NASCAR Rant Report - Monday, February 3rd

Chase Elliott wins the Clash at Bowman Gray, 2025 Sponsorship Updates, and more!

Major headlines out of the weekend:

Chase Elliott Win the Clash at Bowman Gray
2025 Sponsorship Updates

Plus, miscellaneous topics from the weekend.

Chase Elliott Wins the Clash at Bowman Gray:

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season kicked off with the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, marking the first time since 1971 that the Cup Series raced at this historic quarter-mile track. The event was notable for its return to NASCAR's roots, with a focus on grassroots racing and a nod to the sport's history.

Chase Elliott emerged victorious, leading 171 of the 200 laps and holding off a late charge from Ryan Blaney to secure his first Clash win. Elliott's performance was dominant, although he briefly lost the lead to Denny Hamlin before regaining it in the second half of the race. Blaney, who started last due to a provisional spot, made an impressive run to finish second, while Hamlin finished third.

The event featured a series of heat races and a last-chance qualifier to determine the starting lineup. Kyle Larson and Josh Berry advanced from the last-chance qualifier, while Blaney secured his spot based on his points finish from the previous season. The race was characterized by intense, physical racing typical of Bowman Gray, with several cautions and incidents throughout the night.

The Clash also highlighted the participation of local legends Tim Brown and Burt Myers, who made their Cup Series debuts. Despite their efforts, neither advanced to the main event. The race was a celebration of NASCAR's heritage, with the Bobby Allison Memorial Trophy awarded to the winner, honoring the late NASCAR Hall of Famer.

The return to Bowman Gray Stadium was a significant moment for NASCAR, blending the sport's rich history with its modern-day competition. The event was well-received by fans, who filled the stands and created an electric atmosphere. The success of the Clash at Bowman Gray has sparked discussions about future events at historic tracks, emphasizing the importance of connecting with NASCAR's roots while continuing to innovate and expand the sport's reach.

Overall, the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium was a successful and nostalgic start to the 2025 NASCAR season, showcasing the sport's ability to honor its past while looking forward to the future. The event set the stage for an exciting season ahead, with the Daytona 500 just around the corner.

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2025 Sponsorship Updates:

The 2025 NASCAR season has seen significant sponsorship changes, particularly for Denny Hamlin. After losing his long-time sponsor, FedEx, Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) have been working to fill the sponsorship gaps. Hamlin has secured new sponsors, including National Debt Relief and King’s Hawaiian, each committing to four races. Despite these additions, Hamlin's No. 11 car still has several races without a primary sponsor, reflecting broader challenges in securing sponsorship dollars in NASCAR. Hamlin has expressed concerns about the difficulty of finding sponsorship in the current market, noting that the departure of a long-term sponsor like FedEx has made the situation more challenging for both him and JGR.

One of Hamlin’s drivers at his 23XI team, Tyler Reddick, also sees some sponsorship changes. Reddick's No. 45 car will feature a special "Unbannable" Jordan Brand livery at the Clash, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Air Jordan 1. This campaign also subtly references the ongoing legal battle between 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR.

Cook Out has taken over as the title sponsor for the preseason Clash exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium, replacing Busch Light. They also sponsor other major events like the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.

Team AmeriVet, with driver Burt Myers, has committed to eliminating $250,000 in veteran debt during the 2025 season, starting with the Cook Out Clash. This initiative is part of a broader mission to relieve over $5 million in veteran debt throughout the year, supported by various corporate partners.

Additionally, Michigan International Speedway announced DQS Solutions & Staffing as the title sponsor for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race, further highlighting the diverse range of companies investing in NASCAR sponsorships this season.

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Miscellaneous:

Tim Cindric is stepping back from his role overseeing all of Team Penske's racing programs to focus solely on IndyCar. He will remain President of Team Penske’s IndyCar efforts, while Ron Ruzewski, Michael Nelson, and Jonathan Diuguid will take on more responsibilities in their respective areas.

NASCAR legends Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, Bill Elliott, Ken Schrader, and Bobby Labonte will compete in the IROC race group at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion in August. They will be joined by Danny Sullivan and Scott Pruett, with Ray Evernham facilitating the event.

Chase Elliott led NASCAR merchandise sales in 2024, followed by the NASCAR brand and Kyle Larson. The Earnhardt family remained popular, with Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr. both ranking in the top 10. Other notable drivers in the top 15 included Ross Chastain, Joey Logano, Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, and Denny Hamlin.

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