WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — What was supposed to be a two-day kick-off to NASCAR’s 2026 season at Bowman Gray Stadium turned into a full-on snow fight — and NASCAR isn’t backing down without a fight. After a winter storm plastered the track and surrounding Piedmont region with snow, officials postponed the Cook Out Clash to Monday, Feb. 2, and crews have been working around the clock to clear the quarter-mile short track in hopes of giving fans the show they came for.
Snow and cold temps forced the decision, but NASCAR’s dedication to racing — and to its fans — was clear throughout the delay. The organization has coordinated closely with the City of Winston-Salem and North Carolina officials to monitor conditions and plan for a safe event, one that includes practice and qualifying at 11 a.m. ET, a Last Chance Qualifier at 4:30 p.m. ET, and the Clash main event at 6 p.m. ET on FOX.
NASCAR even mobilized equipment early Saturday to begin moving snow off the track, infield and essential areas — not because it had to, but because the sport’s first exhibition of the year deserves a real chance to run. Snow-covered parking lots, iced-over pavement and temps that hovered near freezing made the task difficult, but crews pressed on, prioritizing fan and competitor safety while doing everything possible to protect the weekend’s marquee event.
This year’s Cook Out Clash is more than just an exhibition — it’s a statement. After the inaugural Clash at Bowman Gray last year brought NASCAR Cup cars and stars to the historic Winston-Salem venue, organizers and local leaders embraced the challenge of hosting the series opener in a region that sometimes laughs in the face of mild winter weather. That commitment hasn’t wavered this weekend, even as snow piles and ice linger.
For fans with tickets, parking lots open Monday at 9 a.m. ET and off-site shuttles begin at 9:30 a.m., with gates opening at 10 a.m. ET. Those who can’t make it can request refunds or credits, ensuring that everyone gets fair treatment even when the weather throws its own twist into the season’s first chapter.
In a sport where the unexpected is almost tradition, NASCAR’s work to push snow, recalibrate schedules and bring the Clash to life feels fitting. The fans, the teams and the city of Winston-Salem deserve this hard-fought shot at racing under lights — even if winter tried to steal the show first.
The race is on Monday — because NASCAR refused to let snow win the weekend.
Check Out All EasySportz CBB Content Here!
College Basketball Daily Schedule
