Bowman Gray Stadium
Location:
North Carolina, USA
Local Weather & Time
Track Info
Bowman Gray Stadium - Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
Flat quarter-mile bullring wrapped around a football field and soaked in NASCAR folklore - counter-clockwise - 0.402 km / 0.250 mi with 4 turns - tight, loud and gloriously chaotic, where bumpers matter almost as much as lap time
First Race
1 Sep 1939
Bowman Gray's first auto-racing program was a midget-car night on the cinder track around the football field. Stock-car racing and the venue's modern NASCAR identity arrived later.
Circuit Length
0.402 km / 0.250 mi
A true quarter-mile stadium oval. Short laps, almost no time to breathe, and traffic arrives constantly once the field starts stacking up.
Turns
4
Officially four turns, but the whole place really races as one continuous fight between entry rotation, centre grip and drive off the corner on a flat surface.
Lap Records
12.965 sec - Tim Brown - 2016 (Modified)
That is the standout all-time benchmark in Bowman Gray's native Modified world. In NASCAR Cup trim, Chase Elliott's 14.161 sec race lap in the 2025 Clash is the key modern big-series reference.
Opened
1938
The stadium opened in 1938, hosted its first auto races in 1939, and became NASCAR's first weekly track in 1949. The quarter-mile was paved in 1947 and remains one of the sport's most distinctive venues.
When was the track built?
Bowman Gray Stadium was built in 1937-38 as a Depression-era public works project, originally as a football stadium rather than a purpose-built race circuit. That odd beginning is part of why the place feels so different. The oval wraps around the infield football field, trapping noise, crowd energy and tension inside a compact bowl that still feels more like a Saturday-night cauldron than a conventional speedway. Auto racing came later, first on a dirt and cinder surface, then in far more serious form once the track was paved in 1947. Since then the place has evolved carefully rather than dramatically, with repaves, widened exits, safety upgrades and, for the 2025 Cup return, SAFER barriers and other improvements that sharpened the modern presentation without changing the track's bruising character.
When was its first race?
The first race at Bowman Gray Stadium was part of a midget-car program on September 1, 1939. That matters historically, but the version of Bowman Gray most fans know really began in 1949, when Bill France Sr. and Alvin Hawkins launched the weekly stock-car era that made the place a cornerstone of NASCAR culture. From there the stadium became a legend factory - home to rough-edged local heroes, future stars, Cup races from 1958-71, and the kind of feuds, fights and finishes that earned it the nickname The Madhouse.
What's the circuit like?
- Flat and unforgiving: Bowman Gray has no banking to hide a bad line. Drivers have to get the car turned on entry, keep it tidy through the middle and launch cleanly off the corner without spinning the rear tyres or leaning too hard on the fronts.
- Short-lap chaos: At a quarter-mile, everything happens quickly. Lapped traffic appears early, cautions bunch the field constantly and one missed restart can wreck a whole race in a matter of seconds.
- Turn 1 and Turn 3 are the battlegrounds: Those are the classic dive-bomb zones, especially on restarts when the pack arrives stacked together. If somebody is going to force the issue, it usually starts there.
- Contact is part of the language: This is one of those rare places where a bump can be racecraft, retaliation or pure survival depending on the lap and the driver. Bowman Gray has produced endless chrome-horn moments, spinning feuds and post-race arguments because space is always in short supply.
- Grip changes with the night: Summer heat, rubber build-up and a cooling evening track can all change balance. On special-event weekends the surface can also surprise newcomers, as the 2026 snow- and rain-hit Clash proved in spectacular fashion.
- Modifieds suit it perfectly: The open-wheeled Modifieds are the defining Bowman Gray machines - light, aggressive and brilliantly twitchy around a flat bullring. They make the place look fast even when the walls are only a fraction of a mile apart.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Modified - all-time benchmark (0.402 km / 0.250 mi): 12.965 sec - Tim Brown - 2016.
- NASCAR Cup - race lap benchmark: 14.161 sec - Chase Elliott - Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 - 2025 Cook Out Clash.
- Context: Tim Brown's number is the pure Bowman Gray reference because Modifieds are the circuit's native stars and have defined the place for decades.
- Modern big-series context: Elliott's Cup benchmark came after NASCAR's return to the stadium in 2025, on a track updated with modern safety additions that slightly changed the usable line near the wall.
- Why the times matter: On a quarter-mile this flat, a tenth of a second is huge. The drivers who look smooth here are usually doing something very special with rotation and throttle timing.
Bowman Gray lap times depend heavily on category and circumstance. Modifieds, Sportsman cars and NASCAR Cup machinery all attack the place differently, and the track's tiny size magnifies even the smallest handling change.
Why go?
Because almost nowhere else feels like Bowman Gray. You are not watching cars disappear over the horizon here - you are inside the noise, close enough to follow every nudge, every argument and every momentum swing. The sightlines are excellent because the whole oval sits inside a stadium bowl, so you can actually see the race develop rather than guessing from a distant corner. Add in Winston-Salem's deep stock-car roots, the track's weekly-racing culture and the simple fact that this place has produced everything from local legends to Richard Petty milestones and modern Clash drama, and it becomes a must-see for any fan who loves racing with personality.
Where's the best place to watch?
