Josh Berry, once a standout in short-track racing and now a driver at the top level of NASCAR, has put forth a strong case for beginning the NASCAR season on short tracks. As NASCAR continues to evaluate the venues and formats for its exhibition season opener, Berry’s enthusiasm for short-track racing spotlights a broader movement toward grassroots-style events, emphasizing their potential to draw new audiences and revitalize facilities.
Since 1979, the Clash has served as NASCAR’s annual preseason spectacle, debuting at Daytona International Speedway. The tradition remained in Daytona, occasionally switching to the road course, until 2022. That year marked a pivotal change, as the event traveled to Los Angeles for the first time, transforming the historic Memorial Coliseum into a temporary racing circuit. This westward move attracted significant attention, particularly from first-time fans, underscoring the appeal of unique venues and formats.
The experiment in Los Angeles was notable for its ambitious construction—a quarter-mile track built within an iconic stadium. Its success helped lay the groundwork for NASCAR’s willingness to try new things. In 2025, the Clash shifted again, relocating to the revered short-track at Bowman Gray Stadium. This move brought the event back to the roots of American stock car racing, contrasting sharply with the temporary nature of the Coliseum’s track. NASCAR leaders, including Berry, see Bowman Gray’s involvement as an endorsement of grassroots competition, aligning with longstanding fans’ wishes.
Reflecting on this direction, Berry remarked,
“I think they’re off to a great start, obviously, with the investment they made into Bowman Grey and then SMI with North Wilkesboro as well. That’s a great starting point, right? And I think that there’s definitely room with this exhibition clash that we could go around to some different places, and make an investment in there and improve their facilities and bring a really big event there,”
—Josh Berry.
He further emphasized,
“I think that’s the biggest thing that they can continue to do is just support these tracks. It’d be really cool to kind of see this race evolve into traveling to a few different short tracks every couple of years,”
—Josh Berry.
Berry’s own journey provides an example of the impact such tracks can have. Having advanced through the ranks by racing Late Models on short circuits, he embodies the grassroots spirit he champions for the preseason NASCAR showcase. Both fans and participants—especially those with pathways similar to Berry’s—view these smaller venues as vital training grounds and community staples.
Weather Forces Schedule Adjustments for Bowman Gray Clash
Just as Bowman Gray Stadium was set to reinforce NASCAR’s short-track resurgence, the region has been hit by inclement winter weather, prompting significant schedule changes. Originally, the exhibition event was slated for a two-day program, culminating with a main race on Sunday evening. However, icy roads and the threat of more snow have forced officials to rethink the plan.
Forecasters predict as much as a foot of snow for the weekend, keeping much of the area under a winter storm watch. In response, all on-track activities scheduled for Saturday have been postponed. NASCAR intends to conduct the full exhibition as a single-day event, with practice targeted for 2 p.m. Sunday and the main race set for 6 p.m., as conditions permit.
Despite concerns about the extreme cold, NASCAR officials maintain confidence in their Goodyear tire compounds, stating they should provide enough grip to keep the cars safe on the chilly oval. The final decision on whether to race Sunday will depend entirely on local snow accumulation. Should the weather remain too severe, NASCAR stands ready to delay until conditions improve, aiming to hold the season opener at the earliest clear opportunity.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Short Track Venues on NASCAR’s Identity
This renewed focus on short tracks for the Clash signals a potential shift in NASCAR’s approach to engaging its fan base. For drivers like Josh Berry and organizations like SMI, supporting historic venues such as Bowman Gray and North Wilkesboro is both a nod to tradition and a potential roadmap for future seasons. The increased investment in smaller, community-centered racing facilities may not only benefit the sport’s grassroots but also nurture new and diverse fans.
How NASCAR proceeds in the coming years will likely hinge on the continued success of these events—and the ability of officials, teams, and fans to adapt to challenges posed by weather and logistics. With Berry and others urging the sanctioning body to keep the Clash on short tracks and possibly rotate venues, the evolution of the season opener could further solidify the bond between the sport and its foundational tracks.
