NASCAR Cup Series drivers embraced historic Bowman Gray Stadium weekend, returning to the quarter-mile track for the first time since 1971. The venue hosted practice, qualifying, and heat races ahead of Sunday's Clash exhibition event.

Former NASCAR champion Kevin Harvick, now with FOX Sports, summed up the sentiment shared by many: "Everything about this is cool."

Chris Buescher, who raced a Legends car at the track 15 years ago, highlighted the venue's character and history. "Through the years, the history of this place, to be back here in a Cup car... it's making it a lot of fun."

The track's significance resonates deeply with Austin Dillon, whose grandfather Richard Childress started his racing career at Bowman Gray selling peanuts in the grandstands before becoming a driver and team owner.

True to Bowman Gray's reputation as "The Madhouse," Saturday's heat races featured intense racing and some tempers flaring, including Kyle Busch expressing his displeasure with Justin Haley after a spin.

Ryan Blaney, who competed at the track in Bandeleros two decades ago, praised the decision to hold the Clash at this historic venue: "I think the reputation of this place, a lot of passionate people around the area that love Bowman Gray and a track that's really historic. I think it's a good race for this Clash."

The main event features 200 laps of racing, promising to showcase the blend of history, passion, and competition that makes Bowman Gray Stadium unique in NASCAR.

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