NASCAR has announced a major change to the 2025 Cup Series calendar. The legendary Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, once a cornerstone of NASCAR racing, will host the season opener on February 2, 2025. This event, dubbed “The Clash,” marks a return to roots for NASCAR and brings the Cup Series back to the track for the first time since 1971.

Built in 1937 and affectionately known as the “Madhouse,” Bowman Gray has long been a part of NASCAR history, hosting the Cup Series from 1958 to 1971. Ben Kennedy, Executive Vice President and Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer at NASCAR, commented on the calendar change as quoted by Motorsport:

“Bowman Gray Stadium has a rich motorsports history and we look forward to bringing the Cup Series back to this venerable racetrack for the first time since 1971.

“As NASCAR’s first weekly racetrack, Bowman Gray Stadium holds a special place as the original home of the sport’s grassroots format. With a history of intense competition, we are proud to host The Clash at ‘The Madhouse.'”

Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines also stated:

“The City of Winston-Salem is very excited and grateful that NASCAR has selected Bowman Gray Stadium to host The Clash in 2025. This further solidifies our city’s relationship with NASCAR and the many fans in the region as we welcome the NASCAR Cup Series back to Bowman Gray Stadium.”

As anticipation builds, NASCAR Studios and FOX Sports Films are producing a documentary titled “The Madhouse: NASCAR’s Return to Bowman Gray Stadium,” promising fans an intimate look at the racetrack’s transformation and historical significance.

Current status of the NASCAR Cup Series

1. Kyle Larson – 779 points
2. Denny Hamlin – 758 points
3. Christopher Bell – 701 points
4. William Byron – 678 points
5. Ryan Blaney – 702 points
6. Tyler Reddick – 774 points
7. Chase Elliott – 773 points
8. Brad Keselowski – 636 points
9. Alex Bowman – 615 points
10. Joey Logano – 557 points
11. Daniel Suarez – 497 points
12. Austin Cindric – 451 points
13. Martin Truex Jr. – 662 points
14. Ty Gibbs – 602 points
15. Bubba Wallace – 587 points
16. Chris Buescher – 584 points
    (PLAYOFF CUT-OFF)
17. Ross Chastain – 584 points
18. Chase Briscoe – 485 points
19. Kyle Busch – 465 points
20. Todd Gilliland – 454 points
21. Michael McDowell – 431 points
22. Carson Hocevar – 414 points
23. Josh Berry – 412 points
24. Noah Gragson – 400 points
25. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – 376 points
26. Ryan Preece – 341 points
27. Erik Jones – 337 points
28. Justin Haley – 329 points
29. Corey LaJoie – 327 points
30. Daniel Hemric – 323 points
31. Austin Dillon – 319 points
32. John Hunter Nemechek – 313 points
33. Zane Smith – 262 points
34. Harrison Burton – 243 points
35. Kaz Grala – 166 points
36. Cody Ware – 47 points
37. Joey Hand – 43 points
38. Jimmie Johnson – 39 points
39. Derek Kraus – 32 points
40. David Ragan – 17 points
41. Kamui Kobayashi – 8 points
42. Will Brown – 6 points
43. Cam Waters – 2 points