NASCAR Returns To The Bullring of Chaos!

January 13, 2025

^{Jan 13, 2025 | Edition #123}

👋 Dear Motorheads,

The countdown to the Daytona 500 is officially on, but let’s not overlook the excitement brewing for The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. Yes, that is the very same track tied to Bobby Allison’s 53-year-old controversy.

The track has a reputation. And let’s just say it’s earned every bit of it. But in case you’re hearing about it for the first time, buckle up, as we’re about to dive into the most intense moments from the track, that probably gave it its “Madhouse” moniker.

🗓️ Countdown to Green Flag!

Why Is Bowman Gray Stadium Called a ‘Madhouse’?

You might already know the answer to this! But we feel Bowman Gray was set up to get this reputation from the beginning. It's a quarter-mile with a football field in the middle (known as the tight, quarter-mile bull ring). Barely any space for the asphalt track. And then fans surround it, practically breathing down on the drivers. And, the only word that comes to the Lucky Dog’s mind is… chaos!

Now imagine, in such a setup, the most popular driver getting taken out by someone else’s mistake. The only thing stopping an angry mob of fans from swarming the track is a flimsy fence. That’s where the Bowman Gray Stadium’s nickname really came to life. And adding to that madness are drivers with no chill attitude.

A few months ago, Tommy Neal, the driver of the notorious #21 Modifieds car, was playing cat-and-mouse with the officials for a good 10 minutes. Neal was mad at the officials and the next thing you see is him bumping a pace car, and then further provoking 17,000 fans. Watch the footage.

Now we get why Gray Garrison, the promoter of BGS, said it’s “part racing, part religion, and part wrestling” down there. Seriously though, no words can fully capture the madness.

And probably when Garrison mentioned wrestling, it wasn’t just between two drivers. In the video below, you can clearly see the retaliation by Burt Meyrs turned into a wrestling match (between cars).

Or how about the time when Meyers, mid-race, threw a 5-galloon bucket of kitty litter on Chris Fleming’s car? See how Fleming drove for a distance with the bucket still on the hood. That’s the real Bowman Gray thrill.

And how can we forget this… last year, in the 100-lap Sportsman Race, Tommy Neal smashed Amber Lynn’s car. Literally, with his bare fists! Since it is hard to believe, here’s the footage from the Big One.

As The Clash nears, let’s hope for some good racing, and not drivers going at each other’s throats. And, we know NASCAR’s lineup is not really known for that unless Ricky Stenhouse Jr or Kyle Busch gets in form again.

🌪️ Cause for Controversy

NASCAR’s New Rule Is Unnecessary at Best!

Celebrity drivers from other NASCAR racing series are rare. But knowing that they’d now get a free pass—that’s a bit of a game-changer, and even the Lucky Dog has got mixed feelings about it.

Here’s the scenario: Formula One’s Max Verstappen decides he wants to take a crack at NASCAR. That’s a positive. It could possibly bring a ton of global attention. And for F1 fans as passionate as us, that could turn a one-off race into a season-long fandom.

In short, it could be great for the sport’s expansion. But then… this new rule kicks in. And now Verstappen, even if he wrecks in qualifying, is guaranteed a spot in the race. And honestly, that’s a bit of a letdown, NASCAR.

It’s almost as if NASCAR’s saying, “Yeah, our qualifying process? Meh, who cares.” And that undervalues the sport.

Could this mean our governing body doesn’t worry too much about what other racing leagues think of NASCAR? Even if that is not the case right now, the Lucky Dog is afraid this could end up becoming the general sentiment soon.

For us, respect isn’t just about flashy cars or international hype—it’s about the grind. It’s about the drivers who put in the work to earn every inch of track they get, and for us fans who are deeply connected to it.

Take IndyCar, for example. While F1 may enjoy global prestige, IndyCar stays confident in its own identity. For instance, Fernando Alonso's failure to qualify for the 2019 Indianapolis 500 sent shockwaves through F1. But this made IndyCar’s respect level go through the roof.

