Denny Hamlin, both a team owner and a driver, expressed conflicting feelings about the NASCAR Clash location but firmly advocates for it to return to Daytona International Speedway. After recently competing in the Clash held at Bowman Gray Stadium, Hamlin emphasized the importance of holding the season-opening event at Daytona to reignite excitement for the Daytona 500, which typically follows two weeks later.
Hamlin shared his views with Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, stating that while he dislikes the Clash’s current format as a car owner, he believes it best serves the sport as a competitor when held at Daytona. He remarked,
“There’s a reason why most outdoor sports aren’t playing right now this time of year,”
and added,
“I don’t know, as long as it was entertaining, I don’t really care. I’m an old school person, I’ve felt like, 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 500.”
?Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver and Team Owner
Challenges Faced with the Current Venue in Winston-Salem
The 2026 edition of the Clash was hosted for the second consecutive year at Bowman Gray Stadium, a historic short track in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Unlike the previous year’s smooth event, this year’s race encountered significant disruptions. Originally scheduled for Saturday night, the race was postponed twice and finally ran on Wednesday night due to a severe winter storm impacting the Southeast, which brought snow and icy road conditions.
The weather challenges affected race conditions and logistics, as rain arrived mid-race, forcing teams to switch to wet-weather tires. The ensuing 100 laps were marked by frequent cautions, and the event extended over three hours before reaching its conclusion.
The Clash’s Historical Significance and Hamlin’s Perspective
Historically, the Clash was held at Daytona International Speedway beginning in 1979, acting as a prelude to the marquee Daytona 500 race that marks the pinnacle of the NASCAR Cup Series season. The event later experienced a three-year stint at the Los Angeles Coliseum before moving to Bowman Gray Stadium for the past two years.
Hamlin voiced that the current placement of the Clash on a short track is not without merit, but he views the disconnect between the Clash and the Daytona 500 as a significant missed opportunity. He noted,
“I think that’s a big content miss that we have [creating excitement for the Daytona 500],”
and recognized positives of racing on a longstanding short track. This reflects his blend of old-school sensibility and modern-day competition concerns. ?Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver and Team Owner
Impact and Future Prospects for the Clash
The movement to return the Clash to Daytona could reinvigorate fan interest and enhance the buildup to the Daytona 500. Hamlin’s position as both a competitor and car owner lends weight to the conversation about the Clash’s role within the NASCAR schedule. Restoring the event to its traditional venue may strengthen its status as a key season opener and reconnect it closely with NASCAR’s flagship race.
As the sport continues to balance tradition with innovation, the direction chosen for the Clash will likely influence fan engagement and the overall excitement surrounding the early part of the racing calendar in future seasons.
Denny Hamlin on the Clash and whether it has a future at Bowman Gray: @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/ybTEQBSyYh
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 5, 2026
