Storm drain causes Austin Dillon to spin out during first Clash heat race at Bowman Gray Stadium

The unique setup at Bowman Gray Stadium has already gotten the best of Austin Dillon. He spun out during Heat Race 1. Dillon hit a storm drain on the edge of the track and the football field and went right around. The NASCAR driver just overstepped too much.

Austin Dillon has had some success in the Clash recently. This quarter-mile track is a lot like the LA Coliseum track. But it is older, worn out, and made for racing more than one time a year.

This time, Dillon was too far inside the corner. This won’t be the last spin that we see this weekend.

Austin Dillon goes around.#NASCARonFS1 | @nascarclash pic.twitter.com/NhAybs9ahr

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 2, 2025

So, after the first Heat Race, I’m sold. Bowman Gray is a fantastic race track. We saw three-wide racing, drivers moving each other, and even had a warning from NASCAR to Kyle Busch.

Austin Dillon was the first to go around, he was not the last. This first race had a number of cautions and it was badass. This track is racing so much better than the LA Coliseum track.

One of the most impressive performances in this first race came from Noah Gragson. He made a three-wide pass to go from out of the main event to making the transfer. Front Row Motorsports might unlock the potential in Gragson after all.

Austin Dillon fails to make transfer

We know that Austin Dillon will be in the Last Chance Qualifier. He was unable to make the transfer after his issues in the Heat Race. Kyle Busch, his teammate, was fine making the transfer spot he needed to advance.

There are only a few cars on the track for these heats. So, when we get the 23-car field for Sunday’s 200-lap feature, it’s going to get wild. Physicality is the name of the game at the Madhouse.

Austin Dillon has a chance to make the main event. He will have to finish first or second in the LCQ.