The 2025 Nascar season started off with a bit of a throwback of sorts. The Cup Series saw its first action of the year this past weekend at the Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray. It was the first time cup cars had been on the historic track since 1971. The Clash, which was held in LA the last 3 years, is a non points exhibition race to kick off the Cup series season.
Madness is the term used to describe the racing, and events, at Bowman Gray. The quarter mile short track is known for its rowdy, and sometimes out of control, weekend races. It is considered a bit of a time capsule of sorts holding onto an era of racing that has seemed to fade away. It was the anticipation of this madness mixed with the current Cup line up that had many so excited for this weekend. It did not disappoint.
The heats were intense, leading to tempers flaring and a lot of beat up sheet metal as expected. When it all cleared, Chase Elliot was the man on the pole. Elliot dominated from the practice sessions, all the way to the checkered flag. Nascar’s most popular driver led most of the race. A late charge from Ryan Blaney led to an intense last few laps. Blaney had got in on a provisional, and seemed to have the best car on the track. He raced his way from the back of the pack, but did not have enough to run Elliot down. Elliot had gotten to the back of the field, and easily worked around lapped traffic pulling away from Blaney to take the checkered flag.
Elliot fans are hoping history repeats itself in a way. Chase’s dad Bill Elliot, both of Dawsonville, GA, also won the clash back in 1987. After that clash win, he went on to win the Daytona 500. That would be a feat for Elliot, to follow in his dad’s footsteps and do the same. Elliot has consistently been one of the top drivers in average finishes in his career, has won a Cup Championship, and has been voted the most popular driver the last 7 seasons. He seemed to have a little fall off in his aggression and wins after being injured in a snowboarding accident during the 2023 Season. His fans are hoping this early victory is a solid sign for Elliot going into the 2025 Season.
