NASCAR
Stratta’s Six: Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium
The shortest offseason in sports is almost over. Sunday marks the start of NASCAR’s 2026 campaign with the Cook Out Clash. Historic Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina will be the battleground for a second-straight year. The quarter-mile ribbon of asphalt nicknamed ‘The Madhouse’ will be a show unlike any other this year, with possibly record-cold temperatures. Here are a few drivers who hope to stand tall as Clash conquerer this weekend.
Chase Elliott
A year ago at The Clash, Chase Elliott had the secret sauce for a near-perfect race. The Hendrick Motorsports No. 9 started on pole, led 171 laps, and took home a maiden Clash trophy. Returning once again to The Madhouse, can the crowd favorite deliver again? Elliott’s short track acumen rivals today’s best drivers, thanks to his upbringing in pavement late models. While it may be tough to replicate last year’s wire-to-wire domination, expect Elliott to be a contender again.
“It was a really smooth weekend for us, and I think that was probably the biggest takeaway,” Elliott said. “Qualifying well sets you up well for your heat race. Got us into a great position to have good track position all night. I don’t necessarily think that’s the end-all be-all. I think Ryan (Blaney) debunked that with his performance in the main. But certainly it would nice to get off to a good start again this year and I think we can do that.”
“I thought it was really fun. Just the whole experience was cool. I know it was kind of cold, but you wouldn’t have thought that with the fan turnout and the excitement and everything else.”
Elliott’s prowess combined with Hendrick’s short track setup could be another dynamic duo. Bowman Gray Stadium will mark the debut of the new 750-horsepower engine package. Elliott was one of a few drivers who already has time with these regulations. Driver 9 took part in the recent test at North Wilkesboro Speedway. This experience could give Elliott and others an upper hand for Bowman Gray Stadium.
Chase Elliott’s No. 9 Napa Auto Parts Chevrolet at Bowman Gray Stadium before winning the Cook Out Clash on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Photo Credit: Peter Stratta/TSJSports
Ryan Blaney
Chasing down Elliott in last year’s closing laps was his best friend Ryan Blaney. Driver 12 stole the show in the Clash, starting last and methodically driving his way forward. If not for burning up his tires, he could have been a heavier challenge against Elliott. Now 12 months removed from this runner-up, Triad local Blaney hopes to be one spot better.
Blaney’s short track talent is among the series-best, owning multiple recent wins at both Martinsville and New Hampshire. If the Clash has a long green flag run to the end, Blaney may just be the man to beat.
Ryan Blaney’s No. 12 Menards/Great Lakes Flooring Ford Mustang at Bowman Gray Stadium before the Cook Out Clash on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Photo Credit: Peter Stratta/TSJSports
Denny Hamlin
One of the Clash’s all-time winningest men, Denny Hamlin eyes another trophy from The Madhouse. Hamlin previously tamed the preseason exhibition at both Daytona and the Los Angeles Coliseum. The wily veteran in the No. 11 Toyota could become the only man to win The Clash on three different racetracks. A winner last year at Martinsville and Gateway, Hamlin’s short track precision seems to be as strong as ever. Third a year ago at The Madhouse, the 11 aspires to be two spots higher this time around.
Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 SportClips Toyota Camry at Bowman Gray Stadium before the Cook Out Clash on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Photo Credit: Peter Stratta/TSJSports
William Byron
The most recent short track race saw William Byron dominate at Martinsville in October. Facing must-win under the Playoffs, the No. 24 started on pole and led over 300 laps that day. If a fraction of this performance returns at Bowman Gray, then Byron will be a player for Sunday’s win.
“This weekend brings a lot of unknowns especially with the way the weather is trending right now,” Byron said. “I’m excited to get back on track though, whenever that may be. We’ve had a good offseason, and the team has been working hard for the season to start back up. We have a couple new teammates so this will be a good first step to make sure we’re all working on the same page.”
Through six Clash appearances, Byron’s put up four top-10s but only a best result of fifth. 18th last year after running into trouble left Byron with more to be desired from Bowman Gray. If the 24 can stay pointed forward, the Hendrick Chevrolet may be a player in deciding this year’s Clash outcome.
William Byron’s No. 24 Liberty University Chevrolet at Bowman Gray Stadium before the Cook Out Clash on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Photo Credit: Peter Stratta/TSJSports
Christopher Bell
Few drivers today have the all-around talent seen weekly by Christopher Bell. The man in Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 20 Toyota is one of the most adaptable and deft men on the grid. Top-five in points and multi-time race winner in four-straight years, Bell eyes a banner 2026 ahead.
A three-time Clash participant, Bell’s best exhibition result was eighth in Los Angeles from 2022. Already the reigning All-Star Race winner, CBell wants to add the Clash’s trophy to his case too.
Christopher Bell’s No. 20 Mobil1 Toyota Camry at Bowman Gray Stadium before the Cook Out Clash on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Photo Credit: Peter Stratta/TSJSports
Ryan Preece
A graduate of northeast Modified racing, it would be very fitting for Ryan Preece to win at The Madhouse. The RFK Racing driver has achieved this feat already, in a ‘Ground Pounder’ all the way back in 2013. Preece also ran last year’s Modified show here ahead of The Clash, finishing 17th. Preece is chomping at the bit to get back to his roots and run around The Madhouse again.
“I’m the type of guy, if you push me, I’m going to hit you back,” Preece said. “But at the same time, if you race me with respect, I’m going to race you with respect. So that’s what people remember of what happened last year. But we are at The Madhouse, so you never know.”
Still searching for a maiden Cup win, Preece has turned heads before in The Clash. 2023’s event from the L.A. Coliseum saw the Connecticut driver lead a chunk of that race before fading late. Few are as hard-nosed and scrappy as Preece when they sniff the front. Driver 60 could do whatever it takes to bring home the Bowman Gray hardware.
Ryan Preece’s No. 60 Fastenal Ford Mustang at Bowman Gray Stadium before the Cook Out Clash on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Photo Credit: Peter Stratta/TSJSports
Impending winter weather has already affected The Clash’s weekend slate of events. All on-track activities from Saturday have been postponed. This leaves Cup cars to practice, qualify, run heat races, and the main event all on Sunday afternoon. Stay tuned for the latest updates on all things Cook Out Clash, as this event will get underway sooner rather than later.
Written by Peter Stratta
Be sure to follow us on Twitter/X
Be sure to follow the writer on Twitter/X
Photo Credits to Sean Gardner/Getty Images
