Chase Elliott emerged victorious in the NASCAR Cup Series Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, securing his first career win in this exhibition race. Starting from pole position, Elliott dominated the event, leading for an impressive 172 out of 200 laps. He successfully held off a charging Ryan Blaney, who made a remarkable climb from 23rd to finish second. Elliott’s masterful performance set the stage for an exciting start to the season. “I was afraid of losing control of the race and wouldn’t be able to get it back,” Elliott admitted after the race. “Fortunately, I was able to (keep control) and that’s a great way to start the season.”
The race saw several lead changes and cautions, adding to the intensity of the competition. Denny Hamlin initially led before Elliott took command on lap 127. Elliott’s consistent speed and strategic execution allowed him to maintain his lead and ultimately claim the checkered flag. The tight confines of Bowman Gray Stadium, known for its short track and close-quarters racing, contributed to the exciting and unpredictable nature of the Clash.
The full, unofficial results from the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium are listed below, showcasing the final standings of all participating drivers. Several notable drivers, including Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, and Bubba Wallace, rounded out the top five finishers.
- Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
- Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford
- Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
- Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford
- Bubba Wallace, No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota
- Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
- Austin Cindric, No. 2 Team Penske Ford
- Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota
- Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
- Chris Buescher, No. 17 RFK Racing Ford
- Ryan Preece, No. 60 RFK Racing Ford
- Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
- Josh Berry, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford
- Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford
- Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
- Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
- Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
- William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
- Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
- Noah Gragson, No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford
- Brad Keselowski, No. 6 RFK Racing Ford
- Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
- Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
This exciting race provided a thrilling preview of the upcoming NASCAR season, leaving fans eager for more action-packed competition on the track. The Clash at Bowman Gray delivered close racing, dramatic moments, and ultimately, a deserving winner in Chase Elliott. The Nascar Race Today Results indicate a strong start for Elliott and a promising season ahead.