Coliseums have housed gladiators, wild animals, drama, and mock naval battles. But until the 20th century, they never held horsepower, until Bowman Gray Stadium was built.

Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C., kicks off the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. The much-hyped NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray exhibition is at the sport’s shortest and oldest track. Bowman Gray is a quarter-mile bullring that’s been hosting races for 86 years. The race replaces the Clash at the Coliseum that was held in Los Angeles.

NASCAR heads to Bowman Gray Stadium this weekend for the 2025 season-opener Cook Out Clash exhibition race. The 0.25-mile oval track promises to deliver intense racing as 39 drivers compete for only 23 spots in the 200-lap event.