The Clash: Winter Storm Forces NASCAR to Postpone Bowman Gray to Monday Night
The engines will remain silent in Winston-Salem a little longer. In a move dictated by safety and severe winter weather, NASCAR has officially postponed The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. The preseason exhibition, originally scheduled for Sunday evening, will now take place under the lights on Monday night.
Heavy snowfall and lingering ice from a previous storm have left the area blanketed, with forecasts calling for up to 12 inches of snow. The hazardous road conditions surrounding the historic stadium forced officials to make a difficult call on Saturday.
Safety Remains the Top Priority for Officials
Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive vice president, emphasized that the decision was entirely about the well-being of the spectators. While the sport is known for pushing limits, the logistics of getting fans safely into the venue became impossible.
“Nothing matters more than the safety of our fans, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate,” Kennedy said. He noted the collaboration with local North Carolina officials in making the call, ensuring operations teams have sufficient time to clear the facility for a Monday start.
While the wider racing world discusses future schedules and even the potential for a new INDYCAR race through the streets of D.C., the immediate focus in North Carolina is strictly on battling the elements. The Clash was already condensed from a two-day show to a Sunday-only event earlier in the week, but Mother Nature refused to compromise.
Drivers Prepare for Historic Cold
When the green flag finally drops at 6 p.m. Monday, it could mark one of the coldest races in the sport’s history. Drivers, however, seem unfazed by the thermometer. Defending Cup Series champion Kyle Larson, who planned to spend his Saturday sledding with his children, noted that the cockpit heat offers plenty of protection.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever competed when it’s that cold, but thankfully for us, we’re inside of a stock car, which is basically like an oven,” Larson said. His concern lies more with the crews and the fans in the stands who won’t have the benefit of a 700-horsepower heater.
What This Means for The Clash
The postponement creates a very different competitive environment than what teams expected heading into the weekend. A Monday race means colder track temperatures, a tighter turnaround for crews, and a schedule that compresses all on‑track activity into a single day.
Teams will need to adapt quickly, especially given that practice, qualifying, and the main event occur in rapid succession. The shift also changes the rhythm for drivers, who now face a rare weekday race under unusually harsh winter conditions and a combination that could affect tire wear, handling, and the overall pace of the event.
- Parking: Lots will open at 9 a.m. Monday to allow ample time for arrival.
- On-Track Action: Practice and qualifying are set to begin at 11 a.m., setting the stage for the main event.
- The Race: The Clash is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., promising a prime-time spectacle under the stadium lights.
What’s Next
The “Madhouse” at Bowman Gray is accustomed to chaos, usually of the fender-banging variety. This weekend, the chaos is meteorological. While the delay is frustrating for fans eager to see the Next Gen cars tackle the circuit’s tightest track, the Monday night slot offers a unique, high-stakes atmosphere. The snow may have paused the proceedings, but it won’t stop the season from roaring to life.
