The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season begins unofficially with the non-points Cook Out Clash on Sunday at Bowman Gray Stadium.
NASCAR returns to Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C. for the first Cup action on the 0.25-mile track in more than 50 years.
The Clash will be a dress rehearsal exhibition ahead of the Daytona 500 season opener on Feb. 16.
Here are The Tennessean’s expert picks for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race in Winston-Salem:
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Mike Organ’s pick: Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Hamlin won the Clash last year at the LA Coliseum and will make his 20th consecutive Clash start at Bowman Gray. Hamlin held off former Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch last year and it could be a similar scenario this year with Busch desperate for a win.
Austin Chastain’s pick: Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
Busch finished in the top three in each of the Clash races at The Coliseum and will start 2025 with a victory after going winless in 2024 for the first time in his career.
Tom Kreager’s pick: Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
At one point in 2024, Christopher Bell may have been considered one of the favorites along with Kyle Larson to win the NASCAR Cup championship. A year later, Bell starts the season with a bang.
Nick Gray’s pick: Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
When in doubt, pick the best stock car driver in the world. Larson has experience on Bowman Gray, and he’s best when all that matters is earning a trophy.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Clash predictions 2025: Expert picks for Cup Series race
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