Bowman Gray Stadium ‘early favorite’ to host 2026 Clash

If you liked what you saw this year in the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, then good news, it is likely returning in 2026. Nothing is official right now, but a recent report names the Madhouse as NASCAR’s preferred location.

There has been talk about doing a race in Brazil for the Clash, but Bowman Gray has earned it. After the fun and intense racing atmosphere that track put on, why not go back for at least one more year?

Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal is reporting that Bowman Gray is the “early favorite” to host the Clash next season. Classic, short-track action!

“Now, five people familiar with the matter have called Bowman Gray the favorite to land the event again next year, even though NASCAR has been considering taking the race elsewhere in 2026, including possibly internationally,” Stern reports. “In August of last year, some NASCAR executives reportedly met with representatives in Brazil about bringing the Clash to São Paolo in 2026.

“NASCAR declined to comment, and it’s seen as early in the process. But keeping the event at Bowman Gray for another year would be a sign of NASCAR’s continued commitment to its roots, and a signal that it still will reward smaller communities across the U.S. when they show up in force for events.”

So, NASCAR is likely going to stay stateside for the Clash. Bowman Gray Stadium put on a show, they deserve to have an encore next year at the very least. Not to mention, the travel plans are much more simple.

Clash returning to Bowman Gray likely popular move

If the Clash does return to Bowman Gray then it is likely to be a popular move among fans and drivers alike. You could tell that the drivers and teams liked not having to go too far for this event. On top of that, it was a great atmosphere with some of the most raucous fans in motorsports.

The Heat Races and Last Chance Qualifier race were thrilling. Those were probably the best parts of the weekend this year. In the main event race, Chase Elliott dominated, but there was still a lot of racing going on throughout the field. It was just Elliott’s day.

Having a race outside of the United States is important. But NASCAR gets that with Mexico City this year, and it is a points race. I personally think, with the two NASCAR series in Mexico and Canada, that having Cup Series dates in those countries each year would be ideal. But there are other places the sport wants to be and wants to go.

Adam Stern also mentioned that another international date was not out of the question. However, if that does happen, say in Brazil or Europe or wherever – it will likely be an additional exhibition race and an invitational event as well. Basically, teams who can afford to go will go.