A return over 50 years in the making, one of the shortest tracks in NASCAR, and drivers eager to get off the mark. If you combine all of these factors, it would be natural to think the action at Bowman Gray was going to be chaotic, perhaps even include a massive wreck or two. However, Bowman Gray continued to be the gift that keeps on giving. It was a race free of a lot of major incidents, and Ryan Blaney can’t help but be impressed.
Following the incredible action and his stunning performance at the Madhouse, Ryan Blaney took a moment to appreciate the respectful racing from the Clash.
Blaney appreciates how drivers were respectful at Bowman Gray
NASCAR returning to the Bowman Gray Stadium has been a big deal, given that the last race was half a century ago. Add to that the fact that the track is incredibly short and narrow, and you have a recipe that could lead to disaster. Crashes and wrecks were what most fans expected, but it wasn’t the case, much to the surprise of Ryan Blaney.
Ryan Blaney, who, like others, expected the drive to be dramatic at its best, said, “Right, and I’m like, oh my gosh, I don’t know how this feature is going to go. But I thought everyone was as respectful as they could be for Bowman Gray, you know? And yeah, there were a couple of cautions and stuff like that, but you’re going to have that there.” To his credit, Blaney ensured he lived up to his words. His climb to 2nd position from 23rd was without him shoving other drivers around.
Ironically, it was the qualifiers that were more messy than the main race. With Burt Myers, 11-time champion at the track getting wrecked at the last chance qualifier, and Noah Gragson and Justin Haley getting into a tiff, the drama wasn’t in a great amplitude. That isn’t to say there weren’t any incidents on the track. Getting used to a different type of track from the L.A. Coliseum was a big task, so there were a few incidences of drivers getting squeezed into the wall, or some getting spun out due to close drafting between multiple cars. Despite this, racing remained impressive. Coming back to Blaney, it might not have just been about racing safely just to ensure he finishes, but so that he doesn’t face any backlash from fans.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA NASCAR Cup Series Championship Nov 10, 2024 Avondale, Arizona, USA NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Avondale Phoenix Raceway Arizona USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMarkxJ.xRebilasx 20241110_mjr_su5_019
We are referring to his battle for the lead with Chase Elliott. Once Blaney was past Hamlin on Lap 147, fans knew he was vying for the lead. On such a track, desperate times call for desperate measures, and like Hamlin’s move from the end of the first half, some expected Blaney to make a risky move. However, he kept couldn’t make it happen. When asked later the reasoning behind this decision, Ryan Blaney explained, “I’m not going to bulldog into him and get chased out of here with pitchforks. I just didn’t quite have enough right rear at the end to make a move on him.” The prospect of taking out the 7x Most Popular Driver in a desperate attempt certainly didn’t appeal to the 2023 champion.
Despite a widely favorable consensus, there have been rumors about how NASCAR will not be returning to Bowman Gray for the upcoming season. Although there hasn’t been any official confirmation, there’s debate on whether this was just a one-time run as a tribute to the tracks. Blaney’s response on the matter was simple. “I don’t see why you wouldn’t come back, so I hope everyone had a good time.”
There isn’t much room for doubts about whether the Stadium has lived up to its rich history and electrifying atmosphere. Marking a return would be a nod to both tradition and competitive racing, but Ryan Blaney’s teammate and sitting Cup Series Champion Joey Logano thinks differently.
Joey Logano shares his stance on rumors about NASCAR not returning to Bowman Gray in 2026
While there has been a wide consensus among drivers in favor of NASCAR returning to Bowman Gray, Joey Logano hasn’t jumped on the same bandwagon. Logano claimed the fourth position in Sunday’s Cook Out Clash and during a post-race interview, he made it clear about his take on the track.
He said, “It looks good, the energy is real. It’s not like you have this ginormous stadium and you get half or three quarters of it full. It’s standing room only; it’s a special feel; it’s hard to get the ticket. People want what they can’t have, right? In the same breath, I would say it’s very important to move things around. We’ve seen the success of our sport moving to new racetracks. I’m a big fan of going to new places and bringing the racetrack to the fans that don’t typically get to see us because it’s so hard for a lot of people to travel a long way, to see our races. So, going to new places is huge for our sport.”
Logano isn’t alone in this opinion. While the visit to Bowman Gray was an incredible dive into memory lane and a wild experience, it set the tone perfectly for what fans want from the Clash, good old-fashioned NASCAR races at tracks that hold a special place in the hearts of fans. Even Kevin Harvick thinks so, with a suggestion for NASCAR to duplicate its Bowman Gray success with tracks like the Hickory Speedway.
Regardless, Logano’s perspective highlights the delicate balance between tradition and expansion in NASCAR’s future. While Bowman Gray’s electrifying atmosphere is undeniable, the potential it has if newer locations are on the radar is unmatched.
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