Ryan Blaney reacted to his second-place finish behind Chase Elliott in the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.

The preseason Clash at Bowman Gray is in the books, and while NASCAR does not have any points races on quarter-mile ovals, the Clash did give a peek into how teams could perform this year. Bowman Gray Stadium was still a short track,

Unlike Elliott, Blaney struggled during heat race competition on Saturday, but advanced to the Cook Out Clash off driver points from last season. The Team Penske driver started the race in 23rd (last place), mounted a furious charge to the front of the field and impressively finished second.

The NASCAR Cup Series season informally began with the Cook Out Clash exhibition race on Sunday at the quarter-mile Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C., and the best of stock car racing was on display.

Ryan Blaney is justifiably optimistic heading into the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign based on his performance over the course of the last two seasons, which has included six combined wins, a championship in 2023 and a runner-up finish behind Penske teammate Joey Logano in 2024.

NASCAR Chevy driver Chase Elliott started the 2025 Cup Series season strong with a victory in the preseason Clash at Bowman Gray, beating a Ford and a Toyota.

In Sunday's Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, Blaney would be faced with one of the most difficult drives of his career, but the 2023 champion stepped up and nearly put together one of the most impressive runs in the 46-year history of the Clash.

Ryan Blaney is all smiles after coming from the back to the front to score a runner-up finish at Bowman Gray Stadium.

Ryan Blaney has made a recent habit of dramatic charges in the preseason Clash exhibition, with 2025 being the latest instance. In this case, this year’s drive from the back of the pack put him squarely behind old friend Chase Elliott.

Despite Ryan Blaney's best efforts, Chase Elliott held on to win Sunday's Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in dominant fashion.