Kaulig Racing is gearing up for an electrifying opener as the Clash returns to Bowman Gray, marking the start of another racing year with heightened stakes and local energy. The Kaulig Racing Clash Preview centers on the unique atmosphere at this historic track and the team’s determination to make an impact ahead of the official season’s kickoff in Daytona.
Sunday Brings a Unique Format and Television Spotlight
This year’s Clash adopts a new Sunday race format, with adjustments to the schedule that place extra emphasis on audience engagement and live television coverage. Fans eagerly anticipate this shakeup, which is expected to turn the spotlight toward the unpredictable short-track action that Bowman Gray is famous for. As the season’s first showcase, teams like Kaulig Racing aim to set the pace and build momentum.
AJ Allmendinger Embraces Challenge and Local Passion
AJ Allmendinger returns to Bowman Gray with fresh enthusiasm after his experience last year, drawn by both the racetrack’s character and the exceptional fan base. Allmendinger reflects on how the intensity of the crowd and the ‘full contact’ style of racing make this event a signature kickoff, even though no championship points are on the line. He sees it as a blend of fun and prestige, keen to get behind the No. 16 Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Cup car close to home, feeling excited by the prospect of performing well in front of such a devoted audience.
“The Clash at Bowman Gray is just a cool event, and I had never been there in my life until last year. What they say is true—the Bowman Gray crowd is unique and very passionate, and it was fun to be able to see what it was all about. The energy was high, and you couple that with crazy racing, meaning you’re just going to beat and gouge on each other around that place. It’s full contact, so you just have to be mentally prepared for that going into it. I think it’s a fun kickoff event. Obviously, it’s not for points, but it is going out there for prestige. You try to win it and do the best that you can. It’s a great way to get back to racing in the No. 16 Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Cup car, and it’s not far from home which is a bonus.”
— AJ Allmendinger, Driver
Preparation and Mindset Are Key After Off-Season Efforts
Kaulig Racing enters Bowman Gray following intensive work during the off-season, carrying confidence from a successful test at North Wilkesboro. Allmendinger has underscored the importance of mental readiness, highlighting the personal motivation that shapes his competitive mindset. While internal pressure is absent, he carries his own expectations, aiming to deliver for his team and supporters, and views the Clash as a chance to set a positive tone for the year ahead.
“The team has been working hard in the off-season. We had a good test at North Wilkesboro, and even though we unloaded and were second quick on the first run, the season is all about figuring out expectations. For me, it’s about getting in the right mindset. I put a lot of pressure on myself about how I perform because I don’t want to let people down. I’ve got to enjoy the process. The team has never put pressure on me, so I just need to focus and have fun. I’m fortunate to still be part of all this and want to have a good year for the team and our partners. We’ll go and have some fun at Bowman Gray before the regular season starts at Daytona.”
— AJ Allmendinger, Driver
Ty Dillon Looks Forward to Hometown Connection
Ty Dillon enters the Clash with personal ties to the area and aims to make the most of racing back home in Winston-Salem, supported by local sponsor Grizzly Nicotine Pouches. For Dillon, returning to the car after the off-season brings a sense of anticipation, and the involvement of local companies and fans adds to the occasion’s meaning. The goal is to qualify strong and deliver a performance worthy of the energetic crowd. Dillon trusts in the unpredictable nature of Bowman Gray, ready to handle whatever the so-called ‘Madhouse’ may offer as cold weather off-track contrasts with the intense competition expected on the pavement.
“The Clash is a pretty cool event for me. First, it marks our first time back in the car since November. Getting time off is always good, but after a few weeks, you get the itch to start racing again and trust me, most of us are ready to go and have this weekend circled. Getting to do it in Winston-Salem is doubly special for me. It’s where I grew up, and with Grizzly Nicotine Pouches as our sponsor this weekend, I have a company from Winston-Salem supporting me. They plan to have a lot of people in the stands, so we certainly want to put on a good show. We want to make sure we get a good qualifying lap to get into the Clash. We are just going to take it one step at a time. Who knows what can happen? There’s a reason they call Bowman-Gray ‘The Madhouse.’ I know it’s going to be cold, but I think the racing will be pretty hot on the track.”
— Ty Dillon, Driver
Anticipating the Clash’s Impact and Setting the Stage for the Season
The Clash at Bowman Gray is more than a non-points event; it serves as a springboard for Kaulig Racing’s season and provides a measure of readiness before major events like Daytona. With AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon both motivated by unique connections to the track and community, expectations are high for an exciting contest. The team’s combination of intensive preparation, emotional investment, and partnership support sets the tone for what lies ahead, with all eyes on how the experience at Bowman Gray will influence the early momentum of Kaulig Racing’s campaign.
