Cup Series Stars Lend a Hand in Bowman Gray Snow Cleanup, Paving the Way for Postponed Clash

WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The iconic quarter-mile of Bowman Gray Stadium, affectionately known as the "Madhouse," is on the cusp of resuming its racing schedule, thanks to an extraordinary effort by some of NASCAR’s brightest stars. Following a historic and disruptive snowfall that blanketed North Carolina, the pre-season exhibition "Cook Out Clash" has faced multiple postponements. However, the dedication of drivers like Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Todd Gilliland, alongside track personnel and community volunteers, has been instrumental in clearing the historic venue and ensuring the event can proceed, weather permitting, on Wednesday.

The challenging weather conditions had brought the region to a standstill, significantly impacting the planned opening of the racing season at Bowman Gray. While the track surface itself has been cleared of the significant snow accumulation, the extensive grandstand seating and surrounding areas presented a formidable cleanup challenge. Temperatures, which had plunged well below freezing, began to rise above the thaw point during daylight hours, allowing for the arduous task of snow removal to gain momentum.

Among those trading their racing suits for shovels were two prominent figures from the NASCAR Cup Series. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., the 2014 Daytona 500 champion driving the No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet, and Todd Gilliland, a second-generation racer piloting the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford, made their way to Winston-Salem to contribute to the recovery efforts.

Stenhouse Jr., who had publicly expressed his desire to assist with the cleanup a day prior, was true to his word, arriving on Monday with a shovel in hand, ready to tackle the snow-laden grandstands. Gilliland recounted how Stenhouse’s initiative played a pivotal role in his own involvement. "Ricky volunteered, and then he kind of drafted me into joining him," Gilliland explained in interviews conducted at the track, highlighting the camaraderie and mutual support within the racing community.

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Bowman Gray Stadium, with a seating capacity of up to 17,000 fans, features multi-level grandstands encircling most of the oval. The exception is Turns 3 and 4, where the facility’s fieldhouse building is situated. The sheer volume of snow and ice required a concentrated and coordinated effort to make the venue safe and accessible for spectators.

The decision to postpone the Cook Out Clash was not taken lightly. NASCAR officials, including Justin Swilling, the project manager for the event, emphasized the importance of fan attendance in creating the unique atmosphere that Bowman Gray is renowned for. Swilling, speaking during a recent video teleconference, articulated the rationale behind the postponements. "We explored all scenarios, but at the end of the day, we’re here for the fans, and we want to make sure they are a critical piece," Swilling stated. "Anytime that anyone comes to the Madhouse for an event, it’s the fans as much as the competitors that make it a show."

He further elaborated on the logistical considerations and the desire to allow the community ample time to recover from the severe weather. "So, we explored all scenarios, but at the end of the day, we wanted to give ourselves plenty of time and wanted to give the community plenty of time as well to get over the most recent storms we had." Running the race without a significant fan presence was deemed an undesirable outcome, underscoring the fan-centric approach to event planning.

The Cook Out Clash serves as a crucial exhibition event, offering a preview of the upcoming season and a chance for drivers to hone their skills on the challenging short track. The event has historically provided exciting racing, often characterized by close competition and fierce rivalries.

Todd Gilliland has a recent history of success at Bowman Gray. In the previous year’s event, he secured a spot in the feature race by finishing fifth in his heat race. Starting the 200-lap main event in 20th position, he ultimately finished 14th, demonstrating his capability on the historic circuit.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s experience at Bowman Gray in the preceding year proved to be more tumultuous. During a heat race, he was involved in an incident with local favorite Burt Myers, which resulted in Myers’ modified car impacting the wall during the last-chance qualifier. Stenhouse subsequently failed to qualify for the main event, finishing seventh in the last-chance qualifier, where only the top two advanced. This incident led to him being cast as a villain by a portion of the passionate Bowman Gray fanbase. In a testament to the evolving nature of motorsports rivalries, Stenhouse and Myers have since embraced a light-hearted dynamic, even collaborating on a promotional video ahead of the upcoming 2026 race, suggesting a spirit of sportsmanship and engaging storytelling within the sport.

The postponement of the Cook Out Clash highlights the persistent threat that adverse weather can pose to outdoor sporting events, even in the modern era. The reliance on favorable conditions for fan attendance and safe operation means that severe weather events can have significant ripple effects on event scheduling and planning. This year’s historic snowfall in North Carolina serves as a stark reminder of nature’s power and its ability to disrupt even the most meticulously planned events.

As the track continues its preparation, the focus remains on Wednesday’s potential race date. The efforts of Stenhouse, Gilliland, and countless others involved in the cleanup are a powerful demonstration of the dedication and passion that fuel the world of motorsports. Their willingness to step away from their primary competitive roles to assist in recovery efforts speaks volumes about the interconnectedness and supportive nature of the NASCAR community. The upcoming Cook Out Clash, once it takes place, will undoubtedly be viewed with a renewed appreciation for the resilience and collaborative spirit that allowed it to overcome the unprecedented challenges posed by the recent winter storm. The "Madhouse" is poised to roar back to life, thanks to the helping hands that ensured its readiness.