Bowman Gray Stadium (BGS) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, known as the “Madhouse” by drivers and fans, may host Legends and Bandoleros again in the future, and possibly a future Nationals event for one or both divisions of INEX racing, according to BGS and INEX representatives.
It was announced recently that BGS, a quarter-mile oval that has been in operation under NASCAR sanctioning since 1949, will now have their racing operations managed by NASCAR, which was previously managed by the track staff themselves. Austin Shuford, who has a wealth of knowledge within the sport, including promoting racing action at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway in Tennessee (where the INEX Spring Nationals take place this weekend) was named General Manager.
Legend Cars and Bandoleros have a short history racing at the facility. For a few years, usually one weekend after the conclusion of the Summer Shootout Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway (NC), they would be invited to race on a Friday night at the track that usually only hosts racing on Saturdays. Four races for the INEX cars would take place on a first-come, first-sign-up basis to fill the slots for the features, which were for the Bandolero Bandits, Bandolero Outlaws, Legends Young Lions / Semi-Pro, and Legends Pro / Masters. This included a wild crash that was featured on NASCAR on FOX (click here), and a victory flip by NASCAR current star, Daniel Hemric (click here). However, the track has been silent with the sound of the INEX cars for multiple years, with no word of ever returning to the track.
The 2024 season of racing at BGS begins this Saturday, April 20, and while the season is set, both INEX and Bowman Gray Stadium are interested in discussing future racing action at the track.
“With NASCAR taking over the day-to-day operations at Bowman Gray Stadium, it presents a great opportunity for the track and INEX to start a new chapter in our relationship,” said Josh Roller, Communications Manager for INEX. “It is one of the most storied race tracks in the country and INEX would consider Bowman Gray for a special or national event if it was determined INEX could deliver an event worthy of not only our competitors, but Bowman Gray.”
Concord Speedway (also known as Concord Motorsports Park) closed operations several years ago, which has left a local void for Legends and Bandoleros to race weekly within a short driving distance from U.S. Legend Cars International / INEX headquarters in Harrisburg, North Carolina. Outside of the 10-event Summer Shootout Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway, as well as the Winter Heat road course races at the beginning of the year, drivers in the area need to travel multiple hours to race throughout the season. Just an hour up the road, could weekly racing action be something INEX wants to do at BGS?
“Any track is welcome to apply for INEX sanctioning, including Bowman Gray,” explained Roller. “The track is an excellent candidate to host regular Legend Car and Bandolero racing and would be a welcomed addition to our lineup of INEX-sanctioned tracks. Our racers are also well aware of the historic nature of Bowman Gray and would appreciate the opportunity to add their names to the list of drivers and USLCI alumni who have raced within its walls.”
On Bowman Gray Stadium’s end, they would entertain the return to the track for INEX Series racing action.
“We are currently preparing for the start of our season, but NASCAR is always looking for new opportunities for the future,” Shuford told Legends Nation. “We would have many things to consider to add another division or two to our weekly program, but we are always reviewing future opportunities.”
Being within the heart of Winston-Salem, at a stadium that doubles as a football field during the off season of racing, parking could be a problem if Legends and Bandoleros are added to the program. However, it is something the track is willing to work out.
“Logistics is an important aspect to adding another division to our weekly schedule,” said Shuford. “It is not impossible, but we would have some variables to work out to make sure we could accomplish it successfully.”
Outside of a one-date event or a weekly racing series, would INEX consider Bowman Gray Stadium as a host track for either the Legends Asphalt Nationals or the Bandolero Nationals? If it would happen, it would need to take place before the end of the INEX points season as the track has hard racing shut-down dates due to converting from racing to football.
“In recent years, the Legend Car year-end nationals have all taken place after the INEX points season had come to a close,” said Roller. “However, there isn’t a rule preventing INEX from scheduling any of our year-end nationals, including the Legend Car Asphalt Nationals or Bandolero Nationals, before the conclusion of the points season. Traditionally, Bandolero Nationals has been contested in either August or September, before the points season officially closes. We have many great tracks to choose from across the country when selecting a host track for Legend Car Asphalt Nationals and Bandolero Nationals. Bowman Gray is a track we would entertain for a either event in the future.”
Shuford told LN an INEX Series Nationals event would be something Bowman Gray Stadium would entertain.
“A Legends Asphalt or Bandolero Nationals event would be an exciting event at the track. We’ll continue to look for opportunities for the future.”
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