Live Report: Tim Brown to Make NASCAR Cup Series Debut at Bowman Gray in 2025
In an inspiring story of dedication and passion, Tim Brown, a 53-year-old racing legend at Bowman Gray Stadium, will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2025 Clash at the track he has dominated for decades. Rick Ware Racing (RWR) has tapped Brown to drive the No. 15 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, marking a monumental moment in his storied career.
A Legacy at Bowman Gray
Brown’s record at Bowman Gray is unparalleled, with 101 victories, 12 track championships, and an astonishing 146 poles. His expertise on the quarter-mile bullring will be tested as the NASCAR Cup Series returns to the historic venue.
Brown’s Journey to the Clash
Already a suspension and drivetrain specialist at Rick Ware Racing, Brown has spent nearly 35 years building Cup Series cars. Now, he’ll get behind the wheel of one.
“I’ve worked my whole life to try to be a Cup driver,” said Brown. “I’m good with working on racecars for a living because it’s still a pretty cool gig, but I always wanted to drive for a living. For Rick Ware and everybody involved here at RWR to give me the chance to go run a Cup race is so humbling and so heartwarming. It’s really cool.”
Brown’s unique role as a driver and builder adds another layer of significance to his debut. “I don’t know that you’ll find a Cup driver who actually gets to build his own Cup car from the ground up, chassis dyno it, and then go race it,” he said. “I actually get to put the nuts and bolts on it, mount a seat, put the motor in it, and go drive it on the chassis dyno before I run it in the Clash. That’s pretty cool.”
Humble Goals and a Special Moment
Despite his experience and expertise, Brown remains grounded. “The guys who race these Cup cars today are elite. They’re the best drivers in the world, and I’m not even going to put myself in that same category,” he said. “I just want to climb out of that thing at the end of the Clash and see my son and our family with big smiles on their faces… I promise you, I’m going to give it 110 percent.”
He added, “I’m not going to leave there and say, ‘Hey, I’m a Cup driver now.’ I’m just going to leave there knowing this was the experience of a lifetime.”
Double-Duty for Brown
Before the Cup race, Brown will also compete in the Madhouse Clash on February 1 in his Modified car, using the extra track time to his advantage.
“That time in the Modified will be very helpful for multiple reasons,” he explained. “NASCAR has already done some updates to the stadium with soft walls. That’s going to change the line of the racetrack because you make the track smaller. Just getting some track time before we climb in the Cup car… will be very helpful.”
Rick Ware on Brown’s Opportunity
Rick Ware, owner of RWR, shared his excitement about giving Brown this opportunity:
“As someone who understands what it’s like to try to achieve goals and move up the racing ladder, it’s just a great opportunity for Tim and it’s something we’re proud to do. At Bowman Gray, Tim really has the same opportunity as anybody else. He’s a very good mechanic, and particularly at this track, he’s got a lot of experience.”
The Road to February 2
As the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium approaches, the racing world will watch as Tim Brown, a local legend, represents grassroots racing on NASCAR’s biggest stage. With his decades of experience, hands-on approach, and passion for the sport, Brown’s debut promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.
