ryan Blaney’s Perspective on His Performance and Future Goals
Ryan Blaney expressed his enthusiasm for his showing in the 2024 Clash, recognizing the excitement of rising from the last starting spot to nearly winning. Reflecting on the race, he commented,
“I was saying last year we came from last to third, this year last to second. Got to not start last and have a shot to win one of these things. Yeah, that was fun. That was a blast.”
Blaney’s upbeat take underscores his determination to avoid early qualifying difficulties and compete strongly on raceday in 2025.
Looking forward, Blaney hopes for a smoother run and a chance to replicate or surpass his impressive comeback, signaling his competitive mindset despite the unpredictable conditions and intense rivalry expected at Bowman Gray Stadium once more.
Atmosphere and Energy at Bowman Gray Stadium Are Unmatched
Chase Elliott praised the vibrant crowd and the event’s organization during the 2024 race weekend. He said,
“I thought the atmosphere was great, and obviously we won, and that was awesome, but taking that out of the equation, I really thought it was a really well-run event, and I thought the energy level and the fans and everybody that was there was super fired up,”
before adding,
“Even for it to have been as cold as it was, I thought it was a great and very energetic turnout for what we had going on.”
The electric environment seems to add to the excitement for both drivers and fans, making Bowman Gray a unique stop on the NASCAR circuit.
Adjustments to Race Schedule Due to Weather Concerns
In response to forecasted heavy snowfall, NASCAR officials announced that all on-track activities scheduled for Saturday before the main event, including heat races, would be postponed. Instead, the lineup for the race will be determined through nine practice sessions held between 2 and 4 p.m. on Sunday. Drivers are divided into three groups, each completing three sessions, with the final session in each group deciding which 20 cars advance to the main event, as reported by FOX Sports.
There will also be a last-chance qualifier on Sunday where the top two drivers will secure spots in the main race. One additional position is awarded based on last season’s points standings to the highest-ranked non-qualifier, as Ryan Blaney successfully achieved previously. These adjustments add an extra element of strategy and unpredictability for the drivers and teams competing at Bowman Gray this year.
Chase Elliott is the defending winner of the Clash at Bowman Gray. As he told us last week at FOX Sports production day, he is looking forward to the exhibition race, which is scheduled for Sunday night: @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/yn5E2TjJKz
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 28, 2026
