NASCAR postponed the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium to Monday, February 2, after heavy snow and bitter cold swept through central North Carolina. Snow blanketed the quarter-mile track late Friday and continued into Saturday, while freezing temperatures created hazardous conditions for racing and travel.
To protect drivers, teams, track workers, and fans, NASCAR canceled all on-track activity for the weekend. The delay gives crews time to clear snow and ice from the racing surface and surrounding areas.
The season-opening exhibition will now be a one-day event on Monday, weather permitting, with all competition sessions consolidated into that day.
Weather forces NASCAR to revise plans
NASCAR announced the postponement Saturday afternoon as winter weather continued to impact the Winston-Salem area. Snowfall reached several inches, and wind chills dropped into the single digits. Officials determined it was unsafe to operate heavy equipment, prepare the track, or host spectators.
“Due to the impacts of winter weather near Bowman Gray Stadium, the Cook Out Clash has been postponed to Monday, February 2.”
NASCAR’s Ben Kennedy said safety was the driving factor. “Nothing matters more than the safety of our fans, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. We were ready to fight the weather and appreciate the collaboration with Winston-Salem and NC officials to make the best decision. Our operations team is hard at work for a Monday race.”
Under the revised schedule, practice and qualifying begin at 11 a.m. ET on FS2. The Last Chance Qualifier runs at 4:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Clash main event at 6 p.m. ET on FOX.
Clash at Bowman Gray meets winter reality
The historic short track is renowned for its tight corners and close competition. NASCAR chose the venue to highlight grassroots racing and reconnect the Cup Series with its short-track heritage.
Winter weather quickly disrupted those plans. Snow covered the racing surface, pit road, and grandstands. Cold temperatures slowed snow removal and raised concerns about track grip and emergency access.
Teams remained in Winston-Salem as they prepared for a possible race on Monday. Crews used the extra time to adjust setups for the tight quarter-mile layout. Thirty-six drivers are entered in the Clash, which will be the first on-track action of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.
NASCAR confirmed that tickets purchased for Sunday will be honored on Monday. Fans unable to attend the rescheduled event can request refunds through their original point of purchase. NASCAR will announce updated gate and parking times before Monday morning.
The Cook Out Madhouse Classic, which featured local Modified and Sportsman races, was also postponed. NASCAR will announce a new date for those events later.
NASCAR and local officials will continue to monitor the weather through Sunday. If crews clear the track and temperatures rise, the Clash will proceed Monday evening. While the delay creates an unusual start to the season, NASCAR officials maintain that safety is the top priority as the 2026 schedule begins.
Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium Postponed to Monday