At Bowman-Gray Stadium, a wintry weather challenge prompted NASCAR Cup Series drivers Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Todd Gilliland to lend a hand shoveling snow from the grandstands. Their assistance comes as officials work to prepare the venue for the upcoming Cook Out Clash, scheduled for February 4.
Stenhouse Jr. initially offered his help in a social media reply to Bowman-Gray Stadium on February 1, receiving a prompt invitation to bring his own shovel. By February 2, the #47 Hyak Motorsports driver was captured on video assisting with snow removal, a gesture soon followed by Gilliland, both shared by FOX motorsports reporter Bob Pockrass.
According to Pockrass, the two drivers’ efforts sparked light-hearted comments about awarding them a “snow removal provisional” to earn their spot in the main event. He also noted some added pressure on Gilliland, as his wife planned to host guests to watch the race.
Schedule Adjustments Following Snowstorm Delay
The NASCAR Cup Series had planned to commence its 2026 season with the Cook Out Clash on Sunday night, February 1. However, a snowstorm at Bowman-Gray Stadium forced a postponement to Monday, February 2. Continued snowy conditions led to a further delay, rescheduling the race for Wednesday, February 4, with the main event set to start at 6 p.m. Eastern time.
Practice and qualifying sessions are slated for Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. Eastern, and the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) will take place at 4:30 p.m. Both the LCQ and the Cook Out Clash will air on FOX, while FS2 will broadcast the practice and qualifying.
The Cook Out Clash itself will cover 200 laps. This marks the second occasion the event has been held at Bowman-Gray Stadium, with Chase Elliott entering as the defending victor.
Stenhouse Jr. Highlights the Value of Fans in the Grandstands
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. emphasized how crucial fan presence is for the atmosphere of the Cook Out Clash during a conversation with Bob Pockrass. His participation in snow clearing was part of his commitment to ensuring the grandstands were ready for the spectators on race day.
“This place has always been about hard racing and great race fans. I think for a driver, yeah, I had other plans this week that I would be doing on Wednesday night, but I think it’s more important to race with the fans.”
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., a four-time NASCAR Cup Series winner, prepares for his seventh season driving the #47 car and his 14th full-time Cup Series campaign. He notably secured the Daytona 500 title in 2023 and won at Talladega in October 2024.
Competitive Stakes for Stenhouse Jr. and Gilliland in NASCAR Showdown
Both Stenhouse Jr. and Gilliland will compete in the Last Chance Qualifier on Wednesday afternoon, aiming to secure their spot in the 200-lap Cook Out Clash main event that evening. Their snow-shoveling effort symbolizes their determination to overcome obstacles as the NASCAR season gets underway.
Their participation in this qualifier is critical, as advance performance will decide entry into the feature race where top drivers, including defending champion Chase Elliott, will vie for victory at Bowman-Gray Stadium.
I put the offer out to come shovel snow in the grandstands
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) February 1, 2026
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
https://twitter.com/bobpockrass/status/2018382952959471656
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. on the importance of having fans at the Clash even if that means the push to Wednesday. The track appears ready but the facility needs more work (and teams likely needed at least one more day for crew members in remote locations to travel). @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/jOWF9AZbnN
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 2, 2026
