2026 Cook Out Clash

The Madhouse • Bowman Gray Stadium
🚨 SCHEDULE UPDATE: WEDNESDAY FEB. 4 Due to the historic winter storm (dropping lows to 11°F), the event is now a one-day show on Wednesday. Crews have removed over 40 dump-truck loads of snow to clear the venue.
⚠️ FORMAT CHANGE: HEAT RACES CANCELLED To save time, Heat Races have been scrapped. The starting field will be set via Qualifying speeds (Top 20 Lock-in) and the LCQ (Top 2 Advance).

Wednesday Schedule (ET)

Time Event Broadcast
11:30 AM Parking Lots Open (Shuttles start 12:00 PM)
1:30 PM Practice & Qualifying
Sets Top 20 Starters
FOX Sports App
4:30 PM Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ)
75 Laps - Top 2 Advance
FOX
6:00 PM Cook Out Clash (Main Event)
200 Laps - Green Flag Only
FOX / MRN

Technical & Mechanical Risks

❄️ Brake Rotor "Shock"

The Danger: Ambient temps near freezing can cause instant "thermal shock" when brakes heat up, leading to cracked rotors.

The Constraint: As an Impound Race, teams cannot swap cracked rotors between Qualifying and the Race without NASCAR approval—a major risk if damage occurs late in the day.

💨 Nitrogen vs. Air

Why Nitrogen? Teams must use dry nitrogen because moisture-filled air expands unpredictably.

The Stat: Tire pressure at Bowman Gray can build by 23 PSI during a run. Nitrogen ensures stability in the cold-to-hot transition.

🏎️ 750 Horsepower

The Package: Cars are running the high-hp package (up from 670hp) for this short track.

The Impact: Expect significant wheel spin and throttle management issues on the cold asphalt.

Entry List Highlights (38 Cars for 23 Spots)

#50 Burt Myers

Team AmeriVet

The "King of the Madhouse" with 102 Modified wins and 11 track championships.

#6 Corey LaJoie

RFK Racing

Subbing for Brad Keselowski, who is recovering from a broken femur.

#9 Chase Elliott

Hendrick Motorsports

The defending 2025 Clash winner at Bowman Gray. Looking to repeat.

#66 Chad Finchum

Garage 66

A late entry adding to the 38-car field fighting for just 23 spots.

#37 Connor Zilisch

Trackhouse Racing

The 19-year-old phenom makes his highly anticipated exhibition debut.

#5 Kyle Larson

Hendrick Motorsports

Currently the only driver statistically "locked" into the field prior to qualifying.

Venue Updates