The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season is set to kick off this Sunday at Bowman Gray Stadium with the highly anticipated Cook Out Clash. As the Winston-Salem region braces for extremely cold weather typical for this time of year, drivers are preparing for the unique challenges that this race presents.
AJ Allmendinger, a driver for Kaulig Racing, shared his insights on the demands of competing at this historic venue during a recent press conference. Having raced at Bowman Gray for the first time last year, he reflected on the distinctive atmosphere that captivated him. “What they say is true—the Bowman Gray crowd is unique and very passionate. It was fun to see what it was all about. The energy was high, and you couple that with crazy racing, meaning you just have to beat and gouge on each other around that place.”
Allmendinger emphasized the importance of being mentally prepared for the full-contact racing that characterizes this track, stating, “It’s full contact, so you just have to be mentally prepared for that going into it.” Despite the fact that the race does not award points, he recognizes the prestige of the event, insisting that it is worth pursuing for the chance to win.
Reflecting on his past season, where he finished 26th in the points standings, Allmendinger expressed a desire to uplift his team. At 44 years old, he finds himself among the veteran drivers in the series, having made his return to the Cup Series in 2025 after a year in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, where he achieved a spot in the Championship 4.
“Allmendinger is aware of his own potential and the pressures that come with it. He remarked, ‘For me, it’s about getting in the right mindset. I put a lot of pressure on myself because I don’t want to let people down. I’ve got to enjoy the process. The team has never put pressure on me, so I just need to focus and have fun.’”
Feeling fortunate to be part of the sport, Allmendinger is eager to make the 2026 season a memorable one, starting with the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. As the excitement builds for the first race, fans and competitors alike are looking forward to what promises to be an exhilarating start to the season.