With the Cup Series preseason Clash returning to Bowman Gray Stadium for a second edition, NASCAR has also confirmed the return of the Madhouse Classic.
But unlike last year, where it was just a non-points exhibition for the Modified division, the oldest continually running paved short track is also adding the Sportsman division to the card. Both races will take place the Saturday of that race weekend and it will air on both FloRacing and the NASCAR Channel on Roku.
“The Cook Out Madhouse Classic is one of the most authentic and electric experiences in all of short-track racing,” said Justin Swilling, NASCAR’s Project Lead for the Cook Out Clash. “The atmosphere inside Bowman Gray Stadium is unmatched, and so is the intensity and passion of the competitors. Their undeniable spirit brought NASCAR Cup Series racing back to Bowman Gray Stadium this year, so we’re incredibly excited about expanding the Madhouse Classic lineup to highlight the Madhouse stars who made it all possible.”
The Madhouse Classic last year was won by Chris Fleming in a dramatic duel over Burt Myers.
As for how both races in February will be lined-up:
Participation in the Cook Out Madhouse Classic is by invitation only, determined by the top 22 drivers from the Modified Division and top 20 drivers from the Sportsman Series (NASCAR reserves the right to add provisional entries in each race). Saturday’s race program will showcase all the hallmarks of Bowman Gray’s legendary format, including practice, single-car qualifying, and a 125-lap modified feature and 100-lap sportsman feature.
The Madhouse crowd will amplify every lap, and fans will also enjoy the unforgettable Fan’s Challenge, a treasured Bowman Gray tradition. In this format, the four fastest qualifiers will each have the chance to relinquish their earned starting spot and drop to the rear of the field. Drivers who accept become eligible for a special event bonus awarded if they can race their way back to their original top-four position or better. It’s a risk-reward wrinkle that embodies the competitive spirit of The Madhouse.
