NASCAR’s preseason exhibition races have been delayed. On Sunday, the organization announced that the Clash, initially set for Sunday night at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has been pushed back to Wednesday. The event was first postponed to Monday due to a severe snowstorm affecting North Carolina and nearby regions.
If road conditions improve sufficiently for teams and fans to travel safely, the race will start at 6 p.m. ET and be broadcast on FOX. Practice and qualifying sessions are planned for the afternoon, with last-chance qualifying beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET. Heat races, which were part of the original schedule, have already been canceled as a result of the postponement.
The 2026 season marks the Clash’s second year at the historic North Carolina short track. This exhibition race has kicked off the NASCAR season since 1979, traditionally held at Daytona before relocating to a temporary track in the Los Angeles Coliseum in 2022. After three seasons on the West Coast, the event moved to Bowman Gray Stadium in 2025.
The Cup Series season officially launches with the Daytona 500 on February 15. Since the Clash’s move to Los Angeles, it has been held in prime time on the weekend preceding the Super Bowl to capitalize on the NFL’s off weeks.
Chase Elliott won the first Clash at Bowman Gray, leading 171 of 200 laps and finishing ahead of Ryan Blaney. Although the NASCAR Cup Series includes 36 charter teams, only 23 cars will compete at Bowman Gray due to the tight confines of the 0.25-mile track.
North Carolina has experienced heavy snowfall exceeding 100 centimeters in some areas, prompting state officials to urge residents to avoid travel. Temperatures in Winston-Salem are expected to rise above freezing on Monday, with a high of 42 degrees forecasted for Wednesday.
Fan Take: This postponement underscores the challenges of racing in unpredictable weather but also highlights the unique excitement of the Clash at a tight short track like Bowman Gray. For NASCAR fans, the delay only builds anticipation for a thrilling start to the season, where strategy and skill will be crucial on such a demanding course.
