NASCAR's wildest short-track show might be back for an encore. Following the chaotic 2025 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, the iconic 'Madhouse' is currently the favorite to host the 2026 curtain-raiser event. It's stated that although NASCAR wants to reach out on the international market -- there are rumors that it might take the Clash to São Paulo Brazil -- the energy and the fans that Bowman Gray represents may be too engaging to ignore.
The 2025 Clash was pure, unadulterated short-track chaos. A sold-out crowd of over 15,000 packed the Winston-Salem, North Carolina venue and saw the kind of door-banging, tempers-flaring action that makes Bowman Gray legendary. The Cup Series hasn't been back to the iconic quarter-mile bullring since 1971 and it didn't disappoint. Heat races and last-chance qualifiers were wild, and Chase Elliott dominated the main event, etching his name in The Madhouse's history.
Related: Opinion: NASCAR's Madhouse Clash at Bowman Gray delivered
NASCAR has been talking about taking the Clash international, particularly to Brazil. In 2023, high-level discussions took place about an event in São Paulo, but logistical hurdles and travel concerns made it a tough sell. Instead, sources say NASCAR might keep the Clash stateside and plan separate international exhibition races. Bowman Gray's energy, local support and NASCAR heritage make it a logical -- and fan-friendly -- choice for 2026.
The 2025 Clash was a hit. Drivers loved the old-school brawls and close-quarters racing. Chase Elliott, after his win, said "I hope we didn't disappoint. It was fun for me, at least. We'll hopefully come back here one day." Fans, too, made their voices heard, asking for the Clash to return to NASCAR's most famous bullring.
A fan wrote on X: "Dear @NASCAR, Please just leave The Clash at Bowman Gray. This has been great. Sincerely, Race Fans."
Will NASCAR Make It Official? It's not yet official, but The Madhouse is in the driver's seat and Brazil is out of the picture. If you enjoyed the door-banging, no-rules racing this year, get ready -- Bowman Gray might be the home of the Clash again.