NASCAR has entered into an agreement with the city of Winston-Salem, North Carolina to take over racing operations for historic Bowman Gray Stadium.
NASCAR holds the lease through December 2050.
Moving forward, the sanctioning body itself is the promoter for the Madhouse, the race track inside the historic sporting venue that also hosts football and numerous other events throughout the year. The Stadium is also the oldest weekly track sanctioned by NASCAR, having contested races under the banner since 1949, where it was also the first paved track to host national touring events.
The facility was built in 1937.
NASCAR takes over the lease from the Hawkins family, who has operated the racing portion of the schedule since the 1940s with previous promoter Gray Garrison remaining in a transitionary role to assist incoming general manager Austin Shuford.
Shuford comes to NASCAR via Track Enterprises where he worked alongside president Bob Sargeant with Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway and the ASA STARS national Super Late Model series.
“As one of racing’s most beloved and enduring venues, it’s truly an honor to be named the new general manager of racing operations at Bowman Gray Stadium,” said Shuford. “I look forward to learning from the Garrison, Pinilis, and Hawkins families to preserve and extend the greatness of Bowman Gray Stadium. Thanks to NASCAR for this fantastic opportunity to join their organization and the chance to entertain race fans at weekly events throughout the year.”
The Stadium is an important venue for several reasons, beyond serving as one of its most tenured tracks, as it is also where former NASCAR president Bill France Jr. met future wife Betty Jane Zachary in 1957.
His grandson, Ben Kennedy, is NASCAR’s senior vice president of racing development and strategy.
“As NASCAR’s first weekly racetrack, Bowman Gray Stadium holds a special place in the history of our sport,” Kennedy said. “We are grateful to the Hawkins family’s multi-generational legacy of leadership at this historic track and we’re thrilled to oversee racing at one of the crown jewels in NASCAR Regional. We look forward to leading the racing operations of the facility in partnership with the City of Winston-Salem to preserve the history and legacy of the racetrack for the next generation of fans and racers.”
The city of Winston-Salem values both NASCAR and racing as part of its cultural community.
“Bowman Gray Racing has been a part of the fabric of Winston Salem for many years. In fact, some attribute NASCAR’s beginning to the races held at Bowman Gray Stadium,” said City of Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines. “It is for that and other reasons that the City of Winston Salem is delighted that NASCAR is acquiring Winston-Salem Speedway Inc. I am doubly happy that NASCAR has committed to the continuance of the weekly races at the stadium, that are so popular with our citizens and visitors.”
The 2024 racing season at The Madhouse begins on April 20 with the prestigious Hayes Jewelers 200 for the marquee Tour Type Modified division. The track also hosts races Sportsman, Street Stocks and Stadium Stocks.
