NASCAR to manage Bowman Gray Stadium with Winston-Salem
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — NASCAR is now the manager of racing operations at historic Bowman Gray Stadium alongside the City of Winston-Salem, NASCAR announced on Thursday.
NASCAR has acquired Bowman Gray Stadium’s lessee, Winston-Salem Speedway Inc., and will now manage operations at the track with the city through Dec. 2050.
“As NASCAR’s first weekly racetrack, Bowman Gray Stadium holds a special place in the history of our sport,” said Ben Kennedy, Senior Vice President, Racing Development and Strategy, at NASCAR. “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.”
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The quarter-mile track has long been a fan favorite in the Triad as a host of local racing events.
The stadium also was the original home of Wake Forest University’s football team when the school first moved to Winston-Salem from the Town of Wake Forest.
“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.”
Affectionately known as the “Madhouse” the venue is known to bring out the absurd when it comes to racing.
Austin Shuford, a Western Carolina University graduate, will now take over as general manager of racing operations at the track.
“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.”
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Bowman Gray Stadium is the longest-running weekly track in the history of NASCAR and hosted NASCAR Cup Series, then known as the NASCAR Grand National, races from 1958-1971.
The track is also known for being the venue where local racing legend Richard Petty won his 100th career race in 1969.
The 2024 Bowman Gray Stadium race season will begin on April 20.
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