NASCAR's 2026 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium: A Deep Dive
NASCAR fans, get ready for an exciting event! On February 4, 2026, the NASCAR Cup Series will take center stage at Bowman Gray Stadium, offering a unique racing experience. Here's a breakdown of the upcoming race, including practice, qualifying, and the final lineup.
Practice and Qualifying Sessions
The day's activities kick off with two 8-minute practice sessions, allowing drivers to get a feel for the track. Following this, a group qualifying session will take place, where drivers will have four minutes to set their qualifying times. They can run as many laps as they wish during this window, adding an element of strategy to the proceedings.
Viewers can catch all the action live on the FOX Sports App, FOX, MRN Radio, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. If you have access to FS1, simply sign in through your provider to watch the practice and qualifying sessions.
Heat Races and Main Event
Due to winter weather conditions, the heat races have been canceled, which means the top 20 fastest drivers from qualifying will automatically advance to the 200-lap main event, starting at 6 p.m. ET. This race will be broadcast on FOX, MRN Radio, HBO Max, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Additionally, the top two finishers in the 75-lap Last Chance Qualifier Race, held earlier in the day, will secure starting positions 21st and 22nd, respectively. The 23rd and final starter will be determined by the 2025 final standings, ensuring a fair and competitive field.
Practice Groups and Lineups
The practice sessions will be divided into three groups, each featuring a mix of top-tier drivers. Group 1 includes Cole Custer, Ty Gibbs, and Joey Logano, while Group 2 comprises Ty Dillon, Corey LaJoie, and Chase Elliott. Group 3 features Noah Gragson, Kyle Busch, and Tyler Reddick.
The qualifying groups are also well-balanced, with Group 1 featuring the likes of Kyle Larson, Alex Bowman, and Denny Hamlin. Group 2 includes Todd Gilliland, Austin Cindric, and Chase Briscoe, while Group 3 is led by Zane Smith, Austin Dillon, and William Byron.
Qualifying Results and Lineup
The qualifying results will determine the starting positions for the main event. The top 20 drivers will advance, with the fastest taking the pole position. The Last Chance Qualifier Race will decide the 21st and 22nd starters, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Cook Out Clash Lineup
The final lineup for the Cook Out Clash will be as follows: 1. Fastest in qualifying, 2. Second in qualifying, and so on, up to 20. 20th in qualifying. The 21st and 22nd starters will be the winners and second-place finisher of the Last Chance Qualifier Race. The 23rd and final starter will be determined by the 2025 final standings.
Don't miss out on this thrilling NASCAR event! Mark your calendars, tune in, and witness the action unfold at Bowman Gray Stadium.
