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Winston Salem, North Carolina – Work is well underway to get Bowman Gray Stadium ready for its next generation of racing, which begins next year with The Clash on Feb. 1-2, 2025. NASCAR, City of Winston-Salem, and Winston-Salem State University announced several initiatives today that are preparing the facility for a future that includes the return of NASCAR Cup Series racing to its historic quarter-mile oval for the first time since 1971.

 

A brand-new Musco lighting system that is custom designed to improve track lighting and visibility, reduce energy consumption, enhance the overall experience for drivers and fans, and provide the necessary illumination for nationally-televised racing events, beginning with the 2025 NASCAR Clash on FOX. Funding for the lighting system will come from a pandemic recovery grant that was awarded to the City of Winston-Salem in 2022 as part of the North Carolina Motorsports Relief Fund.

 

Installation of SAFER barrier, the innovative and life-saving steel and foam energy reduction system, and new catch fences featured at every NASCAR national series racetrack.

 

“Part of being good stewards of Bowman Gray Stadium includes preparing it to host compelling events that rightfully place it in the national spotlight,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR Executive Vice President, Chief Venue and Racing Innovation Officer. “We are grateful to Musco for providing the premium event lighting product to illuminate this historic venue. The preparations in advance of The Clash will position this national treasure as a showcase of national and grassroots racing for the next generation and beyond.”

 

The Total Light Control – TLC for LED™ system from Musco features patented light control that prevents glare from affecting drivers, spectators, and television cameras. The new LED system features Musco's Show-Light® Pro special effects technology that allows for the creation of customized light shows on the racetrack, with color-changing fixtures and light-to-music synchronization for a world-class entertainment experience.

“Bowman Gray is a fantastic venue with a storied history in both racing and football,” said Musco CEO Jeff Rogers. “We’re looking forward to working on this project with NASCAR. Lighting The Clash is exciting, but leaving a legacy LED lighting system for local racing and Winston-Salem State University football makes the project even more special.”

 

Musco lighting solutions provide the high light levels required for television broadcast, the uniformity and glare control specified by international racing organization safety standards, and an unforgettable race night experience for spectators – at the venue and broadcast on television or online. Installation will begin in December and will be completed in advance of The Clash in February.

 

“The City of Winston-Salem is thrilled that NASCAR has chosen to kick off their 2025 season by holding The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium,” said City of Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines. “We value the partnership with Musco, NASCAR, and WSSU to provide enhanced stadium lighting that will position the stadium and community to host future national events and improve the fan experience for the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series at Bowman Gray Stadium and WSSU Football. This lighting system complements the $9 million that the City invested in improvements to Bowman Gray Stadium a few years ago. The City Council and I want to thank Musco for their investment in our historic stadium and their commitment to the Winston-Salem community.”

 

“This collaboration with NASCAR is a testament to their strong commitment to community engagement,” said Winston-Salem State University Chancellor Bonita Brown. “The installation of new lighting will enhance the experience for our student-athletes, fans and the broader community, making our stadium a brighter and more inviting place for everyone. We are thrilled about these improvements as well as the ongoing partnership we have with NASCAR that offers our students exposure to the motorsports industry.”

 

Crews began preparing Bowman Gray Stadium for SAFER barrier installation on Oct. 21 with the removal of the previous guardrail system. Installation of the new barriers and catch fencing is anticipated to be completed by the first week of January.

 

A scant number of tickets remain for the inaugural NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, Feb. 1-2. A full schedule of weekend activities will be released in the near future, but both days will include NASCAR Cup Series cars on track concluding with The Clash broadcast live on FOX on Feb. 2 at 8 p.m. ET. Fans are encouraged to visit NASCARClash.com to secure their seats now while supplies last.

 

To learn more about the 2025 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series season with weekly modified, sportsman, street stock and stadium stock competition, visit bowmangrayracing.com.

 

Built in 1937, Bowman Gray Stadium, a quarter-mile short track, holds a special place in NASCAR history as the longest-running weekly racetrack. The racetrack hosted 29 NASCAR Grand National, now NASCAR Cup Series, races from 1958 to 1971 and hosted several East Series races from 2011 to 2015. The Cup Series will return in 2025 with The Clash for the first time since 1971. For more information, visit bowmangrayracing.com.

 

For nearly 50 years, Musco has specialized in sports lighting and technology, with innovations in glare reduction and light control responsible to the needs of facility owners, players, fans, neighbors, and the night sky. Musco’s TLC for LED® system, Show-Light® Pro special effects technology, and Mini-Pitch System™ modular sports solution provide unmatched quality, performance, and reliability. Musco’s solutions are found at neighborhood ballfields, professional tracks and speedways, NFL and MLB stadiums, NBA and NHL arenas, major collegiate facilities, and the Olympic Games. Every Musco system is backed by a long-term parts and labor warranty, eliminating maintenance concerns and costs well into the future. Learn more at www.musco.com.

 

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

 

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and Snapchat.

 

Winston-Salem State University fosters the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU’s curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Founded in 1892, WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region, and beyond. It is ranked the No. 1 university in North Carolina for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report. Guided by the motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment. For more information, visit www.wssu.edu. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.