Bowman Gray was a "much improved" event from the Coliseum – Elliott
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Bowman Gray Stadium hosting the Clash received the seal of approval from race winner Chase Elliott.
Elliott admitted his bias after winning Sunday night's exhibition race – a moment he called “special” – and because of the fan reception he received within the stadium. After starting from the pole, Elliott led a race-high 171 of 200 laps in his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet and made the winning pass on Denny Hamlin on lap 126.
"It seemed like a success," Elliott said. "I know it's always tough from a winner's perspective when everything goes your way, but it seemed like the track was racey. I just thought the whole deal was much improved from the last couple of years, for sure."
The 200-lap feature event had a little bit of everything. Elliott and Hamlin combined to lead 199 of 200 laps, but the racing kept viewers engaged. Hamlin was one driver who made the outside lane – on a short track – work early in the event as he used it to take third place from Tyler Reddick.
There was also the ability to run side-by-side. Hamlin and Elliott routinely ran side-by-side as did other leaders, as was shown in the Last Chance Qualifying Race. Of course, there were the wrecks, which were expected at Bowman Gray. And one of the most impressive performances of the night came from Ryan Blaney, who finished second to Elliott after driving through the field from last on the starting grid (23rd).
"I don't have any issues with coming back," Elliott said. "I thought overall it seemed like a good show. Tire wear came into play. The environment from not only tonight but (Saturday) night, the place was packed out. It just seemed like a good all-around event, and I feel like if we're going to race on a football field, this is probably as good a place as any to do it."
Sunday night was sold out. Afterward, NASCAR announced the attendance comprised ticket holders from 44 states, five countries, and three continents.
NASCAR moved the Clash from its long-standing home in Daytona to Los Angeles in 2022, the first year of the Next Gen car. It stayed there in a three-year deal before going to Bowman Gray Stadium.
Elliott felt there were three variables as to why he liked racing at Bowman Gray over the Coliseum.
"I think the size of the track; it seemed bigger to me," Elliott said. "I don't know what the technical distance would be, how different it is or not, but the straightaways seemed a little longer, the corners didn't seem like such a sharp apex. And I think all of those things, combined with the track surface having some age to it, probably had a pretty large impact on the race being better and putting it a little more in your hands as far as tire management and all that stuff."
