Getty
Many of NASCAR’s top drivers were asked if NASCAR should return to Bowman Gray Stadium for The Clash
The start of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season was plagued by winter weather. The season-opening Cook Out Clash exhibition at Bowman Gray Stadium was pushed from Sunday to Wednesday due to the snowy conditions.
When the cars finally hit the track on Wednesday evening, February 4, Mother Nature popped back up during the second half of the 200-lap race, forcing the teams to switch to wet-weather tires for a portion of the event.
Ultimately, the race reached the finish with Ryan Preece leaving with the checkered flag. Following the race, a number of drivers were asked if The Clash should return to Bowman Gray Stadium next year.
Drivers Voice Opinions on The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium
Ryan Blaney, who finished third in Wednesday night’s race, was asked if he’d like to return to Bowman Gray Stadium for The Clash. Despite the weather circumstances, the driver of the #12 believes it shouldn’t dictate if NASCAR returns to the track.
“I think this race last year and the first half of this race, it puts on a good race. You had a lot of comers and goers, even in that first half. The weather’s the weather. It just is what it is,” Blaney said.
Based on the weather conditions, Denny Hamlin joked that there’s a reason why many outdoor sports don’t play at this time of year. The driver of the #11, who finished fifth on Wednesday, believes Daytona is the ideal place for The Clash.
“I’m an old school person. As a car owner, I hate The Clash at Daytona, but I can tell you as a competitor and I think for the sport, the best place is to have it at Daytona to build some excitement for the [Daytona] 500,” Hamlin said.
However, the 60-time Cup Series winner said he doesn’t mind it being at Bowman Gray Stadium if it’s entertaining. He also acknowledged some positives of having the event at the North Carolina short track.
“There’s positives to this, too. Certainly, it’s a track that’s been around a long time,” Hamlin said.
Ryan Preece, Wednesday night’s winner, expressed his appreciation for the dedication of the fans. Despite the race being on Wednesday in cold, rainy weather, the fans still made it out to the race.
If it were up to Preece, he would bring The Clash to Florida. However, the driver of the #60 doesn’t mean Daytona, but rather New Smyrna Raceway.
“Me personally, I’d love to see it back in Florida, but I’d love to see it at New Smyrna. If we’re going to keep doing what we did here, which was renovating this facility. … New Smyrna is such a phenomenal short track,” Preece said.
Daytona 500 Next for Cup Series Field
With the debate regarding the Cook Out Clash ongoing, the NASCAR Cup Series circuit turns its attention to the Daytona 500. The running of the 68th annual 200-lap event is scheduled for Sunday, February 15.
In the lead-up to the race, the Duel at Daytona takes place on Thursday night, February 12. The Daytona 500 green flag is scheduled for February 15 at 2:30 p.m. Eastern time. The race can be watched on FOX or listened to on the Motor Racing Network.
John Breeden John Breeden is a NASCAR contributor at Heavy Sports. He has five years of sports journalism experience. He graduated from James Madison University in May of 2022 with a degree in media arts and design. John is also a sports reporter for the Daily News-Record in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Previously, John was a sports writer for JMU’s The Breeze and a NASCAR content writer for Sportskeeda. More about John Breeden
More Heavy on NASCAR
Loading more stories