NASCAR Clash Hit by State of Emergency in North Carolina

NASCAR's beginning to the 2026 season might be off to a rocky starts because of extreme weather condition expected during Cook Out Clash.

NASCAR Clash Hit by State of Emergency in North Carolina

Snow covered Bowman Gray Stadium (via FOX8 WGHP)

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NASCAR’s 2026 season might begin on a disappointing note as doubts loom over the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray on Sunday. Winston-Salem has been suffering from a snowstorm, which is expected to worsen in the coming days. As such, the state declares an emergency for the upcoming couple of days, which is supposed to be during race day as well.

An unexpected snowstorm has already covered significant areas in and around the East Coast, which includes North Carolina and Winston-Salem. Though NASCAR drivers like Joey Logano and many others are having fun on snow-covered days, hosting a NASCAR race might be far from ideal. Though the current schedule is supposed to be followed for the upcoming race, a newly declared emergency could result in a change in schedule.

According to the emergency, a winter storm is expected to hit North Carolina on Sunday morning. Reportedly, over 12 inches of snow is expected to fall over areas, disrupting multiple services in the state. This means bad news for NASCAR’s Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium as well. The Saturday events are already postponed, but the race was supposed to take place as scheduled.

However, the race will likely have to be shifted to a later date, which might cause a chain reaction of postponements for the subsequent races. For now, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has urged the citizens of the state to stay alert and take precautions for their safety. He reassured that emergency management teams and NCDOT crews continue to work around the clock to ensure maximum safety for the people.

As another round of winter weather moves into North Carolina, this time possibly bringing snow, I urge everyone to stay alert and take precautions, ur emergency management teams and NCDOT crews continue to work around the clock, and I’m grateful for their continued dedication to keeping North Carolinians safe. 

Josh Stein said via the Governor’s office.

NASCAR reassures that they can ‘race in cold’

Although the current condition screams that hosting a successful Cook Out Clash might be impossible, NASCAR remains determined to host the event. The sport’s iconic event that marks the beginning of the season will definitely have many people visiting over the weekend. However, with a winter storm being anticipated, it can cause fans to miss out on the event and incur losses on their bookings as well.

Current condition of the Bowman Gray Stadium (via Winston-Salem Journal)
Current condition of the Bowman Gray Stadium (via Winston-Salem Journal)

According to a reputed NASCAR insider, around six to ten inches of snow can be expected over the coming days. Though the initial media days and Saturday sessions are being postponed, the race is still running as per schedule. Per Bob Pockrass, the main issue is with the safety of the fans attending the race. The sport reassured that they can race in extreme cold weather, but it wouldn’t be ideal for the people visiting the iconic event.

Forecast says 6-10 inches of snow possible Saturday, but also somewhat uncertain, ech will be tomorrow (Thursday). Teams been told plan is race Sunday and if postponed, then Monday, then Tuesday, etc. Issue will likely be more about people safely attending. NASCAR says can race in cold.

Bob Pockrass said via X

Certainly, this isn’t the ideal start to the highly anticipated 2026 season. The year will bring forth changes to the championship format, as many people look forward to the year. The race will definitely take place, though at a later date. For now, the sport must make decisions in the interest of public safety and not go racing during extreme weather.

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