- High on the main grandstand near start-finish: The best all-round seat. You get the launches, the pit-road side of the show and a full view of the whole bullring as cautions and restarts reshuffle everything.
- Turn 1 end: Ideal for first-lap chaos, dive-bombs and restart aggression. If somebody overcommits, this is often where the trouble begins.
- Turn 3 end: Another excellent passing and contact zone, especially late in races when patience runs out and drivers start using the bumper as persuasion.
- Lower rows near the frontstretch: Best for pure atmosphere. The sound, the smell and the sensation of cars firing past on a quarter-mile are a huge part of the Bowman Gray experience.
- Higher central seats: Smart if you want to study racecraft. Because the track is so compact, a higher perch lets you follow lines, restarts and feuds across the entire lap.
Not just one series - headline events at Bowman Gray Stadium
NASCAR Cup exhibition: The Cook Out Clash returned top-level Cup cars to Bowman Gray in 2025 and stayed there in 2026, putting the national spotlight back on the stadium for the first time since the early 1970s.
Weekly NASCAR racing: Bowman Gray's soul still lives in its regular Saturday-night divisions - Modified, Sportsman, Street Stock and Stadium Stock. That is where the track's real culture is built.
Touring and regional history: The NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour and the series now known as ARCA Menards Series East both produced strong races here, adding national-level variety without diluting the venue's local identity.
Historic NASCAR significance: Bowman Gray hosted 29 NASCAR Cup points races from 1958-71, with winners including Rex White, Glen Wood, Junior Johnson, Richard Petty, David Pearson and Bobby Allison. That is an astonishing roll call for a quarter-mile tucked inside a football stadium.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Bowman Gray Stadium - Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Best options are driving and using the stadium lots, or taking WSTA Route 105 into the MLK/Reynolds Park corridor and finishing the last bit on foot. Regular weekly racing has free parking, but major events such as the Cook Out Clash use a separate, much tighter parking plan.
Address
1250 S. Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Winston-Salem, NC
Official venue address for Bowman Gray Stadium.
Best bus route
WSTA Route 105 - Waughtown / MLK / Reynolds Park
This is the city bus route that serves the MLK corridor around the stadium area.
General parking
Free on regular race nights
Parking is free, but a ticket is not a guarantee of an available space.
Overflow lot
Tower Street, about 0.6 miles away
The overflow lot is described as well-lit and staffed by security.
Main road approach
US 52 / Research Parkway side
Most official approach notes funnel drivers in via US 52, Research Parkway, MLK Drive and nearby lot entrances.
Air access
PTI for scheduled flights • Smith Reynolds for private/charter
PTI is the primary scheduled-air airport for Winston-Salem; Smith Reynolds is the closer local airfield for corporate, charter and general aviation.
Public transport - workable, but not the main strength
- Bus: Winston-Salem’s relevant fixed-route service here is WSTA Route 105, listed as Waughtown - MLK - Reynolds Park; that is the key bus corridor for Bowman Gray rather than rail or metro.
- Downtown hub: WSTA’s central transfer point is the Clark Campbell Transportation Center at 100 W 5th Street, which is the best place to start if you are coming in from downtown Winston-Salem or another city bus route.
- Hours: WSTA publishes system hours of 5:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Saturday and 7:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sunday, so late event exits are worth checking in advance.
- Major events: for the Cook Out Clash, NASCAR uses separate parking and shuttle plans, including off-site parking at Innovation Quarter with shuttle service, so do not assume the normal Saturday-night weekly-racing pattern applies.
Driving - easiest for most visitors
- Main sat-nav reference: use 1250 S. Martin Luther King Jr Drive, the official track address.
- Regional approach: the official directions page routes most visitors in via US 52, using either S Research Parkway or Waughtown Street depending which direction you are arriving from.
- West side approach: the West Lot is entered from Research Parkway or Diggs Boulevard only; the stadium notes say there is no through-access past the West Gate.
- East / south approach: the East Lot and Lower East Lot use Argonne Boulevard or MLK Drive, while the South Lot is accessed from Williamson Street or MLK Drive.
- Clash weekends: the event-specific Cook Out Clash plan directs drivers from US 52 Exit 108B to the East or West lots, and says not to arrive without pre-purchased parking.
Parking
- Regular weekly racing: parking is free at Bowman Gray Stadium, and the venue says there is plenty of it, but a ticket does not guarantee a space if the lots fill.
- Overflow parking: the official overflow lot is on Tower Street, about 0.6 miles from the stadium; it is described as well-lit and staffed by security.
- Street restrictions: the stadium warns that Winston-Salem Police enforce No Parking violations with ticketing and towing on Saturday nights, so stick to the marked lots and overflow areas.
- Lot layout: regular-race parking revolves around the East Lot, Lower East Lot, South Lot and West Lot; the map also notes some lots can be closed depending on the plan in use.
- Big-event warning: for the Cook Out Clash, on-site parking is extremely limited and NASCAR tells fans not to come to the stadium without a parking plan; off-site parking with shuttle service is part of that event setup.
Taxis and rideshare
- Regular visits: for ordinary weekly racing, the practical anchor for taxi or app-based drop-off is the stadium address on S. Martin Luther King Jr Drive.
