Chase Elliott is all set to lead the pack at the 2025 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, taking pole position in this highly anticipated NASCAR pre-season exhibition event.

Heading into the race, Elliott commented on the unpredictability of racing on this short oval, stating the importance of starting from the front.

Bowman Gray Stadium, known as “The Madhouse,” holds a special place in NASCAR history. Since 1949, it has been a hub for weekly racing events, making its return for this NASCAR exhibition – a celebration of the sport’s historic roots.

The stadium’s re-entry into NASCAR’s events speaks to both nostalgia and progress within the sport, as it aims to mesh traditional race culture with modern advancements.

Back in 2023, Elliott faced a difficult year when he missed several races due to a leg injury from a snowboarding accident. Fast forward to 2025, his position at the helm of the field a this iconic location demonstrates a remarkable comeback.

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The 2025 event started with a thrilling Saturday where Elliott dominated the qualifying rounds. Posting the fastest lap of 14.115 seconds at approximately 63.762 mph, Elliott set himself apart as the leader. This qualifying success led him to start from the first position in the initial of four Heat Races, which was a triumph in itself. Critically, during this race, Elliott managed to remain in the lead position despite multiple restart periods.

Hendrick Motorsports, which Elliott is a part of, has a storied reputation in NASCAR. The team’s continued strength, with all drivers making playoff appearances in 2024, proves the sheer skill level that the team brings to the sport.

“It’s going to be tough to win from the third or fourth row. I think the first couple of rows, certainly, have a massive advantage over the rest of the field. Obviously, anything can happen,” Elliot said via a press release.

“You all have been watching this long enough to know that anything can happen and I’m well aware of that, but I just think in a normal circumstance of people not totally crashing each other or whatever, yeah, I certainly would want to be on the first couple of rows, and fortunately, we are. So, we’ll try to take advantage of that.”

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The Cook Out Clash brings a unique format to the table. Unlike regular season races, this event employs heat races interspersed with a last-chance qualifier, creating an element of drama. This setting serves as a high-stakes curtain-raiser for the season.

As Elliott readies himself to navigate the Bowman Gray Stadium later today, fans will be watch closely to see how the narrative unfolds. With Elliott’s recent rivalries with drivers such as Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson, this race could very well set the tone for the upcoming season.

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2025 Clash Qualifying Lineup

1. Chase Elliott

2. Chris Buescher

3. Denny Hamlin

4. Tyler Reddick

5. Brad Keselowski

6. Chase Briscoe

7. Joey Logano

8. Christopher Bell

9. Noah Gragson

10. Shane van Gisbergen

11. William Byron

12. Ryan Preece

13. Kyle Busch

14. Bubba Wallace

15. Carson Hocevar

16. Austin Cindric

17. Ross Chastain

18. Daniel Suarez

19. Alex Bowman

20. Todd Gilliland