Chase Elliott dominated the Cook Out Clash at historic Bowman Gray Stadium, securing his first victory in NASCAR's season-opening exhibition race. Elliott led 171 of 200 laps and finished 1.333 seconds ahead of Ryan Blaney in front of a sellout crowd at the quarter-mile track.

The No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet driver maintained control throughout the race, briefly surrendering the lead to Denny Hamlin before reclaiming it on lap 126. Blaney, who started last in the 23-car field, mounted a late charge but couldn't overcome Elliott's advantage in traffic.

Hamlin finished third, followed by Joey Logano and Bubba Wallace rounding out the top five. The race marked NASCAR's return to Bowman Gray after a 54-year absence, following three years at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

In the last chance qualifier, Kyle Larson advanced from tenth position to win the 75-lap event, securing his spot in the main race. Josh Berry finished second in the qualifier, earning the final position in the Clash.

Elliott becomes the 26th different driver to win the Clash and the first Chevrolet victory since Jimmie Johnson in 2019. This marks the sixth time the event has been won from the pole position.

"This environment is special," Elliott said post-race. "This is a place that has a deep history in NASCAR. I think they deserve this event, truthfully. I hope we didn't disappoint."

Final Top 10:

1. Chase Elliott
2. Ryan Blaney
3. Denny Hamlin
4. Joey Logano
5. Bubba Wallace
6. Ross Chastain
7. Austin Cindric
8. Tyler Reddick
9. Shane van Gisbergen
10. Chris Buescher

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