As previously reported, NASCAR was forced to make several scheduling adjustments for this year’s The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. Brought on by severe winter conditions consisting of heavy snow and freezing temperatures, the non-points event was moved from Sunday to Monday and is now slated for Wednesday, February 4.
Throughout the ordeal has been a constant effort by NASCAR to ready the 0.25-mile oval around a college football field in Winston Salem, NC. It has been an-out effort to clear snow from the 17,000-seat stadium, track surface, pit and parking areas. They have also been working with the city and NC Department of Transportation as to what is best for all involved.
Kyle Larson has raced almost everything there is with wheels on it from Sprint Cars to IndyCar to NASCAR Cup Series cars, and he’s done it all over the world on asphalt and dirt. The reigning NCS champion has kept a keen and appreciative eye on the entire process.
NASCAR Driver Kyle Larson: ‘They Work Really Hard’
“Yeah, I absolutely appreciate the effort, as always,” Larson said. “I feel like a lot of times, there’s many races where I’m like — ‘man, there’s no chance we’re going to get out there’ and they’ll postpone it to Monday, Tuesday or whatever, but they find a way.
“They work really hard, and that’s a credit to the men and women who are working behind the scenes to make it all happen, whether that’s drying the racetrack or making sure the tech line is clear.”
“I think they’ve got a long track record of a lot of effort. So, I’m not surprised that we’re still in the same plan, even for an exhibition race.”
Throughout the delays, NASCAR has kept fans and competitors up to date with Social Media posts and progress reports. One from Monday, Feb. 1 showed what the track, infield and seating areas looked like. The stadium shovelers even had some extra help on Tuesday when NCS drivers Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. and Todd Gilliland showed up.
Snow Delay is New for Larson
Known for his fairly easy-going nature outside of his No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, the multi-versed driver has never endured what’s taken place this week. In addition to the challenges of racing his fellow drivers, Larson will also have to take on the track and tire conditions brought forth by the cold weather.
“Well for one, I don’t have experience, really, with a snow delay,” said the native of Elk Grove, CA.
“Especially one as heavy as it is, so I think that’ll be new. But as always, what are you going to do?
“You know, we all just have to ride it out and see. So yeah, I think that’s obviously the approach.”
Worried About Warmth for Fans and Crew
As of Tuesday morning, predicted temperatures for Wednesday is 39 degrees at 1:30 p.m. for the practice and qualifying session. For the LCQ scheduled for 4 p.m. shows 37 degrees then 35 degrees for The Clash start time of 6 p.m.
Larson said he’ll be okay in the car because of the warmth it produces during a race. However, he does have concern for the crew, fans and officials who will be working outside.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever competed when it’s that cold” the two-time NCS champion said. “But thankfully for us we’re inside of a stock car, which is basically like an oven. I think, honestly, it’ll feel fine for us inside the car.
“I just feel for the crews, the mechanics, the fans and NASCAR officials; everybody who’s there outside in the cold. But we love the sport and we’ll compete in any conditions.
Fans not in attendance can catch the practice and qualifying session on the FOX Sports App with LCQ and The Clash live on FOX-TV, MRN and Sirius XM Radio.
Kyle Larson Speaks Out on NASCAR Efforts for The Clash