And that is what we want for NASCAR as well. All in all, it’s unsettling that Jimmie Johnson or Martin Truex Jr would have to go through the grueling qualifying. But the four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves has a guaranteed spot in the 2025 Daytona 500.

The 40-car cap should be waived for anyone, let alone ‘celebrity drivers’ or in NASCAR’s words - ‘significant contributors.’ This raises questions like how ‘significant’ is significant enough that NASCAR is willing to go against the very spirit of the sport.

Let us know what you think about it below.

🏁 Lucky Dog’s Quick Poll 🏁

Should NASCAR Change the Rules for Outside Drivers?

🗞️ NASCAR Shorts!

Kyle Larson’s Bold Moves Are Forcing NASCAR’s Hand

We are hoping Larson is not discouraged from making a second ‘double’ attempt. From now on, he has to be extra careful. He and Rick Hendrick can no longer pull stunts like missing the Coca-Cola 600 and getting away with it. Last year, the rail delayed Indy 500 caused it, and NASCAR was understanding enough.

But this won’t happen again. Here is the new rule that can lead to Larson missing the championship!

📈 Trending News

Michael Jordan - 3, NASCAR - 0

Neither we’re biased, nor we’re trying to jinx it. But for some time now, Michael Jordan seems to be winning this whole Lawsuit thing. First, Front Row Motorsports and 23XI got a preliminary Injunction. While they continue to sue the racing organization, they still get all the benefits of a charter team. Guaranteed spot in every race, share in the race purse, all that.

But then, NASCAR possibly used its last weapon. An attempt to dismiss this whole thing! Won’t that be a dream come true for Jim France?

Apparently, not. Judge Kenneth D. Bell has dismissed the motion to dismiss. In his words, teams “sufficiently alleged one or more plausible antitrust claims.” That’s enough for the case to go to trial.

Thanks to Judge Bell, Michael Jordan, and Bob Jenkins have a reason to smile. Now both teams will not have to set aside millions of dollars in an escrow account, assuming the possibility of a loss. They can utilize all that money to put forth their best NASCAR campaign with an all-new #35 team.

Still, NASCAR can seek damages. But for that, they have to first win the trial set on December 1st, 2025. And the case doesn’t need to go to trial. Either party can decide to settle and wrap this up on an earlier date.

Continue Reading: NASCAR’s “Minor League” Status Cemented by Fans After $5 Million Revelation Leaves Them Shook

📆 On This Day

22 Years Ago: Jeff Gordon hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live. Here’s his full monologue that was aired back then.

🏆 Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday

You Can Own Tony Stewart’s Memorabilia

All you collectors can understand how it feels to let go of your prized possessions. So we do feel for you, Tony. After all, he got Jimmie Johnson’s 2016 championship-winning helmet. And, oh boy, Smoke’s collection is crazy. Have a look.

But forget helmets. Imagine getting your hands on the car, Stewart drove, be it only once. Thanks to Mecum Auctions, it’s actually possible now. And we have three choices.

1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Coupe

The car is not well known but is symbolic of Stewart’s entry into the Cup Series. The year was 1999. The #20 Joe Gibbs driver was just 28 debuting in the Cup. Who would have thought he’d bag a pole in his debut Daytona 500? The race might have ended in a P28. But the pole was a perfect start to a season where he would go on to win Rookie of the Year (after 3 wins and a p4 finish). The Wide Track Division was impressed and gave him this Automatic 3.8L Supercharged V-6 custom-painted car.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

This one represents history in itself. We don't know anyone who dominated in the Camaro SS like Tony, right? That #14 car, first time driving for his own team, a championship won in '11. The 16 wins that came in that car or his final race of the Cup at Miami. The car up for sale is the same 2010 version of the Camaro. Take a look at the SS that bears serial No. 00014.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

This one had us question: why Tony Stewart in his right mind, would let this one go. If someone wants to showcase why matte black is the best color, check out this Chevy Bel Air. The two-door hardtop was Chevy's imagination in '57 of what modern cars would look like. Check for yourself.

While Bel Air is our favorite. Owning any of the three would be a NASCAR collector's dream. So good luck folks!

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