Severe snowfall in North Carolina has once again led NASCAR to delay its preseason exhibition races. The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, initially set for Saturday and Sunday, faced multiple rescheduling challenges due to nearly a foot of snow delivered by a bomb cyclone. The event was first shortened to a single day on Sunday, then postponed to Monday. Although the storm has cleared, lingering snow and icy road conditions, combined with fluctuating temperatures, have made travel unsafe. Consequently, NASCAR has pushed the race back to Wednesday, awaiting warmer weather to safely clear the area.
A statement from the track announced: “Due to historic winter weather across North Carolina, the #CookOutClash is postponed to Wednesday, February 4th. NASCAR continues to coordinate with Winston-Salem city officials and the North Carolina Department of Transportation to ensure a safe event. We appreciate fans’ understanding.” Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive VP, emphasized, “Safety is our top priority. The delay allows the city to address community concerns and improve travel safety for fans and teams. Our teams are working hard to prepare Bowman Gray. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Madhouse!”
Weather forecasts from AccuWeather predict highs of 39°F on Monday, 43°F on Tuesday, and 44°F on Wednesday, but overnight temperatures remain below freezing with possible rain showers on race day. While efforts to clear the track continue, many roads in the region are still closed and impassable.
The updated schedule for Wednesday, February 4th, includes:
- 11:30 a.m. EST – Parking lot opens
- 12:00 p.m. EST – Off-site shuttle service begins
- 12:30 p.m. EST – Gates open to fans
- 1:30 p.m. EST – Practice and qualifying (available on FOX Sports app)
- 4:30 p.m. EST – Last chance qualifying (broadcast on Fox)
- 6:00 p.m. EST – Main event (broadcast on Fox)
Fan Take: This postponement underscores how unpredictable weather can impact NASCAR’s winter events, reminding fans that safety remains paramount. It also sets the stage for a potentially intense and exciting return to Bowman Gray once conditions improve, keeping anticipation high for the season ahead.
