NASCAR’s Bold Shakeup: Cook Out Takes Over Iconic Clash Event as Bowman Gray Stadium Returns
The 2025 NASCAR season is set to kick off with a thunderous return to a historic venue. After more than five decades, the Clash will roar back to life at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Known as the “Madhouse,” this legendary track hasn’t hosted a NASCAR race since 1971. But the venue isn’t the only game-changer—the title sponsorship has taken a dramatic turn, leaving fans buzzing with excitement and surprise.
Goodbye Busch, Hello Cook Out
For decades, Anheuser-Busch was synonymous with the Clash, having launched the Busch Clash in 1979 and maintained sponsorship through numerous iterations. However, NASCAR’s evolving relationship with beer sponsorships has led to a significant shift. The Busch Light Clash, last held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, is no more. Instead, fast-food giant Cook Out steps into the spotlight, marking a new era for the event.
The 2025 season opener, now dubbed the Cook Out Clash, will take place on February 2nd at Bowman Gray Stadium. Cook Out, headquartered in the Winston-Salem area since 1989, is already a familiar name in NASCAR, sponsoring events like the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway and the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway. Known for its mouthwatering burgers and combos, Cook Out’s regional roots make it a fitting partner for this historic return.
Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s Executive Vice President, celebrated the announcement, saying: “It is incredible to have Cook Out as part of this historic weekend at Bowman Gray Stadium. Their support takes it to the next level, and we look forward to working with them to make it a weekend that fans will never forget.”
A Special Touch: Bobby Labonte Joins the Celebration
Adding to the excitement, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Labonte will drive the No. 18 Cook Out Modified during the event, further solidifying Cook Out’s commitment to the sport. Meanwhile, Cook Out co-owner Jeremy Reaves also brings a personal connection, as his son Max Reaves is set to compete in the ARCA Menards Series East this season.
Fans React to the Shocking Shift
The change from Busch Light to Cook Out as the Clash sponsor has sparked a wave of reactions. While some fans mourn the departure of a beer brand deeply intertwined with NASCAR history, others see the move as a celebration of local culture.
One fan on social media commented: “This is the most North Carolina thing possible. Cook Out is a hometown favorite, so this sponsorship feels like a perfect fit.”
Another fan humorously theorized that the Reaves family’s growing involvement in motorsports influenced the decision: “Owners’ kids have started racing, so dad’s just been throwing money at all the racing stuff ever since.”
Cook Out’s grassroots involvement in NASCAR has only fueled speculation that their role could expand even further. A fan quipped: “I’m just waiting for Cook Out to be announced as the newest series sponsor at this point.”
A New Flavor for the Madhouse
The switch to Cook Out reflects NASCAR’s strategy to embrace regional identity and fresh partnerships. While Anheuser-Busch’s legacy remains significant, the rising influence of Cook Out signals a broader shift in sponsorship dynamics.
As fans prepare for the Cook Out Clash, the return to Bowman Gray Stadium promises a thrilling mix of nostalgia and innovation. With sizzling burgers and high-octane racing on the menu, this year’s Clash is shaping up to be a feast for the senses—and a season opener no one will forget.
