The NASCAR Cup Series is set to return to action this weekend at Bowman Gray Stadium, but lingering winter weather creates concerns about the race weekend.
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The current expectation is that the two-day event will take place under bitterly cold conditions — for North Carolina — but a winter storm could also determine whether cars actually get on track for the qualifying session, heat races, last chance qualifying, and the Cook Out Clash.
The WeatherUnderground forecast calls for a potential winter storm on Saturday, the first day featuring cars on tracks. A few snow showers are possible in the morning before giving way to partly cloudy skies in the afternoon and evening.
Cookout Clash week at Bowman Gray Stadium pic.twitter.com/5R47O0hgyc
— Short Track Scene (@ST_Scene) January 26, 2026
The expected temperature at the start of practice (6:10 p.m. ET) is a mere 20 degrees. It dips down to 18 degrees as the heat races take place.
Sunday's forecast calls for partly cloudy skies throughout the day. The temperature is expected to be 25 degrees at the start of last chance qualifying and 22 degrees at the start of the Clash.
While Sunday's forecast doesn't call for snow, the more concerning time is the previous night. WeatherUnderground listed a potential for an overnight winter storm. If this happens, it could cover the racing surface.
According to Ben Kennedy, NASCAR EVP and chief venue and racing innovations officer, track crews prepped the facility before Winter Storm Fern descended upon the area. This included treating the surface with a salt brine.
Obviously, the weather forecast could change as the week progresses and the first race weekend of the season draws near. For now, teams will just go about their business while preparing as if they will race on both days.
The Clash weekend will feature three practice sessions for three groups of drivers. The final of these sessions will serve as qualifying while setting the lineup for the four heat races. These heat races will take place on Saturday night while determining 20 of the 23 participants in the main event.
Sunday's action will feature the 75-lap last chance qualifying race at 6 p.m. ET. This will send two more drivers to the main event. The final driver will be the highest-scoring performer from the 2025 season who does not yet already have a secure spot.
The Clash will take place on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET. Twenty-three drivers will race for 200 laps — only green flag laps count — while Fox provides coverage.
