Chase Elliott will lead the 23-driver field to green in Sunday’s Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium after delivering a flawless performance in his heat race. The Hendrick Motorsports driver went wire-to-wire, never surrendering the lead and locking himself into the top starting spot for the main event.
Elliott Shows Strength on the Quarter-Mile Bullring
Bowman Gray—nicknamed “The Madhouse” for its legendary short-track chaos—lived up to its reputation during Saturday’s heat races. The tight quarter-mile track saw aggressive racing, door-banging battles, and plenty of contact, but Elliott managed to stay out front and out of trouble.
“It’s a wild place,” Elliott said after the race. “You have to be aggressive but also be smart. Getting the pole is huge because track position is everything here.”
A Night of Intense Heat Races
With four heat races setting the field, drivers had to fight tooth and nail for their spots in the main event. Beating, bumping, and even a few spins defined the night, showcasing exactly why Bowman Gray has a reputation for hard-nosed racing.
While Elliott dominated his heat, other races saw dramatic moments, including fender-rubbing battles for transfer spots and last-lap dives into the corners. The intensity only sets the stage for what’s expected to be a chaotic and unpredictable main event.
What’s Next?
With Elliott on the pole, the big question is whether he can stay ahead of the inevitable mayhem when the green flag drops on Sunday night. Bowman Gray’s tight confines leave no room for error, and even the fastest car can quickly find itself caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Will Elliott convert his dominant heat win into a victory in the Cook Out Clash, or will “The Madhouse” serve up another short-track shocker? One thing is certain—Sunday night is going to be a show.
