Winston-Salem, N.C., January 30, 2026
NASCAR has revised the schedule for the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, moving the event to a one-day program on Sunday due to winter weather conditions. Originally planned for two days, the racing action will commence with practice sessions at 2 p.m. EST, followed by a last-chance qualifier and a 200-lap main event. This adjustment highlights NASCAR’s resilience in adapting to weather challenges while engaging the local community. Fans can expect a full day of racing excitement despite the challenges posed by icy conditions.
Winston-Salem, N.C. — NASCAR has announced an updated schedule for this weekend’s Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, altering plans due to inclement winter weather. The event, initially set for two days starting Saturday, has been condensed into a single-day program on Sunday, February 1, 2026. This decision reflects the reality of ongoing icy conditions already affecting the area and forecasts predicting additional snowfall, with as much as 12 inches expected on Saturday. A winter storm watch is currently in effect, adding an element of unpredictability to the weekend’s racing excitement.
The ability to adapt and innovate in the face of such weather challenges showcases both NASCAR’s commitment to fan engagement and the resilience of the local community. While weather conditions can impose significant challenges, NASCAR’s quick response underscores the efficacy of strategic decision-making and the importance of community preparedness. It also reminds us of the benefits of streamlined processes in event coordination, where local organizers and governing bodies must remain agile in their responses.
### Revised Schedule for the Clash
Due to the forecasted snow and prevailing icy conditions, all on-track activities initially planned for Saturday have been postponed. The revised schedule for the event on Sunday is as follows:
– 2 p.m. EST: Practice sessions will commence for drivers, segmented into three groups, with each group participating in three practice sessions. The times secured in the final session will determine the starting positions for the main event and the last-chance qualifier.
– 6 p.m. EST: A 75-lap last-chance qualifier will take place, granting two spots in the main event for drivers who did not qualify in the top 20 during preliminary rounds.
– 8 p.m. EST: The main event will feature a 200-lap race, with a necessary midway break occurring at lap 100. Note that only laps run under green-flag conditions will count toward the race.
NASCAR officials have expressed their confidence that, despite the less-than-ideal temperature conditions, Goodyear tires are expected to deliver adequate grip on the quarter-mile track, ensuring a safe racing environment.
### Community Impact and Engagement
The Cook Out Clash is more than just a race; it serves as an influential gathering that emphasizes local culture and community spirit. As one of the premier events in the NASCAR calendar, hosting it at Bowman Gray Stadium demonstrates the commitment to invigorating this historic venue and re-engaging fans who may have felt disconnected during longer seasons.
The 2026 Clash represents the second consecutive year the event will be hosted at Bowman Gray Stadium, transforming a well-known, local track into a central hub for racing enthusiasts. Following its relocation from Daytona International Speedway in 2025, Bowman Gray has become a focal point for pre-season excitement, reestablishing connections with fans and encouraging communal enthusiasm.
Many local businesses stand to benefit as well, bolstering the local economy while fostering relationships between private enterprises and the NASCAR organization. Such partnerships exemplify how civic involvement can create a vibrant environment where events like the Clash can thrive, serving both residents and visitors alike.
### Looking Ahead: What to Expect
Should weather conditions prove unfavorable for Sunday, NASCAR officials are prepared with contingency plans to reschedule the event for the next available clear day. This forward-thinking approach not only showcases the commitment to delivering high-quality racing experiences but also reflects the importance of community safety and well-being.
Teams involved in the Clash will soon transition to Daytona Beach, Florida, around February 9, where they will begin preparations for the highly anticipated season-opening Daytona 500. The adaptive nature of NASCAR’s scheduling illustrates a pro-active strategy in maintaining fan engagement and ensuring that racing remains a celebrated aspect of the American sports landscape.
### Conclusion
The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium is poised to be an invigorating showcase of NASCAR talent and community spirit, despite the challenges posed by winter weather. The condensed schedule ensures that drivers and fans alike will enjoy an action-packed day of racing. As Jacksonville and NASCAR fans look forward to this exciting event, community support and engagement will continue to play a vital role in sustaining the vibrancy of local events and gatherings in our city.
Stay in touch with NASCAR updates to ensure that you don’t miss out on the excitement, and consider how you can support local events that foster community strength and resilience.
### FAQ Section
The event has been condensed into a one-day program on Sunday, February 1, 2026, with practice sessions at 2 p.m. EST, a 75-lap last-chance qualifier at 6 p.m. EST, and the main event at 8 p.m. EST.
The adjustment was made due to ongoing icy conditions from a previous storm and forecasts predicting additional snowfall, with up to 12 inches expected on Saturday. A winter storm watch is in effect for the area through 1 p.m. EST Sunday.
The Cook Out Clash is an annual non-championship pre-season NASCAR Cup Series exhibition event. The 2026 race will be the second consecutive year the event is held at Bowman Gray Stadium, following its relocation from Daytona International Speedway in 2025.
| Event | Time (EST) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Practice Sessions | 2 p.m. | Drivers divided into three groups, each with three practice sessions. Final session times determine starting positions for the main event and last-chance qualifier. |
| Last-Chance Qualifier | 6 p.m. | 75-lap race offering two spots in the main event for drivers who did not finish in the top 20 during qualifying. |
| Main Event | 8 p.m. | 200-lap race with a midway break at lap 100. Only green-flag laps count. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Georgia Bulldogs Fans Face High Expectations
Supreme Court to Rule on Presidential Authority Over Federal Reserve
Buffalo Bills Triumph Over Jaguars in AFC Wild Card Playoff
Jacksonville’s NASCAR Community Mourns Tragic Passing
Jacksonville Jaguars Host New York Jets in Week 15 Clash
Cowboys Claim Victory in Thanksgiving Day Showdown
Sam’s Club Launches New Golf Balls to Compete in Market
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
