The Bowman Gray Stadium weekend schedule promises nonstop NASCAR excitement starting February 1, 2025. Events kick off with the NASCAR Advanced Auto Parts Madhouse Classic at 1:45 pm ET. Later, Cup Series practice and qualifying begin at 6:10 pm ET, followed by four qualifying heats from 8:30 pm ET to 9:15 pm ET. On February 2, the Last Chance Qualifier precedes the 8:00 pm ET Cook Out Clash finale.
Key Highlights
- The NASCAR Advanced Auto Parts Madhouse Classic kicks off the weekend on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 1:45 pm ET.
- NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying sessions commence at 6:10 pm ET on Saturday.
- Four intense Cup Series Qualifying Heat Races run from 8:30 pm ET to 9:15 pm ET on Saturday.
- The Last Chance Qualifying Race takes place on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 6 pm ET.
- The Cook Out Clash main event starts at 8:00 pm ET on Sunday, concluding the thrilling weekend.
Cook Out Clash Marks the Start of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Season
The Cook Out Clash marks the beginning of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting year in motorsports.
This highly anticipated preseason event will take place at the historic Bowman Gray Stadium on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Known for its tight quarter-mile track, the venue will test the skills of 40 participating drivers. The event promises intense competition as drivers vie for one of the 23 spots in the main event, with the final position reserved for the highest finisher in the 2024 standings not yet qualified.
Serving up the best @CookOut combo at @BGSRacing this February ☺️#CookOutClash x #CookOutMadhouseClassic pic.twitter.com/94DQF7TeDW
— Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium (@nascarclash) January 2, 2025
Preceding the main event, practice and heat races are scheduled on Saturday, February 1, offering a full weekend of racing excitement.
The Cook Out Clash will be broadcast on FOX at 8 pm ET, allowing fans nationwide to tune in and witness the start of an exhilarating NASCAR season. This exhibition race sets the tone for the year ahead.
The Road to the Cook Out Clash Main Event
As excitement builds towards the Cook Out Clash Main Event, drivers must initially navigate the challenging preliminary rounds to secure their place.
Four heat races, each consisting of 25 laps, will determine the primary 20 drivers to advance. In these heats, only the top five finishers will earn their spot in the main event.
For those who do not succeed in the heat races, a 75-lap Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) race offers a final opportunity. This LCQ, scheduled for Sunday afternoon, will see the top two finishers claim the last coveted spots for the Main Event.
Among the competitors, Denny Hamlin of Joe Gibbs Racing stands out as the defending champion. His performance will be closely watched as he seeks to defend his title.
The structure of these qualifying rounds adds a layer of strategy and skill, challenging each driver to perform at their peak to secure a place in the prestigious event.
The Madhouse: #NASCAR's return to Bowman Gray Stadium. Monday at 7p ET on FS1. pic.twitter.com/qn6vltkUTS
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) January 23, 2025
Weekend Schedule for 2025 NASCAR Cook Out Clash
With anticipation mounting for the 2025 NASCAR Cook Out Clash, the weekend schedule at Bowman Gray Stadium is set to deliver a packed lineup of racing events.
On Saturday, February 1, 2025, the action commences at 1:45 pm ET with the NASCAR Advanced Auto Parts Madhouse Classic. This event is a staple at Bowman Gray, known for its exhilarating competition.
Later in the day, at 6:10 pm ET, drivers will participate in the Cup Series practice and qualifying sessions, setting the stage for the evening’s heat races.
Starting at 8:30 pm ET, four Cup Series Qualifying Heat Races will take place in quick succession, with the last race concluding by 9:15 pm ET.
Sunday, February 2, 2025, features the Last Chance Qualifying Race at 6 pm ET, offering one final opportunity for drivers to secure their spots. The weekend culminates in the Cook Out Clash at 8:00 pm ET.
Starting Lineup Breakdown for the 2025 Cook Out Clash
Organized carefully, the starting lineup for the 2025 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium is determined through a series of qualifying heats and a last chance qualifier, guaranteeing a competitive field of 23 cars.
The lineup structure is thorough in its construction to ensure fairness and excitement. The initial four spots are claimed by the winners of heats one through four. Following them, the runners-up from each heat secure positions five through eight. The third, fourth, and fifth-place finishers from these heats populate positions nine through 20, emphasizing consistent performance.
To maintain competitive integrity, two drivers will advance from the Last Chance Qualifier, filling positions 21 and 22. The final slot, securing a legacy of skill, is reserved for the highest-ranking driver in the 2024 points standings who did not qualify otherwise.
News in Brief: Bowman Gray Stadium Weekend Schedule
The 2025 NASCAR Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium promises an electrifying start to the NASCAR Cup Series season, featuring a packed weekend schedule filled with competitive racing. Fans can expect a detailed lineup breakdown, offering insights into the drivers and teams poised to make an impact. With a focus on delivering nonstop thrills and excitement, the event sets the stage for a memorable season, highlighting the skill and strategy that define NASCAR’s premier series.
ALSO READ: Complete Guide to Tickets for the NASCAR Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium
