NASCAR fans, it’s time to rev up for the highly anticipated 2026 season. The action kicks off on Monday night as Cup Series drivers take to the track for the Cook Out Clash exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This event, originally slated for Sunday, was postponed due to winter weather, adding to the excitement for fans eager to see their favorite drivers in action.
The Cook Out Clash will feature 200 laps on the short track, known for hosting Winston-Salem State University football games. A total of 23 drivers will compete in the main event following a Last Chance Qualifier, which will determine the final participants in the race. While this is an exhibition race with no impact on the season standings, it offers a total purse that exceeded $3 million in 2025, providing a lucrative incentive for the competitors.
Drivers will have the opportunity to shake off the off-season rust ahead of the prestigious Daytona 500, set to take place on February 15 at Daytona International Speedway. Last year’s champion of the Clash, Chase Elliott, is eager to see if he can replicate his impressive performance after leading 171 of 200 laps in 2025.
For those wanting to catch the action, the 2026 Cook Out Clash is scheduled for February 4 at 6 p.m. ET. Preceding the main event, practice sessions and qualifying will commence at 11 a.m. ET, followed by the Last Chance Qualifier at 4:30 p.m. ET and a pre-race show at 5:30 p.m. ET.
Fans can tune into the race, which will be broadcast nationally on FOX at 6 p.m. ET. The earlier practice and qualifying sessions will be aired live on FS2. Additionally, for viewers who prefer to stream, the event will be available on FoxSports.com and through the Fox Sports app. Fubo is also offering a free trial for streaming all NASCAR races aired on FOX or FS1.
To qualify for the main event of the NASCAR Cook Out Clash, drivers will need to be among the top 20 fastest in qualifying, with the remaining drivers able to vie for two transfer spots in the Last Chance Qualifier. The top two finishers from this qualifying race will earn their place in the main event, alongside a provisional spot reserved for the highest-ranked driver in 2025 who did not otherwise qualify.
The 2026 season is set to be filled with excitement and competition, and fans are eagerly looking forward to the races ahead.