NASCAR Fans Complain After ‘Demolition Derby’ Clash

NASCAR fans have taken to social media after Saturday evening’s Cook Out Clash saw chaos as drivers collided multiple times navigating around the narrow oval.

While the event is a great way to begin the season, some fans have referred to Saturday’s racing as a “demolition derby” for the way drivers were almost forced to trade paint on the narrow track. One fan pointed out that the scene was “not a good look for the sport.”

The 2025 NASCAR season fun begins on Sunday, February 2, with the annual preseason Clash event, now called the Cook Out Clash. This year, the race returns to one of its classic venues, the Bowman Gray Stadium, popularly known as “The Madhouse.” The return of Bowman Gray happens for the first time in over five decades.

The 2025 Cook Out Clash, which sold out back in November, has been generating significant buzz and widespread attention. One thing to note is that while the Cook Out Clash won’t offer NASCAR Cup Series points, it offers an eventful and high-intensity start to a new NASCAR season, considering the heated close-car racing action and high chances of contact that add to the entertainment.

Saturday evening’s event escalated into chaos as drivers began deliberately colliding with one another, sparking a wave of reactions from NASCAR fans on X. Here are some of the best responses.

One fan was concerned with the width of the track.

“The track is too small for NASCAR”

Haley received criticism:

“Haley doesn’t belong in Nascar, it isn’t demolition derby and cars had the lane he was forcing them off should have been black flagged. I’m certain something was said by Nascar after causing 3 wrecks. He dropped to last after that so another chance tomorrow.” [sic]

There’s at least someone who’s enjoying it:

“I’m having fun. It’s just a smashup Derby, but entertaining at the very least and we don’t see on Twitter how important these races could be for small towns and they’re short tracks every year.”

NASCAR’s reputation is at stake:

“This is not a good look for the sport.”

That’s one advice for NASCAR:

“The Clash next year should just be a demolition derby tbh… this track isn’t big enough for anyone to go fast enough to hurt themselves in these cars so just let them go at it until there’s only one car left running… I bet a lot of people would watch.” [sic]

Some more feedback for the sport:

“This was so boring. I went to the weather channel for some excitement.”

This is a shame to hear:

“Wow! I’m one of the biggest nascar fans ever and didn’t even know this was on tonight. Great job with advertising NASCAR!” [sic]

2025 NASCAR Cup Series Clash at Bowman Gray starting lineup

1. No. 9 Chase Elliott
2. No. 17 Chris Buescher
3. No. 11 Denny Hamlin
4. No. 45 Tyler Reddick
5. No. 6 Brad Keselowski
6. No. 19 Chase Briscoe
7. No. 22 Joey Logano
8. No. 20 Christopher Bell
9. No. 4 Noah Gragson
10. No. 88 Shane van Gisbergen
11. No. 24 William Byron
12. No. 60 Ryan Preece
13. No. 8 Kyle Busch
14. No. 23 Bubba Wallace
15. No. 77 Carson Hocevar
16. No. 2 Austin Cindric
17. No. 1 Ross Chastain
18. No. 99 Daniel Suarez
19. No. 48 Alex Bowman
20. No. 34 Todd Gilliland
21. Last Chance Qualifier (Winner)
22. Last Chance Qualifier (Second place)
23. No. 12 Ryan Blaney (Points Provisional)