NASCAR’s preseason exhibition event, known as The Clash, is facing significant challenges due to winter weather conditions. As crews work to remove snow and ice from the track and its surroundings, another storm is forecasted to bring 4 to 8 inches of snow, with temperatures plunging into the low 20s at night and single digits during the day.
As a precautionary measure, NASCAR has canceled all track activities scheduled for Saturday. Although practice sessions, qualifying runs, and some heat races took place earlier, Sunday was originally set aside for last-chance qualifying and the main event. Now, qualifying will occur on Sunday, excluding heat races since qualifying will determine the starting lineup for the main event. In addition, the Modified and Sportsman Support races from the “Madhouse Classic” will be postponed to a later date.
There will be no heat races; instead, the fastest 20 qualifiers will advance directly to the main event, while the remaining drivers will compete in the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) to secure the remaining grid spots.
The Clash Preview at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Event Center was planned for Friday starting at 10 a.m. ET, but the Crash Fan Fest has been canceled for this weekend.
Updated Clash at Bowman Gray schedule:
- Practice and qualifying: Sunday, 2-4 p.m. ET (Fox Sports 2)
- Last chance qualifying race: Sunday, 6 p.m. ET (Fox)
- Crash main event: Sunday, 8 p.m. ET
Even if the main race proceeds as planned Sunday, the weather will likely remain very cold, with crews needing to clear fresh snowfall from the track. AccuWeather predicts a high of 28°F and a low of 11°F on race day, and with wind chill, temperatures could feel even colder. The National Weather Service in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, forecasts snow totals of up to a foot between Friday and Saturday, although most estimates expect 4 to 8 inches.
Fan Take: This weather disruption underscores how unpredictable conditions can impact NASCAR’s early season plans, challenging teams and organizers to adapt quickly. It’s a reminder to fans that the sport demands resilience both on and off the track, and overcoming these obstacles can make for an even more exciting and memorable competition.
