Winston-Salem isn't exactly a quiet town on Saturday nights, but 2026 is kicking things into a whole different gear. If you grew up around here, you know the drill. The smell of high-octane fuel, the sound of engines echoing off the concrete, and the inevitable shouting matches in the pits. It’s "The Madhouse." There’s nowhere else like it.
Honestly, the bowman gray stadium schedule for this year has everyone talking because NASCAR itself has officially taken the wheel. After decades of the Hawkins family running the show, NASCAR acquired the lease through 2050. People were worried. Would it lose that grit? So far, the answer is a hard no. In fact, they started the year by bringing the Cup Series stars to our backyard for the Cook Out Clash on February 1.
The 2026 Season Opener and Weekly Series Dates
If you missed the Clash, don't sweat it. The heart of Bowman Gray has always been the weekly racing. This is where the local legends like Tim Brown and Brandon Ward fight for every inch of that flat quarter-mile.
The standard bowman gray stadium schedule usually kicks off in late April. This year is no different. You’ve basically got racing every Saturday night from the end of April through August.
- Opening Night (Hayes Jewelers 200): Saturday, April 18, 2026. This is the big one. 200 laps for the Modifieds. It’s long, it’s brutal, and someone usually leaves with a crushed fender.
- Weekly Saturday Events: Gates open at 6:00 PM. The first green flag drops at 8:00 PM.
- The Season Finale: Scheduled for late August (typically the third or fourth Saturday). This is where the track champions are crowned, and things get... well, "Madhouse-y."
One thing to keep in mind is that while the dates are mostly set, North Carolina weather has a mind of its own. If it pours, they usually try to run the next available night or push it to the following weekend. Check the official site or their Twitter before you pack the cooler.
What to Expect Under the New Management
NASCAR taking over management isn't just about the Cup Series coming to town. They’ve brought in Austin Shuford as the General Manager. He’s got experience from the Nashville Fairgrounds, so he knows short-track culture.
The biggest change you'll notice in the 2026 schedule is the integration of more regional "special events" tucked into the weekly calendar. We’re seeing more emphasis on the Modified and Sportsman divisions having invitation-only features. For example, the "Madhouse Classic" format that we saw in late January is likely to influence how some of the bigger Saturday nights are structured later in the summer.
Ticket Prices and Getting In
Prices are still remarkably human. For the weekly shows, you aren't looking at "big track" prices.
🔗 Read more: Tyreek Hill Addresses Chiefs Trade Rumors: What Really Happened
- Adults: $12. (Still one of the best deals in sports).
- Kids (6-11): $2.
- Children 5 and under: Free.
Seating is all general admission. If you want a good spot—especially on the front stretch where the drama happens—you need to be there when the gates open at 6:00 PM. If you show up at 7:45 PM, you’re going to be squinting from the corners.
The Technical Reality of Racing at "The Madhouse"
The track is a 0.25-mile flat oval. It's basically a football field with asphalt wrapped around it. Because there is zero banking, drivers can't rely on momentum. They rely on the bumper.
The bowman gray stadium schedule is built around four main classes:
- Modifieds: The kings of the track. Open-wheeled, loud, and incredibly fast for such a small space.
- Sportsman: The "middle" class, but often the most competitive.
- Street Stock: Heavy cars that love to rub.
- Stadium Stock: Usually four-cylinder cars that provide a lot of the chaotic "chain racing" or demolition-style excitement.
Parking and Fan Survival Guide
Let’s talk about the parking situation. It’s a mess. It has always been a mess. There is free parking around the stadium, but it fills up fast. Many people end up parking in the grass or at nearby businesses that charge a few bucks.
Inside the stadium, you can bring a cooler. Just keep it under the seat and leave the glass and booze at home. They’re pretty strict about that. The concessions are classic: hot dogs, popcorn, and soda. It’s not fancy, but it fits the vibe.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to follow the bowman gray stadium schedule this summer, here is the move:
- Download the Ticket Hoss App: While you can still pay cash at the gate, using the app is faster and gives you a digital record if a race gets rained out.
- Arrive Early for Practice: Don't just show up for the races. Watching practice at 6:00 PM tells you who has the car to beat and who is struggling with their setup.
- Rent a Scanner: If you really want to know why someone just spun someone else out, listen to the driver-to-crew communication. That’s where the real story is.
- Stay for the Pit Tour: Usually, after the final race, they let fans onto the track or near the pits. It’s the best way to see the damage up close and maybe grab an autograph from a local hero.
The 2026 season is a bridge between the old-school history of Winston-Salem racing and the high-production era of NASCAR. It’s a weird, loud, wonderful place. Just don't expect a quiet night out.