NASCAR will return to Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for the 2026 preseason 'Clash' race, building on the success of the 2025 event.

Bowman Gray Stadium, known for its no-holds-barred racing style and nickname 'The Madhouse,' has a rich history of hosting Cup Series races from 1958 to 1971 and is celebrated for its grassroots racing atmosphere.

The 2025 Clash at Bowman Gray, won by Chase Elliott, marked a historic event at the venue, which NASCAR aims to replicate and surpass in 2026.

NASCAR has invested in upgrading Bowman Gray Stadium, including safety enhancements and fan experience improvements, to prepare for the return of national-series events.

NASCAR and the city of Winston-Salem are close to a deal for an annual race at Bowman Gray over the next five years, with plans for venue upgrades like a new scoreboard.

Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines expressed pride in hosting the event and aims to make the 2026 race even more successful.

Dale Earnhardt holds the record for most wins at The Clash with six, and NASCAR continues to honor historic winners like Richard Petty and Junior Johnson at Bowman Gray.

NASCAR took over management of Bowman Gray's racing operations in 2024, partnering with the city to enhance the venue's role in grassroots racing.

The return of NASCAR to Bowman Gray was announced on July 9, 2025, highlighting its significance as a historic quarter-mile track.

The Clash has evolved from Daytona to various venues, including the Los Angeles Coliseum and Bowman Gray, as part of NASCAR's experimental approach to the event.

Tickets for the 2026 Clash are now available, with Bowman Gray hosting weekly races during spring and summer, maintaining its status as the longest-running weekly track.

Cook Out, a regional restaurant chain based in Winston-Salem, will continue as the entitlement sponsor for the event, supporting NASCAR's grassroots and youth initiatives.