What’s Happening?

Pre-race sessions and the Last Chance Qualifier are complete, and the field is set for NASCAR’s 2026 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. Here’s what you need to know.

• Winter weather in the Winston-Salem area forced NASCAR to cancel the original planned format for the clash, resulting in a qualifying session that decided 20 drivers of the 23-driver field for the Clash. Kyle Larson set the fastest time in qualifying, with notables like Corey LaJoie, Alex Bowman, Austin Cindric, and Josh Berry relegated to the LCQ.
• Due to his status as the highest points finisher in the 2025 LCQ field, Alex Bowman was automatically qualified for the clash, leaving two spots open for the top two LCQ finishers. After early domination from Michael McDowell, a penalty for jumping the restart sent him to the back of the field, leading to a dominant performance from Josh Berry.
• Ultimately, alongside Bowman and Berry, Austin Cidric would win a heated battle with A.J. Allmendinger, Corey LaJoie, and himself to take the final spot in the feature race. Notable drivers to miss the field include LaJoie, McDowell, John Hunter Nemechek, and Zane Smith.
• Last year, pole sitter Chase Elliott dominated the clash, leading 171 of the event’s 200 laps. Though Larson may sit on the pole for the Clash, expect an early battle for the lead that could ultimately decide the race’s winner.
• The green flag for Wednesday Night’s Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium will fly at 6:00 PM EST on FOX.

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