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NASCAR Advanced Auto Parts Weekly Series

Chris Fleming Fends Off Burt Myers In Madhouse Classic

Chris Fleming
Chris Fleming takes the checkered flag in the 2025 Cook Out Madhouse Classic over Burt Myers (Photo Credit: Phil Cavali | The Podium Finish)

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Chris Fleming held off 12-time Bowman Gray Stadium track champion Burt Myers to claim his 18th career victory at Bowman Gray Stadium in the 125-lap invitational. the Madhouse Classic, to kick off the NASCAR Cook Out Clash race weekend at the famed Bowman Gray Stadium.

The 125 laps on the quarter-mile oval showcased everything from damaged race cars to emotional confrontations, delivering an exciting experience for race fans. They were treated to the classic bumper-to-bumper and side-by-side racing that the venue has provided throughout its 75-year history. The event saw a remarkable total of 15 cautions.

The 22 drivers that were competing in the 125 lap dash included star-studded names in the field, including 12-time track champions Myers and Tim Brown, who will both compete in the NASCAR Cup Series Cookout Clash event on Sunday. Another driver making a double-duty appearance that weekend was the newly signed RFK Racing’s Ryan Preece, who will drive the No. 60 Kroger Ford Mustang Dark Horse full-time in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Preece previously won the 2013 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship driving for Eric Sanderson. Also notable was the presence of Bobby Labonte, the 2000 NASCAR Cup Series champion and 1991 NASCAR XFINITY Series champion, who drove the iconic No. 18 car, prominently sponsored by Cookout and would roll off from the tenth starting spot.

John Holleman IV, in the No. 69 entry, secured the pole position for the exhibition race, with Susan Harwell, driving the No. 77, starting alongside him. As the green flag waved, the field only reached Turn 3 when Trey Hutchens collided with second-place starter Crab Smith. This contact sent Smith crashing into the pit entrance wall near the endzone fieldhouse, resulting in the first of 15 cautions on the day, eliminating Smith from the race.

Fleming spun out on his own in Turn 2 on Lap 12 bringing out the second caution of the race.

Chris Fleming spins on his own in turn 2 on lap 12 of the Madhouse Classic. (Photo Credit: Phil Cavali | The Podium Finish)

Chris Fleming goes for a spin by himself on lap 12 of the Madhouse Classic (Photo Credit: Phil Cavali | The Podium Finish)

As the race resumed with over 100 laps still to go, the classic bump-and-run tactic, typical of Bowman Gray, was in full effect. Throughout the race, cars frequently spun out after being bumped by the front bumpers of various competitors which resulted in a high number of cautions.

Up until the tenth caution of the race, Holleman was in control, taking advantage of several longer green flag runs. He led the race until the restart when he and Danny Bohn tangled. Holleman spun his tires, allowing Bohn to find a lane on the inside.

As Holleman attempted to block Bohn, the two made contact, resulting in a crash in Turn 1 that involved both drivers. Jonathan Brown also slid in and damaged his left front tire, effectively ending his day.

Danny Bohn (No. 57), tangled with race leader John Holleman IV (N0.69) in turn 1 on a restart. (Photo Credit: Phil Cavali | The Podium Finish)

Following the 11th caution of the day after the Bohn and Holleman incident, the race fell into the hands of Fleming, no stranger with victory at the famed Bowman Gray Stadium, racking up 17 feature wins in his career at the venue. Fleming would never look back as he would lead the for the rest of the race.

With 38 laps to go, Bobby Labonte got to the inside of Preece, sending Labonte on top of Preece’s ride off the exit of Turn 2, ending Preece’s hopes of winning. Although Labonte continued his efforts, Preece drove to the garage, finishing in 17th place.

The final caution came with 11 laps remaining in the race when Labonte hit the outside wall in Turn 3. This set up a two-car battle between Fleming and Burt Myers for the rest of the race.

As the race resumed with fewer than 10 laps remaining, Fleming skillfully maintained his lead, keeping Myers at bay in his No. 16. Despite the intense pressure from Myers, Fleming’s strategic driving and experience allowed him to navigate the track effectively, ultimately cruising to victory.

This win not only solidified his name into the history books but also marked a significant milestone — his 18th career victory at Bowman Gray Stadium, a venue known for its thrilling races and passionate fanbase.

In a post-race interview with Flo Racing, Fleming spoke on behalf of checking Myers on the final restarts. Suffice to say, his reaction with Myers’ move described a classic payback move that has become well-known at the track.

“Well, it wouldn’t have mattered to me, I mean, if he would’ve wrecked me, he would’ve paid a heavy price, so he wouldn’t have won this race,” Fleming said. “He might win another one, but he wouldn’t have won today, ’cause I would’ve come across the ballfield on him wide-open.”

This victory will be unforgettable for the Mount Airy, North Carolina, native, securing his place in Bowman Gray Stadium history. Myers fought through the field to finish as the runner-up. Dan Speeney maintained a strong performance, taking third place.

Holleman made an impressive comeback from a spin to finish fourth, while Brandon Ward took fifth. The race showcased the skill and determination of these drivers, captivating fans throughout.

2025 Cook Out Madhouse Classic Bowman Gray Stadium Race Results
1. Chris Fleming
2. Burt Myers
3. Dan Speeney
4. John Holleman IV
5. Brandon Ward
6. Riley Neal
7. Danny Bohn
8. Randy Butner
9. Slate Myers
10. Danny Propst
11. Lee Jeffreys
12. Trey Hutchens
13. Bobby Labonte
14. Jordan Fleming
15. Junior Snow
16. Jason Myers
17. Ryan Preece
18. Jonathan Brown
19. Daniel Beeson
20. Tim Brown
21. Susan Harwell
22. Crab Smith

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