The 2025 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium marks NASCAR Cup Series' return to the historic venue for the first time since 1971. The exhibition event features a multi-stage format culminating in a 200-lap main event with 23 drivers.

Format Breakdown:

Practice and Heat Races

• Final practice speeds determine heat race lineups
• Four 25-lap heat races (green flag laps only)
• Top 5 finishers from each heat advance to The Clash
• No overtime periods

Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ)

• 75-lap race for non-qualifying drivers
• Green flag laps only
• Top 2 finishers advance to The Clash
• No overtime periods

The Clash Main Event

• 200 laps with 23-car field
• Mandatory break at halfway point (Lap 100)
• Green flag laps only
• Must finish under green
• 23rd spot reserved for highest 2024 points finisher not yet qualified

Schedule:

• Saturday, Feb. 1: Practice/qualifying and heat races (Fox Sports 1)
• Sunday, Feb. 2: Last Chance Qualifier and The Clash

This event replaces the L.A. Coliseum exhibition, where Denny Hamlin won the final edition in 2024.

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