The Busch Light Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium has reignited the debate about where NASCAR’s annual exhibition race should be held. Some believe Bowman Gray should become a permanent home for the Clash, while others think NASCAR should continue rotating venues. But what if NASCAR took things a step further—renovating a different grassroots short track every year or two and hosting the Clash there?
Reviving Historic Short Tracks, One Clash at a Time
Short tracks are the heartbeat of grassroots racing, but many of the iconic local tracks that helped build NASCAR have struggled with aging facilities, financial difficulties, or a lack of national exposure. NASCAR could change that by selecting one legendary short track each year, investing in renovations, and bringing the Clash to town.
This plan would:
✅ Celebrate NASCAR’s roots by racing at historic short tracks.
✅ Help struggling tracks stay viable with much-needed funding and exposure.
✅ Provide fans with a fresh, unique experience every year.
Potential Tracks for Future Clashes
There are countless legendary short tracks that would be perfect for the Clash, each with a deep connection to stock car racing:
• Hickory Motor Speedway (NC): A track that helped launch the careers of Dale Earnhardt, Harry Gant, and others.
• South Boston Speedway (VA): A legendary track where the Burtons, Denny Hamlin, and others made a name for themselves.
• Five Flags Speedway (FL): Home of the Snowball Derby, this track has seen some of the best late model racing in the country.
• Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway (TN): A historic track in a major market, still awaiting its full NASCAR revival.
• Irwindale Speedway (CA): A top-tier short track that could keep NASCAR’s Clash in a West Coast rotation.
How It Would Work
1. NASCAR & Sponsors Fund Upgrades: A combination of NASCAR, track owners, and sponsors could work together to bring renovations, new grandstands, and modern amenities to each selected venue.
2. Grassroots Racing Benefits: The upgrades wouldn’t just be for NASCAR’s one-off event. These investments would help local racing series thrive long after the Clash leaves town.
3. A Fresh Clash Experience Each Year: Every Clash would feel unique, keeping fans excited to see which track gets the honor next.
A Win-Win for NASCAR and Local Racing
By adopting this approach, NASCAR wouldn’t just be bringing a fun exhibition race to new venues—it would be actively helping to grow grassroots racing. Instead of one track reaping the benefits, a new track—and its community—would receive a boost each year.
The Busch Light Clash has already proven that NASCAR is willing to think outside the box when it comes to venues. Now
