Austin Dillon emphasized that maintaining proper tire temperature will be crucial during the upcoming exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium. The Richard Childress Racing driver admitted that he had underestimated the track’s grip levels during last year’s Clash, highlighting the importance of adapting to conditions this time around.
Winston-Salem is expecting challenging weather for the event scheduled on Sunday, with a winter storm forecast for Saturday night and snowfall predicted throughout race day. These conditions threaten to disrupt key activities such as practice sessions, heat races, and last chance qualifiers, potentially altering the event schedule.
To mitigate the effects of the adverse weather, NASCAR has applied salt brine to the track surface as a precaution. Speaking about these factors in an interview with PRN Live, Dillon explained,
“You got to get temperature in your car as fast as possible, heat in the tires. The place is a slick little spot there at Bowman Gray. I underestimated the grip level going there last year.”
“I didn’t know that the track was as worn out as it was, so we kind of missed it on the grip level. I think this year we’ll be more prepared, but when it’s that cold. I think temperature, getting yourself into temperature is going to be key,” he added.
NASCAR commentator Mike Joy recently posted updates showing snow accumulation around Bowman Gray Stadium, which sparked criticism from fans criticizing NASCAR’s timing of the race. Reports suggest there may be adjustments to the event plan due to the extreme weather outlook.
Austin Dillon Comments on New Crew Chief for Kyle Busch’s Team
In a related topic, Kyle Busch plans to bring in Jim Pohlman as his crew chief for the 2026 season. Pohlman is noted for his success with JR Motorsports driver Justin Allgaier, who reached the final four in three consecutive years of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Reflecting on this hiring, Austin Dillon remarked,
“We’ve got strong guys, but we have to build those up and get our engineering a little bit better before we can really look inside to make a crew chief hire. And Jim’s experience and his familiarity, I feel like, with RCR probably gave him an inside track, and then his success with Justin (Allgaier) and everything they’ve done at JR Motorsports.”
Kyle Busch’s previous crew chief, Randall Burnett, is moving to Trackhouse Racing to lead Connor Zilisch‘s No. 88 team.
Austin Dillon’s 2026 Paint Scheme Honors Outdoor Conservation
Austin Dillon’s paint scheme for 2026 was recently unveiled, showcasing a black and silver design reminiscent of Kevin Harvick’s 2005 Goodwrench car. This livery continues the partnership between Bass Pro Shops and Winchester Ammunitions for the No. 3 Chevy, serving as a tribute to the conservation efforts supported by both outdoor brands.
Fans have noted the similarity to Harvick’s historic car and expressed their reactions on social media. The tribute highlights the lasting bond between Richard Childress Racing and these sponsors, reinforcing their shared commitment to outdoor heritage and wildlife preservation.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for Unpredictable Weather and Changes
As the Bowman Gray exhibition race approaches, both drivers and organizers are factoring in the potential disruptions caused by severe winter weather. Austin Dillon’s insights on tire temperature and track grip underline the technical challenges racers face in such conditions.
Adjustments to the race schedule may be necessary to accommodate the snowfall and cold temperatures, impacting how teams prepare and compete. Meanwhile, news about team changes and special paint schemes illustrates the ongoing developments across the NASCAR landscape heading into the new season.
"When it's that cold, I think getting yourself to temperature is going to be key."@austindillon3 gives an inside look as to what drivers will be facing from behind the wheel at Bowman Gray this weekend ❄️
Listen to more on today's episode of Garage Pass with @AndrewKurlandTV pic.twitter.com/08WXupT0Ow
— PRN (@PRNlive) January 27, 2026
