By james art WINSTON-SALEM, NC (WGHP) — Winston-Salem is getting ready to welcome race fans from near and far.
For the first time in 54 years, the return of the NASCAR Cup Series to Bowman Gray Stadium is just three months away.
“We’re just excited about it. There’s so much history with Bowman Gray Stadium, said Ben Rowe, Winston-Salem’s assistant city manager.
For the first time since 1971, the NASCAR Cup Series returns to Bowman Gray Stadium.
It returns with the Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum
“The fact that it’s coming full circle and that they’re ready to kind of come back to the mainstream … and perform on these types of tracks,” Rowe said. “We’re just thrilled to be a part of it now.”
Work is underway to prepare the stadium for competitors. They are building barriers. A priority on City’s roster is to be ready for practice/qualifying day on February 1st and the big cup series day on February 2nd.
“Right now, we’re very focused on helping NASCAR with all kinds of facility improvements to get the stadium ready for the showdown,” Rowe said.
The city is looking to do more to celebrate the return of the cup run. Whether or not it’s an event like a fan festival, the city is still working out those details
“Our local tourism and travel people … are still brainstorming ideas about what we’d like to do outside of what NASCAR will bring along with the event,” Rowe said.
The stadium has 17,000 seats. With a few tickets remaining for race day on February 2nd, fans will need a place to stay.
“Sunday’s events are almost sold out. And I’m sure once people get their tickets … they’ll take the next step and book their hotel and lodging in Winston-Salem as well,” said Visit Winston-Salem President Stephanie Pace Brown
They look forward to the economic impact of the event
“This is a great winter boon for our local restaurants and bars, hotels and entertainment venues,” Brown said.
The city has no timeline for when they will have determined the event they plan to host to further celebrate the race.
They continue to work with NASCAR and Visit Winston-Salem to determine what it will be.
The clash will be televised on Fox.
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