Chase Elliott emerged victorious in the unofficial kickoff to the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. The highly anticipated Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium saw Elliott dominate the race from start to finish, securing a well-deserved win.
Starting on the pole, Elliott outpaced his competitors, including a strong performance from Ryan Blaney who made a valiant effort to catch up but ultimately fell short. Throughout the 200-lap race, Elliott led an impressive 171 laps, showcasing the skill and precision of the No. 9 Chevrolet team.
In a field where only 12 cars finished on the lead lap out of the 23 that started, Elliott’s performance stood out as he navigated through lapped traffic with ease. Denny Hamlin finished third, with Tyler Reddick leading just one lap in the race.
The Clash at Bowman Gray marked a new chapter as the preseason exhibition race shifted to the Winston-Salem quarter-mile track for the first time, offering fans a thrilling showcase of speed and skill. Despite the track’s reputation for wrecks and conflicts, the main event itself was relatively calm, with just a few caution flags throughout the race.
With the official start of the Cup Series season scheduled for Feb. 16 at the Daytona 500, Elliott remains a top contender for the championship. While he has yet to secure a victory at the prestigious event, his consistent performance and past achievements make him a strong favorite among fans and competitors alike.
Check out the full results of the Clash at Bowman Gray below:
1. Chase Elliott
2. Ryan Blaney
3. Denny Hamlin
4. Joey Logano
5. Bubba Wallace
6. Ross Chastain
7. Austin Cindric
8. Tyler Reddick
9. Shane van Gisbergen
10. Chris Buescher
11. Ryan Preece
12. Christopher Bell
13. Josh Berry
14. Todd Gilliland
15. Kyle Busch
16. Carson However
17. Kyle Larson
18. William Byron
19. Alex Bowman
20. Noah Gragson
21. Brad Keselowski
22. Daniel Suarez
23. Chase Briscoe
Stay tuned for more thrilling races and exciting moments as the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season unfolds.