The track is exactly one-quarter mile in length, requiring drivers to navigate high-banked, tight corners.
It is the only NASCAR-sanctioned track located on a historically black university campus.
The stadium was originally built with Works Progress Administration (WPA) funds during the Great Depression.
Many modern NASCAR stars began their careers racing on this specific track due to the high-pressure environment.
The venue famously allows a 'no-holds-barred' driving style that frequently results in post-race confrontations between drivers.
In 2024, the track underwent renovations to modernize its facilities while preserving its historic configuration.
Bowman Gray Stadium is the oldest weekly-racing NASCAR-sanctioned track in the United States, originating in 1949. Located on the campus of Winston-Salem State University, the quarter-mile asphalt oval is famously known as 'The Madhouse' due to its tight, aggressive racing style. The stadium originally opened in 1937 as a football field and was converted into a racetrack after the formation of NASCAR. It serves as a home track for the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series. The facility features a distinctive bullring design that emphasizes contact and short-track maneuvers. It remains a historic site for stock car racing, having hosted legendary drivers like Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. The venue continues to operate as a multi-purpose stadium, occasionally hosting collegiate football games in addition to its racing calendar.
The top of the grandstands overlooking the start-finish line provides the best panoramic view of the entire track.
Arrive early to secure parking on the university grounds, as spaces fill up quickly on race nights.
Bring ear protection, especially for children, as the noise levels from the engines are significant in the enclosed concrete stadium.
Sit in the higher rows of the grandstands to get a full view of the entire quarter-mile oval and the action in every turn.
Do not expect a polished, corporate-style experience; the venue is known for its raw, gritty, and high-energy atmosphere.
Racing events typically occur on Saturday nights from spring through late summer; the venue is inactive for racing during the autumn and winter months.
Casual, sporty attire is standard; closed-toe shoes are recommended due to stadium terrain.
