Yahoo Autos Bowman Gray Stadium preparing for facility improvements ahead of Clash
Bowman Gray Stadium has begun the necessary steps for facility improvements in preparation of NASCAR Cup Series racing in 2025.
The work being done includes putting in a new Musco lighting system and SAFER barriers. The funds received by the city of Winston Salam in 2022 as part of the North Carolina Motorsports Relief Fund will pay for the lighting system. Musco has been used by NASCAR to light its racetracks for decades.
The system at Bowman Gray will feature LED lights. There will also be patented light controls (Total Light Control – TLC for LED technology) for special effects light shows, color changing, and light-to-music synchronization. A similar system can be seen at Martinsville Speedway.
The installation at Bowman Gray will begin in December.
The SAFER barriers preparation began to be installed last month. A first step was crews removing guardrails, the previous system in place at the racetrack. The installation of the SAFER barriers and catch fence is expected to be completed the first week of January.
“Part of being good stewards of Bowman Gray Stadium includes preparing it to host compelling events that rightfully place it in the national spotlight,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR executive vice president, chief venue and racing innovation officer. “We are grateful to Musco for providing the premium event lighting product to illuminate this historic venue. The preparations in advance of The Clash will position this national treasure as a showcase of national and grassroots racing for the next generation and beyond.”
The quarter-mile will host the NASCAR Clash in early February. A non-points event, it will be the first time NASCAR Cup Series racing has been held at Bowman Gray Stadium since 1971.
“The City of Winston-Salem is thrilled that NASCAR has chosen to kick off their 2025 season by holding the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium,” said City of Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines. “We value the partnership with Musco, NASCAR, and WSSU to provide enhanced stadium lighting that will position the stadium and community to host future national events and improve the fan experience for the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series at Bowman Gray Stadium and WSSU Football. This lighting system complements the $9 million that the City invested in improvements to Bowman Gray Stadium a few years ago. The City Council and I want to thank Musco for their investment in our historic stadium and their commitment to the Winston-Salem community.”
