NASCAR’s Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray is scheduled for this Sunday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. However, recent snowfall has handicapped the track for the time being.
This had led to some concern from fans on social media as to whether the race would get the green light, be moved out of town, or be cancelled altogether.
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There are many factors for NASCAR to consider before it makes its final decision, including another developing East Coast storm. Here is what we know so far.
NASCAR Cup Series drivers Chase Elliot (9) and Chris Buescher (17) lead a restart during the Clash at Bowman Gray.Peter Casey-Imagn Images
(Peter Casey-Imagn Images)
Two Winter Storms Hitting North Carolina in a Week
This past weekend, Winter Storm Fern took more than half of America by literal storm. The Northeast and Midwest were blanketed with anywhere from 1-to-3 feet of snow. Meanwhile, North Carolina generally got a couple of inches, including the Winston-Salem area. That has Bowman Gray under white for the time being.
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The issue is not quite that of the past snowfall, but more that of this week’s weather forecast. From Wednesday to Friday this week, Winston-Salem will have highs in the high-30s before dropping into the 20s over the weekend.
However, Winter Storm Gianna, which The Weather Channel suggests could develop into a bomb cyclone, is now threatening to drop multiple inches of fresh snow on the area starting Friday night into Saturday. The track of this latest winter weather event is still uncertain and could change the forecast before then, though.
Updates on the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray
There are currently no definitive updates for this impending preseason race. Per Ben Kennedy, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer, snow had been cleared from the track as of Tuesday.
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They will await more melting through Wednesday as the infield, where some NASCAR infrastructure will be set up, remains covered. Everything else could come down to this weekend’s storm track and any further snow accumulation.
What Happens if NASCAR Cannot Race?
There appears to be mixed speculation as to what may happen.
Erik Jones told SiriusXM’s “On Track with Danielle Trotta and Larry McReynolds” on Wednesday that he would prefer to race in Daytona. It makes for a nice “speed weekend” and keeps everything centered, two weeks ahead of the Daytona 500.
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Some fans online have been aggressively rooting for some snow racing. However, this will not happen, despite how cool it may sound.
Kenny Wallace said Wednesday morning on his “Coffee with Kenny” live stream on X that he believes NASCAR is unlikely to cancel the event.
“I don’t think they can. I will take a page from Ken Schrader. Hell, it was thirty degrees last year.”
Still, Mother Nature and NASCAR officials will have the last word.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Racing section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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