NASCAR Rant Report - Wednesday, January 29th

Bowman Gray Clash, Return to Rockingham, Sponsorship Signings, and more!

Author

Rant Report AI
January 29, 2025

Major headlines out of Tuesday:

Looking Ahead to The Clash
NASCAR Returns to Rockingham
Sponsorship Signings

Plus, miscellaneous topics from the day.

Looking Ahead to The Clash:

The NASCAR Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium is scheduled for Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET. This event marks NASCAR's return to Bowman Gray, known as "The Madhouse," for the first time since 1971. The race will be broadcast live on FOX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

The event features a 200-lap main race with 23 drivers, determined through practice sessions, heat races, and a Last Chance Qualifier. Notable drivers include Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, and Joey Logano. Local favorites Tim Brown and Burt Myers will also compete. Betting odds favor Kyle Larson and Chase Briscoe at +800.

Organizers emphasize planning for parking and traffic changes due to the large turnout. On-site parking is sold out, but off-site options with shuttle services are available. Additionally, 14 students from Winston-Salem State University’s NASCAR Campus Lab program will gain real-world experience at the event.

Drivers and teams are preparing intensely, with some expressing confidence due to their short track racing backgrounds. The Cook Out Clash promises to be an exciting and memorable event, drawing thousands of fans and showcasing NASCAR's rich history and intense competition.

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NASCAR Returns to Rockingham:

NASCAR is returning to Rockingham Speedway for the first time since 2013, with the Black’s Tire 200 Truck Series race on April 18 and the NC Education Lottery 250 Xfinity Series race on April 19. The track, which has been dormant for over a decade, has undergone a repave in 2022, resulting in significantly faster speeds. During a recent test session, defending Truck Series champion Ty Majeski recorded a lap time of 166.547 mph, breaking the previous track record set by Rusty Wallace in 2000.

Drivers and fans alike are excited about the return to Rockingham, a track with a rich history in NASCAR. The repave has maintained some of the track's traditional characteristics while providing a smoother and faster racing surface. The return has generated significant fan interest, with many attending the test sessions despite chilly weather.

Notable drivers like Kasey Kahne, who will be racing in the Xfinity Series event, have expressed their enthusiasm for racing at Rockingham again. Kahne, who last raced at the track in 2012, is preparing for his return with Richard Childress Racing. Young drivers like Corey Day have also shown impressive speed during the test sessions, highlighting the potential for exciting races in April.

Overall, the return to Rockingham is seen as a positive step for NASCAR, bringing back a beloved track and offering fans and drivers a chance to reconnect with the sport's roots. The success of these events will depend on continued fan support and participation.

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Sponsorship Signings:

Several new sponsorship deals have been announced for the 2025 NASCAR season. Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has secured a multi-year, multi-race sponsorship deal with Bank OZK for Kyle Busch's No. 8 Chevrolet, starting at Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 23, 2025. Bank OZK will also serve as RCR’s official banking partner. Ty Dillon will have Sea Best as a primary partner for 20 races, beginning with the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 2. Sea Best, a brand of Beaver Street Fisheries, aims to connect with NASCAR’s passionate fanbase.

Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announced a partnership with Lance Crackers, which will be an associate sponsor on Chase Briscoe’s No. 19 Toyota Camry XSE in the NASCAR Cup Series and the primary sponsor for the Xfinity Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24. Additionally, the Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) will sponsor Justin Haley’s No. 7 Chevrolet ZL1 for the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, continuing a decade-long relationship.

These sponsorships reflect the ongoing commitment of brands to engage with NASCAR’s dedicated fanbase and support their favorite drivers throughout the season.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more on this topic.

Miscellaneous:

Hailie Deegan, previously a NASCAR driver, has transitioned to open-wheel racing with HMD Motorsports in Indy NXT, IndyCar’s top development series. Deegan, who struggled to secure funding and competitive rides in NASCAR, decided to switch to Indy NXT after attending several IndyCar races. She acknowledges the challenges ahead but is excited about the new opportunity, aiming to progress on road courses and excel on ovals.

Big Boi, a member of the hip-hop duo OutKast, will drive the pace car at the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 23. Known for his contributions to music and his love for cars, Big Boi's involvement is expected to attract new fans to the sport. This follows his recent appearances at other major sporting events, including throwing the first pitch at a Braves game and performing at an NFL playoff game.

Chris Powell, the president and general manager of Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS), will retire on March 31, 2025, after more than 26 years in the role. Powell has been instrumental in the growth and success of LVMS, including adding a second NASCAR Cup Series weekend and bringing the Electric Daisy Carnival to the venue. His leadership has left a lasting impact on the motorsports community and the local area. Powell plans to focus on family after his retirement, looking forward to spending more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

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This newsletter is constructed by AI and reviewed by our editorial team.

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