- Clash rideshare: NASCAR’s published rideshare pick-up/drop-off point for the Cook Out Clash is Civitan Park - WSSU Athletic Training Field, 590 Research Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27107.
- Airport arrivals: PTI publishes taxi, Uber, Lyft and rental cars as standard ground-transport options, which makes a direct airport-to-track transfer easy if you do not want to use city buses.
Walking
- Overflow lot walk: the clearest published walking figure is the Tower Street overflow lot, which is about 0.6 miles from the stadium.
- From the main lots: the East, Lower East, South and West lots all sit around the stadium perimeter, so the walk is usually short once you are parked in the correct lot.
- Choose the right side: East-side arrivals use Argonne / MLK, while West-lot arrivals come in via Research Parkway / Diggs; that matters more than at some tracks because there is no through-access past the West Gate.
- Major-event exception: on Clash weekends, some fans may walk in from off-site shuttle or rideshare points rather than the usual weekly-racing lots, so always use the live event map for that weekend.
Accessibility
- Venue contact: Bowman Gray Stadium directs guests who need accessibility help to its accessibility feedback form or to call 336-723-1819.
- Accessible public transport: WSTA says all fixed-route buses are ADA-compliant with low-floor entry and ramps.
- Paratransit: WSTA’s TransAID service is the city’s shared-ride transportation option for eligible older adults and riders whose disability prevents them from using fixed-route buses.
- Major-event caveat: if you are attending the Cook Out Clash rather than weekly racing, use the Clash event guide rather than assuming the standard Saturday-night layout, because parking and access plans change for that event.
Airports and longer trips
- Closest local airfield: Smith Reynolds Airport is located just minutes from downtown Winston-Salem and serves corporate aircraft, air charter, general aviation and air cargo.
- Main commercial airport: Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) is the primary airport for scheduled air transportation for Winston-Salem.
- Ground transport from PTI: the airport says it is easy to reach by car, bus, hotel shuttle or taxi, and it also lists Uber, Lyft and rental cars.
- Airline choice: Visit Winston-Salem lists Allegiant, American, Delta, Spirit and United at PTI, which is why most out-of-town race visitors will use GSO rather than Smith Reynolds.
About the venue
- Track type: Bowman Gray is NASCAR’s longest-running weekly track and a historic quarter-mile short track.
- Weekly rhythm: the venue describes itself as a Saturday-night racing tradition in spring and summer, with weekly NASCAR-sanctioned racing at the stadium.
- Capacity: the fan information page refers to Bowman Gray as a 17,000-seat stadium.
- Ownership / operations: the City of Winston-Salem says it still owns Bowman Gray Stadium, while NASCAR manages racing operations under a long-term lease.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Best address: 1250 S. Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Winston-Salem, NC.
- Nearest useful bus: WSTA Route 105 on the MLK / Reynolds Park corridor, usually via the downtown Clark Campbell Transportation Center if you are connecting from elsewhere in the city.
- Regular parking: East / Lower East from Argonne or MLK, South Lot from Williamson or MLK, West Lot from Research Parkway or Diggs.
- Overflow: Tower Street, around 0.6 miles away.
- Major-event exception: the Cook Out Clash uses pre-purchased parking and off-site shuttle plans, with rideshare at 590 Research Pkwy.
- Airport choice: PTI for almost all commercial arrivals; Smith Reynolds only if you are flying private or charter.
Bowman Gray is not a rail-first venue: treat it as a drive-in short track with a usable city-bus backup, and always re-check the event page if you are going to a marquee NASCAR weekend rather than ordinary weekly racing.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Bowman Gray Stadium - Winston-Salem - North Carolina - USA
Whether you are here for NASCAR’s heritage-rich short-track racing, Modifieds, weekly stock-car action or a headline national event, Bowman Gray Stadium places you in the middle of Winston-Salem’s mix of Moravian history, family museums, parkland, barbecue country and easy Piedmont day trips.
Motorsport at Bowman Gray
NASCAR short-track tradition
Bowman Gray is best known for Saturday-night stock-car racing, Modifieds and its long-running place in NASCAR culture, with a distinctly local, old-school stadium atmosphere.
Typical peak window
Spring - late summer
The core racing season suits warm evenings and lively weekends, while headline early-season events can bring cooler temperatures and sharper weather swings.
Nearby hubs
Downtown Winston-Salem 10 - 15 min • High Point 25 - 35 min • Greensboro 35 - 45 min
You are close to the city centre, university districts, heritage sites and the wider Triad’s museums, parks and dining areas.
Event impact
Local roads stay moving, but evenings tighten
Parking, security lines and nearby dining can get busier around major race nights, especially when a headline event draws visitors beyond the regular local crowd.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- Kaleideum: The city’s strongest family all-rounder, with hands-on science and play-focused exhibits that work especially well for younger children and mixed-age groups. Timed sessions or dated tickets can appear during peak school-holiday periods.
- Old Salem Museums & Gardens: A useful heritage stop that still works for families thanks to costumed interpretation, historic buildings and room to wander between demonstrations. Some experiences run on seasonal schedules rather than a single fixed format.
- Reynolda Gardens: Easy, calm and attractive for a slower morning, with landscaped grounds, short walking routes and enough open space to reset before an evening race.
