Chase Elliott Wins NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray

Chase Elliott dominated the NASCAR Cup Series Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, securing his first win in the exhibition race. Starting from pole, Elliott led 172 of 200 laps, holding off Ryan Blaney who finished second after a charge from 23rd. Elliott’s performance set the stage for an exciting season start. “I was afraid of losing control of the race and wouldn’t be able to get it back,” Elliott admitted. “Fortunately, I was able to (keep control) and that’s a great way to start the season.”

The race featured several lead changes and cautions. Denny Hamlin initially led before Elliott took over on lap 127. Elliott’s consistent speed and strategy secured him the checkered flag. Bowman Gray Stadium’s tight confines and short track contributed to the unpredictable race.

The full, unofficial results from the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium are below:

1. Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
2. Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford
3. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
4. Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford
5. Bubba Wallace, No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota
6. Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
7. Austin Cindric, No. 2 Team Penske Ford
8. Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota
9. Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
10. Chris Buescher, No. 17 RFK Racing Ford
11. Ryan Preece, No. 60 RFK Racing Ford
12. Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
13. Josh Berry, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford
14. Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford
15. Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
16. Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
17. Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
18. William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
19. Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
20. Noah Gragson, No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford
21. Brad Keselowski, No. 6 RFK Racing Ford
22. Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
23. Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

The thrilling race previewed the upcoming NASCAR season, promising exciting on-track action. The Clash at Bowman Gray delivered close racing, dramatic moments, and a deserving winner in Chase Elliott. The NASCAR race results indicate a strong start for Elliott and a promising season.