NASCAR faced significant challenges in organizing this year’s The Clash event at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston Salem, North Carolina, due to harsh winter weather. Originally planned for Sunday, the non-points race was postponed twice and is now scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, after snow and freezing temperatures made the 0.25-mile oval around the college football field difficult to prepare.
Efforts to clear the stadium included removing snow from the 17,000-seat grandstand, the racing surface, pit, and parking areas. NASCAR coordinated closely with city officials and the North Carolina Department of Transportation to ensure safety and smooth logistics for all involved during the track’s cleanup and event rescheduling.
Kyle Larson Commends NASCAR’s Dedicated Work
Kyle Larson, the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion from Elk Grove, California, praised the persistent efforts of NASCAR’s staff in overcoming weather delays. Having raced extensively across different series and surfaces, Larson acknowledged the hard work behind the scenes to keep the event on track.
“Yeah, I absolutely appreciate the effort, as always,”
Larson said. “I feel like a lot of times, there’s many races where I’m like — ‘man, there’s no chance we’re going to get out there’ and they’ll postpone it to Monday, Tuesday or whatever, but they find a way.
They work really hard, and that’s a credit to the men and women who are working behind the scenes to make it all happen, whether that’s drying the racetrack or making sure the tech line is clear.”
I think they’ve got a long track record of a lot of effort. So, I’m not surprised that we’re still in the same plan, even for an exhibition race.”
Larson added.
Throughout the snow delays, NASCAR remained transparent with fans and participants by sharing frequent updates and images on social media. On February 1, the progress of the snow removal around the track and infield was highlighted, and NASCAR drivers Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Todd Gilliland joined stadium crews to help with the shoveling on February 2.
Larson Faces Unique Challenges with Snow Delays
Although Larson is accustomed to a variety of racing formats—with experience ranging from sprint cars to IndyCar—he admitted the snow-related postponements were a first in his career. The cold weather is expected to affect track and tire conditions, adding an extra layer of difficulty for drivers.
“Well for one, I don’t have experience, really, with a snow delay,”
Larson said.
“Especially one as heavy as it is, so I think that’ll be new. But as always, what are you going to do?
You know, we all just have to ride it out and see. So yeah, I think that’s obviously the approach.”
Concerns Over Cold Weather Impact on Crews and Fans
The forecast for race day predicts temperatures hovering in the high 30s throughout the scheduled sessions, with practice and qualifying at 1:30 p.m. expected to be around 39 degrees, followed by 37 degrees for the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) at 4 p.m., and dropping to approximately 35 degrees for The Clash evening race at 6 p.m.
Larson pointed out that while drivers will benefit from the heat inside their stock cars, colder conditions present a significant challenge for those working trackside or watching the event.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever competed when it’s that cold,”
said the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion.
“But thankfully for us we’re inside of a stock car, which is basically like an oven. I think, honestly, it’ll feel fine for us inside the car.
“I just feel for the crews, the mechanics, the fans and NASCAR officials; everybody who’s there outside in the cold. But we love the sport and we’ll compete in any conditions.”
Fans unable to attend in person can follow the action through various broadcasts. The practice and qualifying sessions will be available via the FOX Sports App, while the LCQ and The Clash race will air live on FOX-TV along with radio coverage from MRN and Sirius XM Radio.
Event Significance and Expectations Moving Forward
The determination shown by NASCAR to hold The Clash amid challenging weather highlights the organization’s commitment to both competitors and fans. The willingness of drivers like Kyle Larson and others to adapt to unpredictable conditions further underscores the resilience of the sport. How the weather and delayed schedule ultimately affect race dynamics and team strategies will be closely watched by participants and audiences alike.
As NASCAR works to maintain safety and excitement in the face of adversity, the unfolding event at Bowman Gray Stadium may set a precedent for managing similar disruptions in the future while deepening appreciation for the staff and volunteers dedicated to making races possible under tough circumstances.
Our efforts continue. pic.twitter.com/K1D1bZ3BCb
— Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium (@nascarclash) February 1, 2026