- Tanglewood Park: One of the better half-day options if children need room to move, with playground areas, broad green space and seasonal extras depending on the time of year.
- Downtown Winston-Salem and Bailey Park: Handy for a lower-effort family outing with cafés, dessert stops and enough central activity to keep a non-race morning varied without a long drive.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Reynolda House Museum of American Art: The city’s standout indoor culture stop, combining a strong art collection with a grand estate setting and enough polish to justify a dedicated visit.
- Old Salem visitor sites: A very good way to understand Winston-Salem’s Moravian roots, especially if the weather is grey rather than fully wet and you can still enjoy the wider historic district between indoor stops.
- SECCA - the contemporary art venue at Hanes Park: A smart rainy-day option for travellers who want something quieter and more modern than a heritage museum.
- The Winston Cup Museum area and motorsport-flavoured local stops: Worth a look if you want to keep the trip tied to racing culture rather than shifting fully into mainstream sightseeing.
- Downtown arts and heritage buildings: Winston-Salem’s centre is easy to browse around coffee stops, galleries and restored architecture, making it a practical flexible plan if showers keep coming and going.
Eat and drink like a local
- North Carolina barbecue country: This is the place to lean into smoked pork, chopped barbecue, hush puppies and proper local sides rather than defaulting to generic chain dining every night.
- Moravian flavours: Look for Moravian cookies, sugar cake and other old Salem-linked treats if you want the trip to feel rooted in local food history as well as racing culture.
- Downtown Winston-Salem: Best for breweries, bistros, Southern cooking and a more polished post-race evening, especially around the Innovation Quarter and adjacent central blocks.
- Casual Triad staples: Fried chicken, biscuits, pimento cheese, burgers and unfussy breakfast spots all make sense here, especially if you are planning long circuit days and early starts.
- Race week tip: Eat your main meal either before the pre-race rush or later in the evening, and reserve popular downtown tables on major weekends. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Salem Lake Trail: A dependable option for walking, running and easier nature time without needing a full countryside detour. Early starts are best in warmer months.
- Hanes Park and nearby green spaces: Useful for a shorter leg-stretch near the city’s cultural core if you want something simple between museum stops and race plans.
- Tanglewood Park: Better for a broader outdoor reset with room for families, informal walks and seasonal recreation depending on the time of year.
- Reynolda Gardens: Not strenuous, but excellent for a gentler outdoor hour if your group wants scenery and fresh air rather than a long hike.
- Weather logic matters: Summer evenings can be warm and humid, while spring and autumn can feel far more comfortable for trails, parks and longer walks between sessions.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Pilot Mountain State Park: Around 30 - 40 minutes by road for iconic Piedmont views, short trails and a very manageable nature add-on that works well around a race weekend.
- Hanging Rock State Park: Roughly 35 - 50 minutes each way for waterfalls, ridge views and stronger hiking options if you want a proper outdoor day.
- Yadkin Valley wine country: Usually 35 - 60 minutes by car depending on which vineyard area you choose, making it one of the easiest adults-focused extensions from Winston-Salem.
- Greensboro: Allow about 35 - 45 minutes each way for museums, family attractions, gardens and a broader city outing across the Triad.
- High Point: Around 25 - 35 minutes by road for furniture-design heritage, quieter small-city pacing and an easy half-day change of scene.
- Charlotte Motor Speedway area: About 1 hour 15 minutes - 1 hour 30 minutes each way if you want to turn the trip into a bigger motorsport pilgrimage with museums and NASCAR landmarks.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Mountain park outings are weather dependent, wine-country plans work best with a driver or tour arrangement, and the Charlotte run makes most sense on a non-race day.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak racing feel: Late spring through summer gives Bowman Gray its classic atmosphere, with warm evenings, fuller local crowds and the most natural fit for combining racing with outdoor sightseeing.
- Spring sweet spot: April and May are often the easiest months for heritage walks, gardens and park time before the heavier humidity of midsummer arrives.
- Summer reality: June through August can feel hot and sticky, particularly in exposed grandstands and parking areas, so water, shade and slower pacing become more important.
- Autumn bonus: September and October are excellent for day trips, vineyard stops and state-park scenery, with more forgiving temperatures and a calmer travel rhythm.
- Seasonal planning helps: Historic demonstrations, special exhibitions, theatre calendars and some outdoor attractions can run on seasonal programmes or dated tickets rather than simple daily opening.
Practical notes during race weeks
- Stay near your real priorities: Central Winston-Salem is best if you want restaurants and heritage walks, while west-side or university-area hotels make circuit access easier on race nights.
- Do not underestimate event evenings: Bowman Gray is compact and local in feel, but queues for parking, entry and nearby food can still build quickly once everyone arrives in the same window.
- Book key extras ahead: Reynolda House, popular downtown dinners, stadium-adjacent plans and selected heritage experiences are easier when fixed in advance on busy weekends.
- Family packing list: Pack sunscreen, a hat, breathable layers and a light rain shell, plus ear protection for children, refillable water bottles, snacks and a power bank for long days out.
