Chase Elliott clinched a dramatic victory in the 2025 NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, holding off a charging Ryan Blaney in a thrilling season opener. The non-points exhibition race, held at the historic quarter-mile track for the first time, delivered edge-of-your-seat action and a taste of what’s to come in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Elliott dominated the weekend, topping practice charts and winning Heat 1 to secure pole position for the 200-lap main event. He led for a significant portion of the race, showcasing his mastery of the tight and challenging Bowman Gray circuit.
Chase Elliott celebrates his NASCAR Clash win at Bowman Gray Stadium
The race featured numerous dramatic moments, including a remarkable charge from last-place starter Ryan Blaney to a close second-place finish. A late-race caution, triggered by contact between William Byron and Todd Gilliland, bunched the field, but Elliott maintained his composure to secure the win. Blaney nearly snatched the lead attempting a pass on a lapped Kyle Busch, but missed the corner, allowing Elliott to escape.
Denny Hamlin led at the halfway point, but Elliott eventually overtook him. Spins by Brad Keselowski, Alex Bowman, and Kyle Larson added to the chaos and excitement. The tight confines of Bowman Gray Stadium resulted in numerous close calls and intense battles for position.
The Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) saw Kyle Larson take the win, with Josh Berry securing second to guarantee their spots in the main event. Ryan Blaney claimed the final spot via a provisional. The LCQ delivered its own share of thrills and spills, with drivers fiercely competing for the coveted transfer positions.
Fans who missed the live action can catch up on the race via replays on FOX and streaming platforms like FUBO and the FOX Sports app. Radio coverage was available on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Race highlights, results, and standings can be found on NASCAR.com and various sports news websites.