NASCAR
First Bowman Gray Stadium NASCAR Cup Event in Five Decades Will See 23 Drivers, 200-Lap Distance
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — NASCAR has announced the format and procedures for the upcoming Cook Out Clash, set to take place on Sunday, February 2, at Bowman Gray Stadium. The main event will feature 23 drivers competing over a 200 lap distance, with a mandatory halfway break caution. Only green flag laps will count, and the race must conclude under green flag conditions.
On Saturday, February 1, all drivers will take part in in three practice rounds, held in place of traditional qualifying. The fastest lap time from a driver’s final practice session will determine their starting position in one of four heat races. Each heat race will consist of 25 laps, with only green flag laps counting and no overtime. The top-five finishers from each heat will automatically advance to Sunday’s main event.
For those not advancing through the heats, a Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) race will be held on Sunday. The LCQ will be 75 laps, with the top two finishers securing a spot in the Cook Out Clash. Like the heats, the LCQ will only count green flag laps and will not feature overtime.
Additionally, one final spot in Sunday night’s starting grid is reserved for the highest 2024 points-finishing driver not yet locked into the event.
The NASCAR Clash has used similar formats over the past three seasons at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, with past winners being: Joey Logano (2022), Martin Truex Jr. (2023), and Denny Hamlin (2024).
Clash Sunday tickets are sold out, but Saturday reserved grandstand seats are still available. The Cook Out Clash will go green Sunday, February 2 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. For more information on everything Bowman Gray Stadium, visit this link.
Written by Peter Stratta
Be sure to follow us on Twitter/X
Be sure to follow the writer on Twitter/X
Photo Credits to Peter Stratta/TSJSports