- Check event-week operations carefully: Parking arrangements, entry rules, support-programme timing and some attraction hours can shift around major race dates, while parks and outdoor sites may also adjust for weather.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, ticketing and event week operations can change - check official circuit and attraction sites for your exact dates.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location:
North Carolina, USA
Track Info
Bowman Gray Stadium - Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
Flat quarter-mile bullring wrapped around a football field and soaked in NASCAR folklore - counter-clockwise - 0.402 km / 0.250 mi with 4 turns - tight, loud and gloriously chaotic, where bumpers matter almost as much as lap time
First Race
1 Sep 1939
Bowman Gray's first auto-racing program was a midget-car night on the cinder track around the football field. Stock-car racing and the venue's modern NASCAR identity arrived later.
Circuit Length
0.402 km / 0.250 mi
A true quarter-mile stadium oval. Short laps, almost no time to breathe, and traffic arrives constantly once the field starts stacking up.
Turns
4
Officially four turns, but the whole place really races as one continuous fight between entry rotation, centre grip and drive off the corner on a flat surface.
Lap Records
12.965 sec - Tim Brown - 2016 (Modified)
That is the standout all-time benchmark in Bowman Gray's native Modified world. In NASCAR Cup trim, Chase Elliott's 14.161 sec race lap in the 2025 Clash is the key modern big-series reference.
Opened
1938
The stadium opened in 1938, hosted its first auto races in 1939, and became NASCAR's first weekly track in 1949. The quarter-mile was paved in 1947 and remains one of the sport's most distinctive venues.
When was the track built?
Bowman Gray Stadium was built in 1937-38 as a Depression-era public works project, originally as a football stadium rather than a purpose-built race circuit. That odd beginning is part of why the place feels so different. The oval wraps around the infield football field, trapping noise, crowd energy and tension inside a compact bowl that still feels more like a Saturday-night cauldron than a conventional speedway. Auto racing came later, first on a dirt and cinder surface, then in far more serious form once the track was paved in 1947. Since then the place has evolved carefully rather than dramatically, with repaves, widened exits, safety upgrades and, for the 2025 Cup return, SAFER barriers and other improvements that sharpened the modern presentation without changing the track's bruising character.
When was its first race?
The first race at Bowman Gray Stadium was part of a midget-car program on September 1, 1939. That matters historically, but the version of Bowman Gray most fans know really began in 1949, when Bill France Sr. and Alvin Hawkins launched the weekly stock-car era that made the place a cornerstone of NASCAR culture. From there the stadium became a legend factory - home to rough-edged local heroes, future stars, Cup races from 1958-71, and the kind of feuds, fights and finishes that earned it the nickname The Madhouse.
What's the circuit like?
- Flat and unforgiving: Bowman Gray has no banking to hide a bad line. Drivers have to get the car turned on entry, keep it tidy through the middle and launch cleanly off the corner without spinning the rear tyres or leaning too hard on the fronts.
- Short-lap chaos: At a quarter-mile, everything happens quickly. Lapped traffic appears early, cautions bunch the field constantly and one missed restart can wreck a whole race in a matter of seconds.
- Turn 1 and Turn 3 are the battlegrounds: Those are the classic dive-bomb zones, especially on restarts when the pack arrives stacked together. If somebody is going to force the issue, it usually starts there.
- Contact is part of the language: This is one of those rare places where a bump can be racecraft, retaliation or pure survival depending on the lap and the driver. Bowman Gray has produced endless chrome-horn moments, spinning feuds and post-race arguments because space is always in short supply.
- Grip changes with the night: Summer heat, rubber build-up and a cooling evening track can all change balance. On special-event weekends the surface can also surprise newcomers, as the 2026 snow- and rain-hit Clash proved in spectacular fashion.
- Modifieds suit it perfectly: The open-wheeled Modifieds are the defining Bowman Gray machines - light, aggressive and brilliantly twitchy around a flat bullring. They make the place look fast even when the walls are only a fraction of a mile apart.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Modified - all-time benchmark (0.402 km / 0.250 mi): 12.965 sec - Tim Brown - 2016.
- NASCAR Cup - race lap benchmark: 14.161 sec - Chase Elliott - Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 - 2025 Cook Out Clash.
- Context: Tim Brown's number is the pure Bowman Gray reference because Modifieds are the circuit's native stars and have defined the place for decades.
- Modern big-series context: Elliott's Cup benchmark came after NASCAR's return to the stadium in 2025, on a track updated with modern safety additions that slightly changed the usable line near the wall.
- Why the times matter: On a quarter-mile this flat, a tenth of a second is huge. The drivers who look smooth here are usually doing something very special with rotation and throttle timing.
Bowman Gray lap times depend heavily on category and circumstance. Modifieds, Sportsman cars and NASCAR Cup machinery all attack the place differently, and the track's tiny size magnifies even the smallest handling change.
Why go?
Because almost nowhere else feels like Bowman Gray. You are not watching cars disappear over the horizon here - you are inside the noise, close enough to follow every nudge, every argument and every momentum swing. The sightlines are excellent because the whole oval sits inside a stadium bowl, so you can actually see the race develop rather than guessing from a distant corner. Add in Winston-Salem's deep stock-car roots, the track's weekly-racing culture and the simple fact that this place has produced everything from local legends to Richard Petty milestones and modern Clash drama, and it becomes a must-see for any fan who loves racing with personality.
Where's the best place to watch?
