NASCAR announces format, field size for 2025 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium

The NASCAR Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium is less than two weeks away. The format and number of cars in the feature have been revealed. This year, the Madhouse is hosting the Cup Series for the first time in over 50 years.

There will be Heat Races, a Last Chance Qualifier, and the Feature race. Starting lineups for each heat race will be determined by practice speed times. The fastest four drivers in practice will earn pole positions for the Heat Races.

From the Heats on Saturday, the top five finishers will advance to the Feature on Sunday. Those who do not advance will race in a 75-lap Last Chance Qualifier on Sunday prior to the NASCAR Cook Out Clash. The winner and runner-up will advance to the Clash. 23 cars will make the field.

Saturday:
Practice – Times will determine lineups for Heat Races.
Heat Races – Top five drivers advance to NASCAR Clash.

Sunday:
Last Chance Qualifier – 75-lap race, top two advance to Clash.
23rd position – Driver highest in 2024 points standings who didn’t already advance.
NASCAR Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium – 23-car, 200-lap race.

The winner of Heat 1 will earn the pole position for the NASCAR Cook Out Clash. Whoever wins Heat 2 will start P2, with the winners of Heat 3 and 4 making up the second row. The rest of the field will be filled out accordingly.

In case I couldn’t explain it well enough, here’s a handy infographic from NASCAR.

Bowman Gray legends competing in NASCAR Clash

The best part about racing at Bowman Gray for the first tie since 1971, it lets some local flavor get into the mix. Bowman Gray is an integral piece of stock car racing history. Even if NASCAR hasn’t had the Cup Series there for decades, it is a place many drivers cut their teeth. Sometimes literally.

Drivers Tim Brown and Burt Myers are going to suit up for Rick Ware Racing and AmeriVet, respectively. Brown has more wins than anyone in the history of the track. Both Brown and Myers have a trophy case full of championships. About two dozen or more between the two drivers.

While the Clash in Los Angeles was fun and put NASCAR on this large stage, this is different. Bowman Gray is down-home, grassroots, and gritty. Hollywood stars won’t be lining up on a red carpet. Just 15,000 race fans cheering and cussing at drivers.

The NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray will be a lot of fun. Will we see these two local champions overcome the odds and make the 23 driver field on Sunday, February 2?