A formidable winter storm, blanketing North Carolina's Piedmont with a foot of snow, has compelled NASCAR to postpone the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium once again. The event, initially slated for Sunday, February 1st, and then briefly moved to Monday, February 2nd, will now take place on Wednesday, February 4th. This decision underscores a paramount commitment to safety for all involved.
NASCAR's Cook Out Clash Faces Winter Weather Challenges in Winston-Salem
In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a persistent winter storm has disrupted the racing calendar, specifically impacting the NASCAR Cook Out Clash. Originally scheduled for Sunday, February 1st, at the historic Bowman Gray Stadium, the event was first pushed to Monday, February 2nd, and subsequently, on that Sunday, rescheduled for Wednesday, February 4th. The driving force behind this decision was the significant snowfall, reaching up to a foot in the Piedmont region.
Justin Swilling, a NASCAR executive leading the Clash operations, emphasized that the postponement was a proactive measure taken after consulting with officials from both the City of Winston-Salem and the state of North Carolina. Swilling stated, "This decision is made, again, in an abundance of caution for the fans and the competitors that are traveling to the venue. It’s mission critical that we get everyone here safely." The additional time was also crucial for clearing snow, ice, and wintry mix from all areas of the property, ensuring optimal conditions for the event.
On Wednesday, February 4th, the revised schedule will see NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying commencing at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time, available on the Fox Sports App. The Last Chance Qualifier is set for 4:30 p.m. Eastern, followed by the main event, the Cook Out Clash, at 6 p.m. Eastern. Both the Last Chance Qualifier and the Cook Out Clash will be broadcast live on Fox.
Logistically, parking lots for attendees will open at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, with off-site shuttle services beginning at noon. Gates to the stadium will open at 12:30 p.m. Swilling advised fans to dress warmly in layers, given the cold weather conditions. While some patio warmers will be available, large warming stations will not be present.
Despite temperatures remaining below freezing for much of the preceding Sunday, the sun offered some assistance. Crews diligently focused on the racing surface, which was nearly dry by late afternoon. Swilling noted, "The football field is probably 70% to 80% there and with a few more passes of some different pieces of equipment, we’ll be in a good place." He added that the football field paint and sponsorship placements were preserved. Efforts are now concentrated on clearing snow and ice from the NASCAR Cup Series garage area.
The responsibility for stadium grounds, particularly areas hosting fans such as steps, benches, and concourses, primarily falls to the City of Winston-Salem, though NASCAR shares in this responsibility. Fairgrounds staff have been instrumental in clearing these public areas. On the Saturday prior to the initial scheduled date, "huge construction dump trucks" transported 40 loads of snow and ice away from the stadium, highlighting the extensive cleanup operation underway.
The repeated rescheduling of the NASCAR Cook Out Clash due to the winter storm serves as a stark reminder of nature's unpredictable power and the meticulous planning required for large-scale events. This situation underscores the critical balance between sporting ambition and the paramount importance of public safety. It highlights the dedication of organizers like Justin Swilling and the collaborative spirit between NASCAR and local authorities, all working tirelessly to ensure that when the race finally commences, it does so under the safest possible conditions. For fans, it's a test of patience, but also a testament to the resilience of the racing community in the face of environmental challenges. Ultimately, this delay may even heighten anticipation for what promises to be an exhilarating return to the track.