Ricky Stenhouse Jr. took up a snow shovel at Bowman Gray Stadium as crews worked to clear the quarter-mile short track and surrounding grandstands, preparing for the rescheduled Cook Out Clash exhibition race. The event, originally planned for the previous weekend, faced multiple delays due to a historic winter storm that blanketed Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with 8 to 10 inches of snow.
With safety concerns caused by hazardous road conditions and deep snow, NASCAR postponed the race twice before finally setting the event for Wednesday, February 4, at 6 pm ET on FOX. Alongside Stenhouse Jr., other drivers including Front Row Motorsports’ Todd Gilliland joined snow crews and track workers to help make the venue accessible for both teams and fans.
Drivers Working Together to Clear Snow for Fans
Veteran NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass shared footage revealing Stenhouse Jr. actively clearing snow from the grandstands, demonstrating his willingness to assist fans despite recent on-track tensions. The Hyak Motorsports driver was involved in a collision with Bowman Gray racing legend Burt Myers during the 2025 Clash Last Chance Qualifier, an incident that ended Myers’ race and stirred mixed reactions among supporters.
“Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is here, too, helping with grandstand efforts. We joked he is clearing grandstands for Burt Myers fans who will flip him off lol,” Bob Pockrass, NASCAR reporter
This gesture highlighted the sportsmanship amid a tense atmosphere, as the drivers prepared to face each other again in the upcoming race.
Stenhouse Jr. Prepares for 2026 Clash with New Sponsorship
Looking ahead, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will compete in the 2026 Cook Out Clash driving the No. 47 HYAK Motorsports Chevrolet, featuring sponsorship from Chef Boyardee. This partnership, debuting at the Clash weekend, brings additional visibility to Stenhouse Jr. for the early part of the racing season.
“Looking forward to getting back to the clash, and putting our [Chef Boyardee] 47 in the show this year. Welcome to join [Burt Myers],” Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Stenhouse Jr.’s invitation to Myers hints at a continued fierce rivalry on Bowman Gray’s storied short track, setting the stage for another intense showdown.
Anticipated Tensions from Previous Qualifier Incident
Last year, Stenhouse Jr. missed advancing to the main 200-lap feature after finishing seventh in the Last Chance Qualifier. His collision with Myers not only ended Myers’ night abruptly but also triggered strong reactions among the audience. Aware of the potential backlash, Stenhouse Jr. expects a challenging reception from some fans during the upcoming race.
“I’m probably going to get a lot of boos because, after the last chance race there, I just rolled out and left. So it’ll be interesting to kind of see that. I hope we make the race,” Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Race Preparations Continue Amid Uncertain Weather
Bob Pockrass confirmed that despite the unprecedented snowfall, Bowman Gray Stadium appears ready for the rescheduled Cook Out Clash. The concerted efforts of snow crews, track workers, and drivers have ensured that the racing surface and grandstands are cleared, allowing teams and fans to gather safely for the midweek event.
The Cook Out Clash remains a prominent early-season highlight for NASCAR Cup Series drivers, drawing attention from short-track racing enthusiasts and larger motorsports fans alike. How Stenhouse Jr. and Myers navigate both the competition and the lingering rivalry will be closely watched as the race unfolds.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is here, too, helping with grandstand efforts. We joked he is clearing grandstands for Burt Myers fans who will flip him off lol. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/u5ExDnANZT
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 2, 2026
Looking forward to getting back to the clash, and putting our @ChefBoyardee 47 in the show this year. Welcome to join @BurtMyers https://t.co/ChL97HDvQp
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) January 26, 2026
