Two Stories, One Passion: NASCAR Films Ignite the Start of 2025 Season

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FOX Sports Films and NASCAR Studios have fired up the engines with the announcement of two high-octane original documentaries to kick off the 2025 NASCAR season—and trust me, you’re going to want to buckle up for these.

First up, we’ve got “The Madhouse: NASCAR’s Return to Bowman Gray Stadium,” hitting FS1 on Monday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. ET. Narrated by FOX Sports’ own Tom Rinaldi, whose golden voice could probably make a tax audit sound emotional, this film dives into the riotous history of Bowman Gray Stadium, NASCAR’s version of a roller derby with a pit lane. It doesn’t just stop at the past, though; it revs straight into the preparations for The Clash at Bowman Gray, bringing in heavy hitters like NASCAR bosses Jim France and Ben Kennedy, legends Leonard Wood and Chocolate Myers, and Bowman Gray gladiators Burt Myers, Jason Myers, and Tim Brown. It’s small-town grit meets big-league glory, and honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if you feel like slapping a bumper sticker on your sofa by the end.

Then, just when you’ve caught your breath, “So Damn Close: Atlanta ’24” premieres Thursday, Feb. 13, at 10 p.m. ET, right after the Duel at Daytona. This one rewinds to last year’s Ambetter Health 400, where Daniel Suárez, Ryan Blaney, and Kyle Busch crossed the finish line so close together that you’d think they were auditioning for a Fast & Furious sequel. With all three drivers reuniting to relive the chaos, plus insights from their crew chiefs and spotters, this film breaks down every second of the most jaw-dropping three-way finish in NASCAR history. It’s part drama, part science lesson, and all adrenaline.

“We’re pumped to team up with NASCAR Studios to bring fans closer to the action than ever,” said Barry Nugent of FOX Sports, as if fans weren’t already counting down the days. NASCAR’s John Dahl chimed in, calling Bowman Gray’s return and Atlanta’s historic finish “perfect stories to dig into,” and he’s absolutely right—this is the kind of stuff that turns casual viewers into die-hard fans.

So, set your DVRs and stock up on snacks, because FOX NASCAR’s 25th season kicks off with The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 2, on FOX, starting at 6 p.m. ET. This is going to be one wild ride, folks.

Greg Engle