- High on the main grandstand near start-finish: The best all-round seat. You get the launches, the pit-road side of the show and a full view of the whole bullring as cautions and restarts reshuffle everything.
- Turn 1 end: Ideal for first-lap chaos, dive-bombs and restart aggression. If somebody overcommits, this is often where the trouble begins.
- Turn 3 end: Another excellent passing and contact zone, especially late in races when patience runs out and drivers start using the bumper as persuasion.
- Lower rows near the frontstretch: Best for pure atmosphere. The sound, the smell and the sensation of cars firing past on a quarter-mile are a huge part of the Bowman Gray experience.
- Higher central seats: Smart if you want to study racecraft. Because the track is so compact, a higher perch lets you follow lines, restarts and feuds across the entire lap.
Not just one series - headline events at Bowman Gray Stadium
NASCAR Cup exhibition: The Cook Out Clash returned top-level Cup cars to Bowman Gray in 2025 and stayed there in 2026, putting the national spotlight back on the stadium for the first time since the early 1970s.
Weekly NASCAR racing: Bowman Gray's soul still lives in its regular Saturday-night divisions - Modified, Sportsman, Street Stock and Stadium Stock. That is where the track's real culture is built.
Touring and regional history: The NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour and the series now known as ARCA Menards Series East both produced strong races here, adding national-level variety without diluting the venue's local identity.
Historic NASCAR significance: Bowman Gray hosted 29 NASCAR Cup points races from 1958-71, with winners including Rex White, Glen Wood, Junior Johnson, Richard Petty, David Pearson and Bobby Allison. That is an astonishing roll call for a quarter-mile tucked inside a football stadium.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Bowman Gray Stadium - Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Best options are driving and using the stadium lots, or taking WSTA Route 105 into the MLK/Reynolds Park corridor and finishing the last bit on foot. Regular weekly racing has free parking, but major events such as the Cook Out Clash use a separate, much tighter parking plan.
Address
1250 S. Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Winston-Salem, NC
Official venue address for Bowman Gray Stadium.
Best bus route
WSTA Route 105 - Waughtown / MLK / Reynolds Park
This is the city bus route that serves the MLK corridor around the stadium area.
General parking
Free on regular race nights
Parking is free, but a ticket is not a guarantee of an available space.
Overflow lot
Tower Street, about 0.6 miles away
The overflow lot is described as well-lit and staffed by security.
Main road approach
US 52 / Research Parkway side
Most official approach notes funnel drivers in via US 52, Research Parkway, MLK Drive and nearby lot entrances.
Air access
PTI for scheduled flights • Smith Reynolds for private/charter
PTI is the primary scheduled-air airport for Winston-Salem; Smith Reynolds is the closer local airfield for corporate, charter and general aviation.
Public transport - workable, but not the main strength
- Bus: Winston-Salem’s relevant fixed-route service here is WSTA Route 105, listed as Waughtown - MLK - Reynolds Park; that is the key bus corridor for Bowman Gray rather than rail or metro.
- Downtown hub: WSTA’s central transfer point is the Clark Campbell Transportation Center at 100 W 5th Street, which is the best place to start if you are coming in from downtown Winston-Salem or another city bus route.
- Hours: WSTA publishes system hours of 5:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Saturday and 7:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sunday, so late event exits are worth checking in advance.
- Major events: for the Cook Out Clash, NASCAR uses separate parking and shuttle plans, including off-site parking at Innovation Quarter with shuttle service, so do not assume the normal Saturday-night weekly-racing pattern applies.
Driving - easiest for most visitors
- Main sat-nav reference: use 1250 S. Martin Luther King Jr Drive, the official track address.
- Regional approach: the official directions page routes most visitors in via US 52, using either S Research Parkway or Waughtown Street depending which direction you are arriving from.
- West side approach: the West Lot is entered from Research Parkway or Diggs Boulevard only; the stadium notes say there is no through-access past the West Gate.
- East / south approach: the East Lot and Lower East Lot use Argonne Boulevard or MLK Drive, while the South Lot is accessed from Williamson Street or MLK Drive.
- Clash weekends: the event-specific Cook Out Clash plan directs drivers from US 52 Exit 108B to the East or West lots, and says not to arrive without pre-purchased parking.
Parking
- Regular weekly racing: parking is free at Bowman Gray Stadium, and the venue says there is plenty of it, but a ticket does not guarantee a space if the lots fill.
- Overflow parking: the official overflow lot is on Tower Street, about 0.6 miles from the stadium; it is described as well-lit and staffed by security.
- Street restrictions: the stadium warns that Winston-Salem Police enforce No Parking violations with ticketing and towing on Saturday nights, so stick to the marked lots and overflow areas.
- Lot layout: regular-race parking revolves around the East Lot, Lower East Lot, South Lot and West Lot; the map also notes some lots can be closed depending on the plan in use.
- Big-event warning: for the Cook Out Clash, on-site parking is extremely limited and NASCAR tells fans not to come to the stadium without a parking plan; off-site parking with shuttle service is part of that event setup.
Taxis and rideshare
- Regular visits: for ordinary weekly racing, the practical anchor for taxi or app-based drop-off is the stadium address on S. Martin Luther King Jr Drive.
