The Clash, NASCAR's pre-season showcase since 1979, has undergone a significant overhaul in recent years. Gone are the days of sprint races on the high banks of Daytona meant only for the previous season's pole winners. The last three year's saw NASCAR invite all its chartered teams to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the unofficial opening of the season, but 2025 brings a new venue: Bowman Gray Stadium in North Carolina. It's the first Cup race at the infamous "Madhouse" in 54 years.
Sure, there are 39 cars are on the entry list, including local heroes like 53-year-old NASCAR "rookie" Tim Brown, but there are no guarantees they'll run in the main event. Only 23 cars will run in Sunday's Cook Out Clash and they'll have to earn their spot.
