The 2025 NASCAR season is set to kick off with the highly anticipated Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 2, 2025. This exhibition race marks NASCAR’s return to the historic quarter-mile oval in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for the first time since 1971. A total of 39 drivers are slated to compete, vying for 23 spots in the 200-lap main event.
Entry List
The preliminary entry list features a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. Notable entries include:
• Ross Chastain – Driving the No. 1 car for Trackhouse Racing.
• Chase Elliott – Piloting the No. 9 car for Hendrick Motorsports.
• Denny Hamlin – Behind the wheel of the No. 11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing.
• Kevin Harvick – Competing in the No. 4 car for Stewart-Haas Racing.
• Kyle Larson – Driving the No. 5 car for Hendrick Motorsports.
• Joey Logano – In the No. 22 car for Team Penske.
• Martin Truex Jr. – Piloting the No. 19 car for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Additionally, Cody Ware returns to full-time Cup Series competition, driving the No. 51 Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing. Ware achieved a career-best fourth-place finish at Daytona in 2024 and is eager to make a strong start to the season.
For a comprehensive entry list, please refer to the official NASCAR release.
Practice Groups
To prepare for the unique challenges of Bowman Gray’s tight quarters, drivers have been divided into practice groups. These sessions aim to provide competitors with valuable track time ahead of the heat races and main event.
While the specific group assignments have not been publicly disclosed, practice sessions are scheduled as follows:
• Saturday, February 1, 2025:
• 11:15 AM ET: Modified practice session.
• 6:10 PM ET: Cup Series practice, divided into three groups, each with an eight-minute session.
These practice sessions will be crucial for teams to fine-tune their setups and strategies, given the unique demands of the quarter-mile oval.
Event Schedule
The weekend’s schedule is packed with action:
• Saturday, February 1:
• 11:15 AM ET: Modified practice.
• 12:00 PM ET: Modified qualifying.
• 1:45 PM ET: Modified race (125 laps or 90 minutes).
• 6:10 PM ET: Cup Series practice.
• 8:30 PM ET: Cup Series heat races (four heats, 25 laps each).
• Sunday, February 2:
• 6:00 PM ET: Cup Series Last Chance Qualifier (75 laps).
• 8:00 PM ET: Cook Out Clash main event (200 laps).
The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium promises to be a thrilling start to the 2025 NASCAR season, blending the sport’s rich history with its dynamic present. Fans can anticipate intense racing as drivers navigate the tight confines of this legendary short track.