- Clash rideshare: NASCAR’s published rideshare pick-up/drop-off point for the Cook Out Clash is Civitan Park - WSSU Athletic Training Field, 590 Research Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27107.
- Airport arrivals: PTI publishes taxi, Uber, Lyft and rental cars as standard ground-transport options, which makes a direct airport-to-track transfer easy if you do not want to use city buses.
Walking
- Overflow lot walk: the clearest published walking figure is the Tower Street overflow lot, which is about 0.6 miles from the stadium.
- From the main lots: the East, Lower East, South and West lots all sit around the stadium perimeter, so the walk is usually short once you are parked in the correct lot.
- Choose the right side: East-side arrivals use Argonne / MLK, while West-lot arrivals come in via Research Parkway / Diggs; that matters more than at some tracks because there is no through-access past the West Gate.
- Major-event exception: on Clash weekends, some fans may walk in from off-site shuttle or rideshare points rather than the usual weekly-racing lots, so always use the live event map for that weekend.
Accessibility
- Venue contact: Bowman Gray Stadium directs guests who need accessibility help to its accessibility feedback form or to call 336-723-1819.
- Accessible public transport: WSTA says all fixed-route buses are ADA-compliant with low-floor entry and ramps.
- Paratransit: WSTA’s TransAID service is the city’s shared-ride transportation option for eligible older adults and riders whose disability prevents them from using fixed-route buses.
- Major-event caveat: if you are attending the Cook Out Clash rather than weekly racing, use the Clash event guide rather than assuming the standard Saturday-night layout, because parking and access plans change for that event.
Airports and longer trips
- Closest local airfield: Smith Reynolds Airport is located just minutes from downtown Winston-Salem and serves corporate aircraft, air charter, general aviation and air cargo.
- Main commercial airport: Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) is the primary airport for scheduled air transportation for Winston-Salem.
- Ground transport from PTI: the airport says it is easy to reach by car, bus, hotel shuttle or taxi, and it also lists Uber, Lyft and rental cars.
- Airline choice: Visit Winston-Salem lists Allegiant, American, Delta, Spirit and United at PTI, which is why most out-of-town race visitors will use GSO rather than Smith Reynolds.
About the venue
- Track type: Bowman Gray is NASCAR’s longest-running weekly track and a historic quarter-mile short track.
- Weekly rhythm: the venue describes itself as a Saturday-night racing tradition in spring and summer, with weekly NASCAR-sanctioned racing at the stadium.
- Capacity: the fan information page refers to Bowman Gray as a 17,000-seat stadium.
- Ownership / operations: the City of Winston-Salem says it still owns Bowman Gray Stadium, while NASCAR manages racing operations under a long-term lease.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Best address: 1250 S. Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Winston-Salem, NC.
- Nearest useful bus: WSTA Route 105 on the MLK / Reynolds Park corridor, usually via the downtown Clark Campbell Transportation Center if you are connecting from elsewhere in the city.
- Regular parking: East / Lower East from Argonne or MLK, South Lot from Williamson or MLK, West Lot from Research Parkway or Diggs.
- Overflow: Tower Street, around 0.6 miles away.
- Major-event exception: the Cook Out Clash uses pre-purchased parking and off-site shuttle plans, with rideshare at 590 Research Pkwy.
- Airport choice: PTI for almost all commercial arrivals; Smith Reynolds only if you are flying private or charter.
Bowman Gray is not a rail-first venue: treat it as a drive-in short track with a usable city-bus backup, and always re-check the event page if you are going to a marquee NASCAR weekend rather than ordinary weekly racing.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Bowman Gray Stadium - Winston-Salem - North Carolina - USA
Whether you are here for NASCAR’s heritage-rich short-track racing, Modifieds, weekly stock-car action or a headline national event, Bowman Gray Stadium places you in the middle of Winston-Salem’s mix of Moravian history, family museums, parkland, barbecue country and easy Piedmont day trips.
Motorsport at Bowman Gray
NASCAR short-track tradition
Bowman Gray is best known for Saturday-night stock-car racing, Modifieds and its long-running place in NASCAR culture, with a distinctly local, old-school stadium atmosphere.
Typical peak window
Spring - late summer
The core racing season suits warm evenings and lively weekends, while headline early-season events can bring cooler temperatures and sharper weather swings.
Nearby hubs
Downtown Winston-Salem 10 - 15 min • High Point 25 - 35 min • Greensboro 35 - 45 min
You are close to the city centre, university districts, heritage sites and the wider Triad’s museums, parks and dining areas.
Event impact
Local roads stay moving, but evenings tighten
Parking, security lines and nearby dining can get busier around major race nights, especially when a headline event draws visitors beyond the regular local crowd.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- Kaleideum: The city’s strongest family all-rounder, with hands-on science and play-focused exhibits that work especially well for younger children and mixed-age groups. Timed sessions or dated tickets can appear during peak school-holiday periods.
- Old Salem Museums & Gardens: A useful heritage stop that still works for families thanks to costumed interpretation, historic buildings and room to wander between demonstrations. Some experiences run on seasonal schedules rather than a single fixed format.
- Reynolda Gardens: Easy, calm and attractive for a slower morning, with landscaped grounds, short walking routes and enough open space to reset before an evening race.
