After the dust settled on the Busch Light Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, one thing became clear—NASCAR is willing to think outside the box when it comes to its exhibition events. With rumors swirling that the sport is considering other locations for the Clash in 2026, this presents an opportunity to rethink not just the Clash, but also the All-Star Race and North Wilkesboro’s place on the schedule.

Here’s a bold idea:
1. Move the All-Star Race to Bowman Gray.
2. Give North Wilkesboro a points-paying race.
3. Keep the Clash flexible and explore other unique locations.
Why Bowman Gray is Perfect for the All-Star Race
The All-Star Race is meant to be a showcase event—one where the stakes are high, the racing is intense, and the format allows for creativity. If there’s one thing Bowman Gray delivers, it’s drama.
Bringing the All-Star Race to Bowman Gray would:
• Keep the intensity alive. The track’s bullring nature ensures door-to-door action, bump-and-runs, and high emotions—all things that make an All-Star event memorable.
• Give the event a permanent short-track home. NASCAR has moved the All-Star Race around in recent years (from Charlotte to Bristol, Texas, and North Wilkesboro), but Bowman Gray could become its signature venue, much like Charlotte was for decades.
• Allow for a different approach than a points race. The Clash at Bowman Gray showed that a full Cup field might be too chaotic for a 150-lap points event, but an All-Star format—where fewer cars race in shorter segments—could be the perfect fit.
North Wilkesboro Deserves a Points Race
After making a triumphant return to the schedule as an All-Star Race venue, North Wilkesboro has proven it belongs back in NASCAR’s regular season. Giving it a points-paying Cup Series race would:
• Honor its history by restoring its place as a track that matters in the championship battle.
• Boost its long-term viability by securing investment from teams, sponsors, and fans.
• Reward its loyal supporters who have shown up in full force since the track’s revival.
Keeping the Clash Rotating
Rather than locking the Busch Light Clash into one location, NASCAR could turn it into a rotating event, using different short tracks, unique venues, or even temporary circuits to keep things fresh.
Potential future Clash locations could include:
• South Boston Speedway (VA) – Another legendary short track with deep NASCAR roots.
• Hickory Motor Speedway (NC) – One of the most iconic grassroots tracks in stock car racing history.
• The LA Coliseum (Again?) – If NASCAR wants to maintain its West Coast presence before Daytona, the Coliseum could make a return.
Final Thoughts
If NASCAR is looking to shake up its schedule, this proposal checks all the boxes

✅ Bowman Gray gets a high-profile event that fits its nature.
✅ North Wilkesboro finally gets the points race it deserves.
✅ The Clash keeps its identity as an experimental event.
This plan honors tradition while keeping NASCAR’s modern, bold approach intact. The big question: Will NASCAR make it happen?