NASCAR Takes Over Bowman Gray Stadium for the Long Haul
NASCAR, the beloved American stock car racing organization, has recently made a significant move by acquiring the lease for the historic Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This quarter-mile track, the first paved track that NASCAR ever raced on, has deep roots in the history of the sport, and NASCAR’s lease will ensure that the action continues at this iconic venue for years to come.
The announcement of NASCAR’s acquisition of the lease for Bowman Gray Stadium was made on Thursday afternoon, with the deal set to run through 2050. This means that NASCAR will be managing the facility in partnership with the city of Winston-Salem for a substantial period, ensuring the preservation of this historic track. By 2050, Bowman Gray Stadium will be 113 years old, having been built in 1937.
Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s senior vice president of racing development and strategy, expressed the organization’s gratitude for the Hawkins family’s multi-generational legacy of leadership at Bowman Gray Stadium. Kennedy emphasized the importance of the track as NASCAR’s first weekly racetrack and a crown jewel of NASCAR Regional. He also highlighted NASCAR’s commitment to working with the city of Winston-Salem to preserve the history and legacy of the track for future generations of fans and racers.
Over the years, many legendary NASCAR drivers have raced at Bowman Gray Stadium, honing their skills on its challenging pavement. Names like Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Bubba Wallace, William Byron, and Alex Bowman all began their careers on tracks like Bowman Gray, proving that grassroots racers in Winston-Salem have the talent to reach the highest levels of the sport.
While the Cup Series last raced at Bowman Gray in 1971, the track continues to host a variety of racing events, including modified, sportsman, street, and stadium races. NASCAR’s decision to invest in Bowman Gray Stadium reflects the track’s status as a breeding ground for top talent in the sport. The preservation of historic tracks like Bowman Gray ensures that future generations of fans and racers will have the opportunity to experience the thrill of racing at this iconic venue.
With NASCAR now overseeing the operations at Bowman Gray Stadium, fans can expect to see more exciting races and promising young drivers making their mark on this historic track. The long-term lease secured by NASCAR ensures that Bowman Gray Stadium will remain a key fixture in the world of stock car racing for many years to come.
As NASCAR takes on the management of Bowman Gray Stadium, fans can look forward to seeing the legacy of this historic track continue to thrive under NASCAR’s guidance. The acquisition of the lease for Bowman Gray Stadium represents a new chapter in the track’s storied history, ensuring that its legacy will endure for generations of racing enthusiasts to come.
