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Winston-Salem, NC – Weather permitting, NASCAR’s much-anticipated Cookout Clash is set to ignite the quarter-mile oval of Bowman Gray Stadium this Sunday, February 1st, marking a significant shift in the sport’s pre-season exhibition calendar. This iconic event, a tradition since 1979, has undergone a dramatic evolution from its humble beginnings as a 20-lap sprint at Daytona International Speedway exclusively for previous year’s pole winners. Now, the Clash ventures beyond the high banks, having previously graced the Daytona Road Course and even a temporary track within the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, before arriving at the legendary "Madhouse" in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
The purpose of "The Clash" remains rooted in providing an early-season spectacle and a preview of the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series campaign. However, its format and participant criteria have been significantly broadened. Gone is the exclusivity of pole-sitters; instead, the event now invites all 36 chartered NASCAR Cup Series teams to compete. While a couple of additional "open" teams may also participate, entry does not guarantee a spot in the main feature race. This year’s edition, while facing potential disruption from anticipated Saturday snowstorms leading to an abbreviated schedule and the elimination of heat races, still demands a high level of performance from drivers and teams to secure a place in the main event.
The qualification process for the 200-lap feature race is designed to be a high-stakes, single-lap affair. Each driver will be allotted four minutes to record their fastest lap. The top 20 fastest qualifiers will automatically secure their starting positions in the main event. For those drivers who do not qualify within the top 20, a last-chance qualifier will provide a final opportunity. In this do-or-die race, the top two finishers will earn the remaining spots on the grid. The 23rd and final starting position is reserved for the highest-finishing driver in the 2025 season standings who failed to qualify through either the main qualifying session or the last-chance qualifier, ensuring that a competitive driver is always represented.
The entry list for this year’s Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium is robust, featuring 38 cars. Alongside the full contingent of 36 chartered teams, the No. 66 "Garage 66" Ford will see Chad Finchum behind the wheel. Team Amerivet is also set to compete with their No. 50 Chevrolet, driven by Bowman Gray legend Burt Myers. Myers returns to the Clash for the second consecutive year, bringing his considerable track experience at the historic venue.
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The majority of the 36 chartered entries will feature drivers who remain with their established organizations from the previous season. However, this event offers the first on-track glimpse of several notable changes and driver shuffles within the Cup Series landscape.
One of the most significant shifts involves Daniel Suarez, who has moved to Spire Motorsports to pilot the No. 7 car. His former seat at Trackhouse Racing has been filled by Connor Zilisch, who will now compete under the No. 88 designation. Notably, his teammate Shane van Gisbergen will pilot the No. 97, adopting a new, yet familiar, number for his Cup Series efforts. Another key change sees Corey LaJoie stepping into the No. 6 Ford for RFK Racing. This temporary arrangement is due to team co-owner Brad Keselowski’s ongoing recovery from an off-season leg injury. These driver changes, along with new driver-crew chief pairings, provide a crucial opportunity for teams to gel and refine their strategies in a competitive environment before the official start of the points-paying season.
The 2026 Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium is poised to be a compelling season-opener, offering a unique blend of historical significance and modern NASCAR competition. The intimate, short-track setting of Bowman Gray Stadium is renowned for its intense, close-quarters racing, promising an unpredictable and exciting event for fans. The format, designed to be both challenging and inclusive, ensures that the fastest and most determined will earn their place on the grid, setting the stage for a thrilling 200-lap battle. As teams and drivers prepare to tackle the quarter-mile "Madhouse," the Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium stands as a vital prelude to the full NASCAR Cup Series season, offering early insights into the competitive order and the narratives that will unfold throughout the year.
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