NASCAR Weighs Options for Clash Amid Potential Weather Disruptions

Contingency plans include rescheduling the exhibition race to Monday, Saturday, or even Daytona Speedway if needed.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:55pm

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As NASCAR prepares for the Clash exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium in North Carolina this weekend, the potential for winter weather has the organization considering several contingency plans. Options include postponing the race to Monday, moving it up to Saturday, or even relocating the event to Daytona Speedway in Florida if the weather becomes too severe.

Why it matters

The Clash is an important preseason exhibition that sets the tone for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series season. Ensuring the race can be run as scheduled, or with minimal disruption, is crucial for teams and fans alike as they look ahead to the Daytona 500 and the rest of the 2026 campaign.

The details

NASCAR's current plan is to race as scheduled this weekend at Bowman Gray Stadium, but the organization has acknowledged the possibility of having to adjust the schedule depending on the weather forecast. Options include postponing the race to Monday, February 3rd, when the forecast looks clearer in Winston-Salem. Another possibility is moving the main event up to Saturday evening if the forecast is more favorable that day. NASCAR could also wait until the weather warms up a bit more and race on February 4th or 5th, taking advantage of the open schedule before teams head to Daytona. If the weather becomes too severe, NASCAR may opt to relocate the Clash to Daytona Speedway, either on the oval or road course layout.

  • The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium is currently scheduled for Sunday, February 2, 2026.
  • NASCAR is considering postponing the race to Monday, February 3, 2026 if the weather forecast looks more favorable.
  • Another option is moving the Clash to Saturday, February 1, 2026 if the forecast is better that day.

The players

NASCAR

The sanctioning body that organizes and oversees the top levels of stock car racing in the United States, including the Cup Series.

Bowman Gray Stadium

A historic short track located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina that is hosting the Clash exhibition race this year.

Daytona Speedway

The iconic 2.5-mile superspeedway in Daytona Beach, Florida that hosts the Daytona 500 and other major NASCAR events.

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What’s next

NASCAR will continue to monitor the weather forecast in the days leading up to the Clash and make a final decision on the schedule and location of the event as the situation develops.

The takeaway

NASCAR is being proactive in planning for potential weather disruptions to the Clash exhibition race, demonstrating the organization's commitment to ensuring the event can be run safely and with minimal impact on teams and fans. The flexibility to adjust the schedule or even relocate the race shows NASCAR's ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.