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NASCAR Season Ignites: Cook Out Clash Kicks Off 2026
4 Feb
Summary
- The 2026 NASCAR season begins with the Cook Out Clash exhibition race.
- Winter weather postponed the event, now scheduled for Wednesday.
- No points are awarded, but prize money is available for drivers.
NASCAR's 2026 season officially commences on Wednesday, February 4th, with the Cook Out Clash exhibition race. The event, initially planned for Sunday, was postponed due to winter weather and will now take place at Bowman Gray Stadium's short track in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Twenty-three drivers will compete in the 200-lap main event, following a Last Chance Qualifier. Although the Cook Out Clash does not affect the 2026 season standings, drivers will vie for prize money. This race serves as a vital opportunity for drivers to re-acclimate to racing conditions before the renowned Daytona 500 on February 15th.
The race is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. ET and will be televised nationally on FOX. Practice, qualifying, and the Last Chance Qualifier will also be broadcast across FS2 and HBO Max earlier in the day. Drivers can also stream the event on FoxSports.com and the Fox Sports app.
