This coming Wednesday, February 4th, NASCAR is set to host the Cook Out Clash at the iconic Bowman Gray Stadium, an event that follows an extraordinary snowfall that impacted the area. Despite the recent weather challenges, the possibility of rain looms, but NASCAR is prepared to utilize wet-weather tires, allowing races to continue on short tracks even in adverse conditions.
For those unfamiliar with the event’s significance, the Clash serves as a pre-season exhibition race, a staple on the NASCAR calendar dating back to 1979. Initially conceived as a brief 20-lap sprint at Daytona International Speedway, featuring only the previous year’s pole winners, the event has seen considerable transformations over time, particularly in recent years.
Having transitioned from the high banks of Daytona, the Clash has ventured to various locations, including the Daytona Road Course and a temporary track constructed within the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This year, it returns to the historic quarter-mile track at Bowman Gray in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Understanding the Format
The Clash’s format has evolved significantly; it is no longer limited to just pole winners. This weekend, fans can anticipate the participation of all 36 chartered NASCAR Cup teams, alongside a few open teams, although their inclusion in the main event isn’t guaranteed.
Despite the shortened schedule and the removal of heat races caused by the recent snow, drivers will need to put in considerable effort to secure their spots in the main event. Each driver will be allotted four minutes to achieve their fastest lap, with the top 20 times ensuring a place in the 200-lap feature race.
The remaining competitors will enter a last-chance qualifier, racing for the opportunity to advance, with the top two finishers moving on to the main event. Additionally, the 23rd grid position is reserved for the highest point scorer from the 2025 season who has not already qualified.
Participants for the Weekend
As we prepare for the Clash at Bowman Gray, the entry list showcases 38 cars. Alongside the expected 36 chartered entries, the No. 66 ‘Garage 66’ Ford will be piloted by Chad Finchum. Additionally, Team Amerivet returns with its No. 50 Chevrolet, driven by Bowman Gray icon Burt Myers for his second consecutive year.
Among the 36 chartered entries, most drivers will continue with their respective teams from last year, though some notable changes have been made, providing a fresh opportunity to witness the new alignments on the track.
The most significant shift involves Daniel Suarez taking over the No. 7 car for Spire Motorsports, while Connor Zilisch steps into Suarez’s former role at Trackhouse Racing, adopting the No. 88. Meanwhile, Shane van Gisbergen transitions to the No. 97, a number that holds familiarity for him. Corey LaJoie will drive the No. 6 for RFK Racing, stepping in for team co-owner Brad Keselowski, who is recuperating from a leg injury sustained during the off-season.
Bowman Gray presents an invaluable opportunity for new driver and crew chief pairings to acclimate to one another within a race weekend context ahead of the first points-paying event at Daytona. Below is a glimpse of the officially entered drivers and teams for the 2026 edition of The Clash at this legendary venue.
