NASCAR Vows to Race The Clash Despite Heavy Snow

Racing officials remain determined to hold the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium despite a major winter storm.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:15am

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Despite heavy snow in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, NASCAR is determined to race the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium before the Daytona 500. NASCAR operations crews have been working around the clock to clear the track and parking areas, and the race has been postponed from Sunday to Monday at 6 p.m. ET. NASCAR is committed to doing "whatever it takes" to get the race run, even if it means crews working through the night.

Why it matters

The Cook Out Clash is an important preseason NASCAR event that helps set the stage for the Daytona 500. Holding the race is crucial for NASCAR, which is facing pressure to deliver exciting content for fans and sponsors. However, the race being held at the small, urban Bowman Gray Stadium presents unique challenges with snow removal and fan access that NASCAR must overcome.

The details

NASCAR's Justin Swilling said the crew has been working to clear snow from the track and parking areas, with the goal of having the facility ready for the revised schedule of practice, qualifying, and the main event on Monday. The plan is for parking lots to open at 9 a.m., gates at 10 a.m., and on-track action starting at 11 a.m. on FS2. The top 20 drivers will advance straight to the 200-lap main event at 6 p.m., while the remaining 18 will compete in a Last Chance Qualifier at 4:30 p.m. on FOX.

  • The race was originally scheduled for Sunday, February 2, 2026.
  • The race has been postponed to Monday, February 3, 2026 at 6 p.m. ET.

The players

Justin Swilling

A NASCAR official who has been leading the efforts to clear the track and prepare for the rescheduled race.

Bowman Gray Stadium

The small, urban racetrack in Winston-Salem, North Carolina that is hosting the Cook Out Clash, but is owned by the City of Winston-Salem rather than NASCAR.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to do whatever it takes,”

— Justin Swilling, NASCAR Official

“The number one concern is always the safety of our competitors and our fans getting to and from the track,”

— Justin Swilling, NASCAR Official

What’s next

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