It’s time to change the venue for the exciting opening race of the Cup Series. The Clash has been a staple of the NASCAR Cup Series since 1979 and has changed venues several times. For the past two years, it has been held at the LA Memorial Coliseum, a multi-purpose stadium in California. But NASCAR felt its goal here has fallen a bit short, so it’s ready to pack its bags for the new Clash address.

The Clash is now closer to home

The LA Memorial Coliseum was a thrilling temporary quarter-mile track where Denny Hamlin took the Clash win this season. NASCAR’s Next Gen car proved itself at the venue before the regular season, and Goodyear tires also found a testing ground here. But the Coliseum lacked one thing: a convenient distance. Teams had to travel all the way to California for a non-points race. But that’s set to change in 2025.

The Cup Series will now host the historic Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, another quarter-mile race. Journalist Bob Pockrass updated X, writing: “The Clash will once again be held on a quarter-mile track – but in 2025 at Bowman Gray Stadium. Sunday, February 2nd. On FOX.” This venue is both closer to home—just an hour north of Charlotte, North Carolina—and closer to the hearts of NASCAR fans. Built in 1937, Bowman Gray hosted Cup races from 1958 to 1971.

Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s Executive VP and Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer, explained how important Bowman Gray is to the NASCAR spirit. “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.” He added: “As NASCAR’s first weekly racetrack, Bowman Gray Stadium holds a special place as the original home of the sport. With a history of intense competition, we are proud to host The Clash at ‘The Madhouse.'”

Let’s see how this novel initiative plays out at The Clash next year!