With the first-ever NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium just a couple of months away, the quarter-mile racetrack is making some major modifications to accommodate the NASCAR Cup Series.
On Thursday, NASCAR, in collaboration with the City of Winston-Salem and Winston-Salem State University announced multiple initiatives that will prepare the racetrack for the first NASCAR premier division visit since 1971.
The racetrack will be fitted with SAFER (steel and foam energy reduction) barriers and have a catchfence put around the perimeter of the quarter-mile racetrack. In most cases, both of these safety innovations are required for a NASCAR National Series visit.
Crews began to prepare the track for SAFER Barrier installation on October 21, with the removal of the previous guardrail system. The new barriers and catchfence is expected to be completed by the first week in January.
Additionally, a brand-new Musco lighting system will be installed at Bowman Gray Stadium, custom-designed to improve track lighting and visibility, reduce energy consumption, enhance the overall experience, and provide the necessary illumination for nationally televised events.
“Part of being good stewards of Bowman Gray Stadium includes preparing it to host compelling events that rightfully place it in the national spotlight,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR Executive Vice President, Chief Venue and Racing Innovation Officer. “We are grateful to Musco for providing the premium event lighting product to illuminate this historic venue. The preparations in advance of The Clash will position this national treasure as a showcase of national and grassroots racing for the next generation and beyond.”
Funding for this new lighting system will come in the form of a pandemic recovery grant awarded to the City of Winston-Salem in 2022 as part of the North Carolina Motorsports Relief Fund.
“Bowman Gray is a fantastic venue with a storied history in both racing and football,” said Musco CEO Jeff Rogers. “We’re looking forward to working on this project with NASCAR. Lighting The Clash is exciting, but leaving a legacy LED lighting system for local racing and Winston-Salem State University football makes the project even more special.”
The Total Light Control — TLC for LED system from Musco features light control that prevents glare from affecting drivers, spectators, and television cameras. The new LED system features Musco’s Show-Light Pro special effects technology, which allows for the creation of customized light shows on the racetrack, with color-changing fixtures and light-to-music synchronization.
“The City of Winston-Salem is thrilled that NASCAR has chosen to kick off their 2025 season by holding The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium,” said City of Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines. “We value the partnership with Musco, NASCAR, and WSSU to provide enhanced stadium lighting that will position the stadium and community to host future national events and improve the fan experience for the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series at Bowman Gray Stadium and WSSU Football. This lighting system complements the $9 million that the City invested in improvements to Bowman Gray Stadium a few years ago. The City Council and I want to thank Musco for their investment in our historic stadium and their commitment to the Winston-Salem community.”
The new lighting system will begin installation in December, and will be completed in time for The 2025 NASCAR Clash in February.
“This collaboration with NASCAR is a testament to their strong commitment to community engagement,” said Winston-Salem State University Chancellor Bonita Brown. “The installation of new lighting will enhance the experience for our student-athletes, fans, and the broader community, making our stadium a brighter and more inviting place for everyone. We are thrilled about these improvements as well as the ongoing partnership we have with NASCAR that offers our students exposure to the motorsports industry.”
