Denny Hamlin insists that The Cook Out Clash should continue to be held at Daytona International Speedway rather than at Bowman Gray Stadium. This stance comes after the recent event faced multiple delays caused by unexpected snowfall at Bowman Gray, forcing NASCAR to postpone the race from Sunday night to Monday, and then to Wednesday. With only about ten days remaining before the season-opening Daytona 500, the timing added pressure on the racing schedule.
Delays and Weather Impacted the 2026 Clash Event
After the prolonged delay, The Clash finally commenced on Wednesday with qualifying sessions followed by the main race later in the day. Ryan Preece from RFK Racing claimed his first-ever Clash victory despite challenging weather conditions, including intermittent rain and sleet that threatened to shorten the exhibition prematurely. The contest extended due to multiple cautions, allowing Preece to secure the win in a race marked by unpredictability.
Hamlin’s Experience and Views on the Clash’s Location
As a four-time Clash winner and the event’s all-time leader in wins, Hamlin’s opinion carries significant weight. While acknowledging the positives of embracing a short track like Bowman Gray—one with a historic legacy—the Joe Gibbs Racing driver firmly believes that The Clash’s traditional home at Daytona creates the best atmosphere for building excitement ahead of the Daytona 500. He expressed personal discomfort with the new venue as both a competitor and car owner but recognized the entertainment value the event provides.
“There’s a reason most outdoor sports aren’t playing right now, at this time of year,”
Hamlin said. “But I don’t know. As long as it is entertaining, I really don’t care.”
“I’m an old school person; as the car owner, I hate The Clash at Daytona. But I can tell you as a competitor, and I think for the sport, the best places to have it at Daytona to build some excitement for the 500, I think that’s a big content myth that we have.”
“But there are positives to this too, which is, you know, you’re getting back to the short track. Certainly, you know, a track that’s been around a long time.”
Changes in Venue Since 2022 and Drivers’ Reactions
NASCAR moved The Clash away from its longtime location at Daytona International Speedway, which hosted the race from 1979 through 2021. In 2022, the event relocated to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for three years before shifting to Bowman Gray Stadium in North Carolina for the 2025 edition. This transition has sparked various responses from drivers.
Ryan Blaney commented on racing at Bowman Gray, welcoming the fresh track and noting the entertainment aspect despite the unusual race conditions. He said,
“I like coming here. I think it puts on a good show, and it was just kind of a wacky second half of the race.”
Looking Ahead to the Season: Daytona 500 Awaits
While the location debate over The Clash persists, the spotlight now turns to the upcoming Daytona 500, scheduled for February 15, 2026. This event marks the first points race of the NASCAR Cup Series season and remains a crucial moment for drivers and teams eager to start strong. How the Clash’s venue choices will influence fan enthusiasm and driver preparation remains an open question as NASCAR navigates both tradition and innovation in event planning.
