As winter weather continues to disrupt plans for the 2026 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, NASCAR officials are working around the clock to prepare the facility while balancing safety, logistics and competitive integrity.
NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer John Probst said the organization has monitored forecasts closely throughout the week, consulting multiple weather services and delaying decisions as long as possible in hopes that conditions would improve.
“We’ve been following the weather forecast all week,” Probst told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on Friday morning. “… We waited as long as we could to make the call on Saturday, but unfortunately, we had to pull the plug on Saturday activities and then see the approach to see what actually does hit us so they can make the call for Sunday.”
With snowfall and ice affecting Winston-Salem and surrounding areas, track preparation has become only one part of a much larger challenge. Probst emphasized that clearing the racing surface is often manageable in short order, but ensuring safety across the entire facility and in-and-out logistics are far more complex.
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Looking ahead, NASCAR remains flexible, working closely with broadcast partners, teams and city officials to determine when racing can safely begin. For now, NASCAR officials continue to monitor conditions and prepare the facility, with a focus on delivering a safe, competitive and entertaining event once circumstances allow.
— NASCAR.com —