- Tanglewood Park: One of the better half-day options if children need room to move, with playground areas, broad green space and seasonal extras depending on the time of year.
- Downtown Winston-Salem and Bailey Park: Handy for a lower-effort family outing with cafés, dessert stops and enough central activity to keep a non-race morning varied without a long drive.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Reynolda House Museum of American Art: The city’s standout indoor culture stop, combining a strong art collection with a grand estate setting and enough polish to justify a dedicated visit.
- Old Salem visitor sites: A very good way to understand Winston-Salem’s Moravian roots, especially if the weather is grey rather than fully wet and you can still enjoy the wider historic district between indoor stops.
- SECCA - the contemporary art venue at Hanes Park: A smart rainy-day option for travellers who want something quieter and more modern than a heritage museum.
- The Winston Cup Museum area and motorsport-flavoured local stops: Worth a look if you want to keep the trip tied to racing culture rather than shifting fully into mainstream sightseeing.
- Downtown arts and heritage buildings: Winston-Salem’s centre is easy to browse around coffee stops, galleries and restored architecture, making it a practical flexible plan if showers keep coming and going.
Eat and drink like a local
- North Carolina barbecue country: This is the place to lean into smoked pork, chopped barbecue, hush puppies and proper local sides rather than defaulting to generic chain dining every night.
- Moravian flavours: Look for Moravian cookies, sugar cake and other old Salem-linked treats if you want the trip to feel rooted in local food history as well as racing culture.
- Downtown Winston-Salem: Best for breweries, bistros, Southern cooking and a more polished post-race evening, especially around the Innovation Quarter and adjacent central blocks.
- Casual Triad staples: Fried chicken, biscuits, pimento cheese, burgers and unfussy breakfast spots all make sense here, especially if you are planning long circuit days and early starts.
- Race week tip: Eat your main meal either before the pre-race rush or later in the evening, and reserve popular downtown tables on major weekends. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Salem Lake Trail: A dependable option for walking, running and easier nature time without needing a full countryside detour. Early starts are best in warmer months.
- Hanes Park and nearby green spaces: Useful for a shorter leg-stretch near the city’s cultural core if you want something simple between museum stops and race plans.
- Tanglewood Park: Better for a broader outdoor reset with room for families, informal walks and seasonal recreation depending on the time of year.
- Reynolda Gardens: Not strenuous, but excellent for a gentler outdoor hour if your group wants scenery and fresh air rather than a long hike.
- Weather logic matters: Summer evenings can be warm and humid, while spring and autumn can feel far more comfortable for trails, parks and longer walks between sessions.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Pilot Mountain State Park: Around 30 - 40 minutes by road for iconic Piedmont views, short trails and a very manageable nature add-on that works well around a race weekend.
- Hanging Rock State Park: Roughly 35 - 50 minutes each way for waterfalls, ridge views and stronger hiking options if you want a proper outdoor day.
- Yadkin Valley wine country: Usually 35 - 60 minutes by car depending on which vineyard area you choose, making it one of the easiest adults-focused extensions from Winston-Salem.
- Greensboro: Allow about 35 - 45 minutes each way for museums, family attractions, gardens and a broader city outing across the Triad.
- High Point: Around 25 - 35 minutes by road for furniture-design heritage, quieter small-city pacing and an easy half-day change of scene.
- Charlotte Motor Speedway area: About 1 hour 15 minutes - 1 hour 30 minutes each way if you want to turn the trip into a bigger motorsport pilgrimage with museums and NASCAR landmarks.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Mountain park outings are weather dependent, wine-country plans work best with a driver or tour arrangement, and the Charlotte run makes most sense on a non-race day.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak racing feel: Late spring through summer gives Bowman Gray its classic atmosphere, with warm evenings, fuller local crowds and the most natural fit for combining racing with outdoor sightseeing.
- Spring sweet spot: April and May are often the easiest months for heritage walks, gardens and park time before the heavier humidity of midsummer arrives.
- Summer reality: June through August can feel hot and sticky, particularly in exposed grandstands and parking areas, so water, shade and slower pacing become more important.
- Autumn bonus: September and October are excellent for day trips, vineyard stops and state-park scenery, with more forgiving temperatures and a calmer travel rhythm.
- Seasonal planning helps: Historic demonstrations, special exhibitions, theatre calendars and some outdoor attractions can run on seasonal programmes or dated tickets rather than simple daily opening.
Practical notes during race weeks
- Stay near your real priorities: Central Winston-Salem is best if you want restaurants and heritage walks, while west-side or university-area hotels make circuit access easier on race nights.
- Do not underestimate event evenings: Bowman Gray is compact and local in feel, but queues for parking, entry and nearby food can still build quickly once everyone arrives in the same window.
- Book key extras ahead: Reynolda House, popular downtown dinners, stadium-adjacent plans and selected heritage experiences are easier when fixed in advance on busy weekends.
- Family packing list: Pack sunscreen, a hat, breathable layers and a light rain shell, plus ear protection for children, refillable water bottles, snacks and a power bank for long days out.
- Check event-week operations carefully: Parking arrangements, entry rules, support-programme timing and some attraction hours can shift around major race dates, while parks and outdoor sites may also adjust for weather.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, ticketing and event week operations can change - check official circuit and attraction sites for your exact dates.
