The NASCAR Cup Series’ Cook Out Clash will once again be ran at Bowman Gray Stadium for the 2026 NASCAR season, NASCAR announced July 9.
For the second straight season, NASCAR will kick off the season at the quarter-mile short track to host the annual exhibition event. On-track activity is scheduled for Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, with coverage once again airing on FOX.
At a place that remembers everything, we're writing history you can't forget.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 9, 2025
The @nascarclash returns to The Madhouse in 2026! pic.twitter.com/AmV20IxdMA
Details for the non-points paying race have yet to be announced at this time. the race in 2025 featured a 200-lap main event, with a 22-car field, four qualifying heat races and a last-chance-qualifier race.
“The City of Winston Salem is deeply honored to have been chosen to host the 2026 Cook Out Clash,” City of Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines said. “The 2025 race was an immensely successful event for all parties involved. We will work hard to ensure that the 2026 Cook Out Clash is even more successful.”
Bowman Gray hosted NASCAR Cup Series races from 1958 to 1971 before returning in 2025 to host the season-opening Clash.
Renew now before tickets sell out!
— Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium (@nascarclash) July 9, 2025
Visit https://t.co/QOTTkhtbDx to renew your 2025 tickets for next year's event. Weren't able to join in 2025 but want to join the madness in 2026? Select tickets are on sale now or you can join the waitlist to know when all tickets go on sale… pic.twitter.com/ElFJPPTfpk
Chase Elliott scored the win in the 2025 race, leading a race-high 171 of the race’s 200 laps from the pole position.
I wonder how the NA$CAR brain trust will modify the “rules” for this event?
I like it. A fun, mostly meaningless race, at a track which tends to create chaos, but at speeds low enough it’s not dangerous. Also a nice nod to the past, without getting in the way of points races.
If you don’t think a short track is dangerous you have never seen a driver killed on a 1/4 mile oval.
I suppose I should have clarified…much less dangerous than speedway racing.