Key Points:
- The Cook Out Clash moves to Monday, February 2nd, due to snow.
- Historic Bowman Gray Stadium hosts this unique pre-season spectacle.
- A new, abbreviated qualifying format will lock in the top 20 drivers.
- Catch first looks at major driver shifts, including Daniel Suarez and Corey LaJoie, in new seats.
Weather Woes Reschedule The Clash
The start of the NASCAR season is always electric, but this year, it's starting with a chill! Persistent snow in the region has forced officials to move the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium to Monday, February 2nd. Fans will now need to adjust their plans, but the wait promises to be worth it for this thrilling exhibition event.
Originally, Saturday's heat races were eliminated in anticipation of the inclement weather. This means a direct, high-stakes path to the main event for all competitors. The revised schedule ensures that once the snow clears, the focus will be squarely on the on-track battle.
Bowman Gray: A Legendary Battleground For "The Clash"
Known affectionately as "the Madhouse," Bowman Gray Stadium is a true crucible of short-track racing. This historic quarter-mile asphalt oval in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, offers a raw, intimate setting that harks back to racing's roots. It's the perfect, chaotic stage for NASCAR's pre-season shake-up.
The Clash itself boasts a rich history, evolving dramatically since its inception in 1979 at Daytona International Speedway. From the high banks of Daytona to the temporary circuit at the LA Memorial Coliseum, and now to the legendary **Bowman Gray**, this exhibition race consistently pushes boundaries and delivers unexpected thrills.
The Road to the 200-Lap Main Event
With heat races scrapped, the pressure intensifies on every driver. A field of 38 cars will vie for just 23 coveted spots in the **200-lap** feature. The qualifying format is straightforward yet brutal: each driver gets a four-minute window to lay down their fastest lap.
The quickest 20 drivers will automatically lock themselves into the main event. For the remaining contenders, a tense last-chance qualifier race awaits, with only the top two finishers advancing. The final spot on the grid is reserved for the highest-ranked driver from the **2025 season** points standings who hasn't yet qualified, adding another layer of strategy and drama.
Who's Behind the Wheel? Key Driver & Team Shifts
The **Cook Out Clash** offers the first real glimpse of the **2026 NASCAR Cup Series** landscape. While many familiar faces remain, several notable driver and team changes are set to debut at **Bowman Gray**.
Fresh Faces and New Homes:
- Short-track sensation Burt Myers, a true legend at Bowman Gray, returns in the No. 50 Chevrolet for Team Amerivet.
- The unique No. 66 'Garage 66' Ford will see **Chad Finchum** behind the wheel, adding an intriguing entry to the field.
- Perhaps the biggest shake-up involves **Daniel Suarez**, who makes a significant move to the No. 7 Spire Motorsports entry. This opens the door for rising star Connor Zilisch to step into the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing car.
- Fan-favorite **Shane van Gisbergen** will also be sporting a new (but familiar) number, taking over the No. 97.
- Adding another layer of interest, Corey LaJoie will pilot the No. 6 RFK Racing machine, filling in for co-owner **Brad Keselowski** as he recovers from an off-season leg injury.
This event is more than just a warm-up; it's a critical opportunity for new driver/crew chief pairings to build chemistry and iron out any kinks in a competitive environment before the points-paying season kicks off at Daytona. The stakes are high, even in exhibition, as teams look to set the tone for the year ahead!
