NASCAR Issues Caution for Melting Snow at Bowman Gray

Weepers from SAFER Barrier force first caution in Cook Out Clash race

Feb. 4, 2026 at 7:07pm

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NASCAR was forced to issue the first caution of the 200-lap Cook Out Clash race at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on Lap 41 due to melting snow weepers coming out from behind the SAFER Barrier, despite no active snowfall in the area.

Why it matters

The unexpected weather conditions at the short track race are causing disruptions and safety concerns, highlighting the challenges NASCAR faces in adapting to unpredictable elements during its events.

The details

The Cook Out Clash is an exhibition race held annually at the historic Bowman Gray Stadium, a quarter-mile paved oval in Winston-Salem. Despite no active snowfall, melting snow from earlier in the day has created weepers - pools of water - that are seeping out from behind the SAFER Barrier walls, forcing NASCAR to throw a caution flag to address the issue.

  • The Cook Out Clash race at Bowman Gray Stadium is taking place on February 4, 2026.
  • NASCAR issued the first caution of the 200-lap race on Lap 41 due to the melting snow weepers.

The players

NASCAR

The sanctioning body that organizes and oversees the top professional stock car racing series in the United States.

Bowman Gray Stadium

A quarter-mile paved oval racetrack located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina that hosts an annual NASCAR exhibition race called the Cook Out Clash.

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What’s next

NASCAR officials will work to address the melting snow weepers and determine if the race can safely continue.

The takeaway

This unexpected weather-related issue at Bowman Gray Stadium highlights the unpredictable challenges NASCAR faces in adapting its events to changing environmental conditions, even at short track races.