Chances are, you’re already aware of this: NASCAR has a strong affinity for its past. Visit Daytona, and you’ll witness it woven throughout the city, especially at the racetrack. Nonetheless, American stock car racing traces its origins to myriad locations, including Winston-Salem, North Carolina, home to Bowman Gray Stadium. This venue served as NASCAR’s inaugural paved track, and as of now, the governing body has taken ownership of the facility to ensure racing action continues there for an extended period.
NASCAR has secured the lease for the quarter-mile short track and will oversee its operations alongside the City of Winston-Salem, a recent announcement revealed. The contractual agreement extends until 2050, indicating that NASCAR will be responsible for the venue for a considerable time. By 2050, Bowman Gray will have reached the ripe old age of 113, having been established in 1937.
“Given Bowman Gray Stadium’s pivotal role as NASCAR’s inaugural weekly racetrack, it holds a special significance in the annals of our sport,” stated Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s senior vice president of racing development and strategy. “We extend our gratitude to the Hawkins family for their enduring leadership legacy at this hallowed track. We are thrilled to assume supervision of the racing activities at this iconic venue in collaboration with the City of Winston-Salem to preserve its rich history and heritage for the forthcoming generations of enthusiasts and drivers.”
One can envision some of the individuals who have participated at Bowman Gray since NASCAR commenced competing there in 1949. Numerous current Cup Series drivers honed their skills on its asphalt, including Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Bubba Wallace, William Byron, Alex Bowman, and more. This roster of names demonstrates that local racers who battle at Winston-Salem can indeed ascend to the grand stage.
Although the Cup Series completed its final race at Bowman Gray in 1971, there is a constant display of modified, sportsman, street stock, and stadium stock events at the venue every weekend. It is logical for NASCAR to invest in a facility that fosters prominent talent, and in reality, we can all take comfort in knowing that another enduring track will remain operational for years to come. The same cannot be asserted for all tracks, but at present, Bowman Gray appears to be secure.
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