WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Bumping, beating and banging were the headliners Saturday night, along with Chase Elliott, in the return of the NASCAR Cup Series to Bowman Gray Stadium for the first time since 1971. Elliott won the first of four heat races on the quarter-mile track and will start Sunday night’s Cook Out Clash from the pole.

With just the heats completed for The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray, it's clear that NASCAR's best are entering 2025 with some pent-up feelings.

Four heat races later and two recent NASCAR Cup Series champions did not qualify for Sunday’s main event in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray.

The NASCAR Cup Series arrives to Bowman Gray for the first time in more than 50 years. But this race means more than just an exhibition.

Chase Elliott will lead the field to the green flag for Sunday night's NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium after winning his heat race Saturday night. The green flag is scheduled to wave at 8:20 p.m.

NASCAR starting lineups for Sunday at Bowman Gray Stadium On Sunday, the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium comes to a close. On Saturday night, the half-mile bullring hosted qualifying and four heat races.