NASCAR Names Entitlement Partner For 2025 Cup Series Clash At Bowman Gray Stadium

NASCAR has officially announced Cook Out as the entitlement partner for the 2025 Cup Series event at Bowman Gray Stadium.

Set to take place on Sunday, February 2, this event will be known as the Cook Out Clash. The weekend will feature two main events: the Cook Out Clash and the Cook Out Madhouse Classic.

Bowman Gray Stadium, located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is often referred to as NASCAR’s longest-running weekly racetrack. It has been a significant part of local culture since its opening in 1939.

The stadium is also known for hosting the Winston-Salem State University Rams football team and, historically, the Wake Forest University football team. Over the years, the stadium has built a reputation as a prominent site for motorsport events.

Ty Gibbs, driver of the #54 Monster Energy Toyota, Alex Bowman, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, and Justin Haley, driver of the #7 Parity Week By Gainbridge Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series…

Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

The upcoming 2025 Cup Series event will mark NASCAR’s return to Bowman Gray Stadium for the first time since 1971.

The weekend of racing will kick off with the Cook Out Madhouse Classic on Saturday, February 1. This invitation-only race will see stars from the Modified Division hit the track, including NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Labonte, who will be driving the No. 18 Cook Out Modified.

Following the Madhouse Classic will be the Cook Out Clash on Sunday. The NASCAR Cup Series race will be the first time in several decades that Bowman Gray Stadium has hosted such a prestigious event and will kick off the 2025 season.

Ben Kennedy, NASCAR Executive Vice President, Chief Venue and Racing Innovation Officer commented in a press release:

“It is incredible to have Cook Out as part of this historic weekend at Bowman Gray Stadium.

“Their support takes it to the next level, and we look forward to working with them to make it a weekend that fans will never forget.”

For Cook Out, being part of this event holds special significance. The fast-food chain, based in the Winston-Salem area since 1989, has grown its presence to 340 locations across ten states. Cook Out has a strong history of involvement in NASCAR, sponsoring events at famous tracks like Martinsville Speedway and Richmond Raceway, and supporting the NASCAR Youth Series. Jeremy Reaves, co-owner of Cook Out, commented on the new partnership:

“Cook Out loves Winston-Salem and loves racing. We’re looking forward to bringing together our racing family and the Winston-Salem community this year with the Cook Out Clash and the Cook Out Madhouse Classic.”