Tim Brown gets hot late to win Hayes Jewelers 200; Nate Gregg also wins on opening night at Bowman Gray

It felt like mid-June, but the opener of the 77th season of racing at Bowman Gray Stadium had a little bit of everything on Saturday night.

The hot weather didn't deter a sold-out crowd of 14,000 to open the 18-week marathon.

The featured race was the Hayes Jewelers 200 in the Modified Division, which is the longest race of the year.

Tim Brown, who is sponsored by Hayes Jewelers, took the lead on lap 162 and held on for his 106th career win. He's the all-time leader in wins in stadium history and he did it with an old paint scheme that was a tribute to the 92-year-old Bruce Hayes.

"This was for Bruce because he's done so much for me in my career," Brown said about his brand-new car that had an old paint scheme. "We went back to the old paint scheme for this one race, and it paid off."

Danny Bohn, who had the fastest qualifying time on Friday night, started on the pole and was in the lead for the first 100 laps with six cautions breaking up the action. It was on lap 162 when Brown got Bohn on a restart and after that Brown never trailed again.

On lap 109, Burt Myers and Brown, the two winningest drivers in track history, came together in turn 2 with Myers getting bumped back to fifth place. Brown, however, quickly straightened out to retain his second spot behind Bohn, but several laps later, Brown was able to overtake Bohn.

"What a special night," said Brown, who had to hold off John Holloman to win the race that went 204 laps. "I had a strong car and my hats off to these great fans because I love this place. To win in the blue car and for everyone who supports me, it's just a great night."

Brown had won the Hayes Jewelers 200 four times before, but Saturday was big because Bruce Hayes was in attendance.

"This is my biggest win of my career," Brown said, "just because of the emotion behind it."

Brandon Ward finished third. Junior Snow was fourth and Jeremy Gerstner finished fifth.

Gregg family has a good night

Nate Gregg wasn't going to be denied on opening night after he grabbed the lead midway through the 40-lapper in the Sportsman Division. Through 12 caution flags, Gregg withstood the restarts late in the race and actually held off his father, Billy, who is also the car owner.

"I didn't even see him there (in the second spot)," said the 21-year-old Nate, who won his fourth career Sportsman race. "This means a lot to win the opener, and I can't thank my team enough for helping me."

Billy, who also owns Bryan Sykes Jr.'s car, said he's excited about what's ahead. Sykes, who was the Street Stock champion last season, finished sixth.

"All our cars are going to be a force this year," said Billy, who started 17th but quietly worked his way up to second.

Finishing third was Ryan Robertson, who started 21st and also showed his skills by weaving through the crowded track that had 20 cars in the field. Ryan's brother, Chase, despite getting a flat tire, finished fourth.

Chase, who had the fastest time in qualifying on Friday night, didn't get very lucky on the full field redraw. He ended up starting 12th as the defending champion in the Sportsman Division.

Chase, however, suffered a flat tire on a caution lap on 14 and had to go to the pits. He was trying to win his fourth straight opening night race.

"BGR (Billy Gregg Racing) had a great night," Nate said. "I hope to win a championship this year. We have busted our tails in the shop until midnight and that work has paid off already."

Billy has had plenty of wins in his career, but finishing first and second said it felt better than his victories.

"This means everything," Billy said. "For Nate to win on opening night I couldn't be more proud of this group with the sponsors, the crew and our whole team."

Bruce Hayes loves being back

The Hayes Jewelers 200 has been the opening featured race at Bowman Gray Stadium for several years. That's because 92-year-old Bruce Hayes wants it that way.

Hayes, and his son, Zack, along with a lot of the family members were there on Saturday night.

"I always love opening night," said Bruce. "I think I've been to just about every one of these openers."

Hayes Jewelers is in Lexington, and it's been a big sponsor of NASCAR in other ways throughout the years.

"I've always loving coming over here," said Hayes, who has sponsored Tim Brown for nearly 25 years.

Zack said that Hayes Jewelers has been a part of NASCAR in some form of sponsorship since 1960.

Next week's races

For next Saturday's races, there will be twin 25-lap Modified races that will include the Madhouse Scramble. The Sportsman Division will also have two races of 20 laps apiece.

There will also be racing in the Stadium and Street Stock divisions.

The Crown Vic Outlaw Super Series will also make its debut with a 15-lap race.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 5:45 AM.