NASCAR fans are in for an electrifying start to the 2025 Cup Series season, as the highly anticipated Cook Out Clash takes place this Sunday night at Bowman Gray Stadium. Although this exhibition race won’t impact the season standings, it promises high-intensity action at a brand-new location. This marks the fourth different venue to host the Clash in just six years, adding an extra layer of excitement.
This year’s event introduces a heat racing format, with practice sessions structured around the 2024 owner standings. Drivers are divided into three groups, each split into two subgroups for timed qualifying runs. These sessions will determine the starting order for four 25-lap heat races, where drivers will battle fiercely for a chance to make the 200-lap main event.
The pressure is immense, as only the top five finishers from each heat race will earn a direct spot in the feature race. Those who fall short will have one last opportunity in a 75-lap Last Chance Qualifier, where only the top two finishers will advance. If necessary, the highest-ranked non-qualifying driver from the previous season will be added to the field, but ultimately, 16 drivers will fail to qualify.
The lineup is stacked with talent. Carson Hocevar and Riley Herbst will compete in Group 1, while William Byron and Kyle Larson headline Group 2, representing Hendrick Motorsports. In the second practice set, Kyle Busch and Todd Gilliland will be in Group 3, facing strong competition from Ryan Blaney and Denny Hamlin in Group 4. The third practice group features Ross Chastain and A.J. Allmendinger in Group 5, while Joey Logano and Chase Elliott take on Group 6.
Fans can catch all the action live on Fox Sports 1, with the heat races airing at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1. The Last Chance Qualifier will be broadcast on Fox at 6:40 p.m. ET the following day, leading up to the main event at 8:20 p.m. ET. For those without cable, FuboTV offers a free trial to stream the races.
Bringing the Clash to Bowman Gray Stadium is a nod to NASCAR’s rich history. The last Cup Series race at this iconic short track was in 1971, where Bobby Allison took the win. Since then, the venue has remained a cornerstone of grassroots racing. Adding to the weekend’s excitement, the Cook Out Madhouse Classic on Saturday will feature practice, qualifying, and a race for local divisions. Weather forecasts predict partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-40s Fahrenheit, setting up ideal conditions for a thrilling weekend.
