Get Ready for the Thrill of the 2026 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium!
The excitement is building as NASCAR Cup Series drivers prepare to hit the track at the iconic Bowman Gray Stadium. This event will feature two practice sessions, each lasting eight minutes, followed by a highly anticipated group qualifying round slated for Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. ET. Fans can catch all the action on the FOX Sports App, provided they have access to FS1 and log in through their cable provider.
In a twist resulting from winter weather conditions, the planned heat races have been scrapped. Consequently, the top 20 fastest drivers from the qualifying rounds will automatically secure their spots in the main event, which consists of a grueling 200 laps starting at 6 p.m. ET. Viewers can tune in via FOX, MRN Radio, HBO Max, or SiriusXM NASCAR Radio to catch every thrilling moment.
For those looking to make the cut, the stakes are high! The Last Chance Qualifier Race, taking place at 4:30 p.m. ET, will determine the final two positions in the main event. The top two finishers from this race will earn their spots, claiming the 21st and 22nd starting positions. Meanwhile, the 23rd and final starter will be filled by the highest-ranked driver from the 2025 standings who did not qualify through the LCQ.
Practice Groups Breakdown
The drivers will be divided into three distinct groups for practice:
- Group 1: AJ Allmendinger, Todd Gilliland, Zane Smith, Connor Zilisch, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Daniel Suárez, Cole Custer, Ty Dillon, Noah Gragson, Riley Herbst, Ryan Preece, Chad Finchum, Burt Myers (i)
- Group 2: Alex Bowman, Austin Cindric, Austin Dillon, Josh Berry, Chris Buescher, Cody Ware, Ty Gibbs, Corey LaJoie, Michael McDowell, Carson Hocevar, Erik Jones, John Hunter Nemechek
- Group 3: Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, William Byron, Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, Chase Elliott, Tyler Reddick, Ross Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen
Qualifying Groupings
During the qualifying session, drivers will again be grouped as follows:
- Group 1: Cole Custer, Ty Dillon, Noah Gragson, Riley Herbst, Ryan Preece, Chad Finchum, Burt Myers (i), AJ Allmendinger, Todd Gilliland, Zane Smith, Connor Zilisch, Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
- Group 2: Ty Gibbs, Corey LaJoie, Kyle Busch, Michael McDowell, Carson Hocevar, Erik Jones, John Hunter Nemechek, Alex Bowman, Austin Cindric, Austin Dillon, Josh Berry, Chris Buescher
- Group 3: Joey Logano, Chase Elliott, Tyler Reddick, Ross Chastain, Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Kyle Larson, Chase Briscoe, Daniel Suárez
Qualifying Results
The results of the qualifying session will determine the starting grid for the Cook Out Clash, with positions filled based on drivers’ performances.
Last Chance Qualifier Lineup
Drivers will also have one last opportunity to qualify through the Last Chance Qualifier, with the lineup structured to ensure that everyone has a fair shot at making it into the main race.
Cook Out Clash Starting Positions
The starting lineup for the Cook Out Clash will be organized based on qualifying times, ensuring that the fastest drivers get prime positioning on the track for the main event. Here's how the starting positions will be assigned:
1. Fastest in qualifying
2. Second in qualifying
3. Third in qualifying
4. Fourth in qualifying
5. Fifth in qualifying
6. Sixth in qualifying
7. Seventh in qualifying
8. Eighth in qualifying
9. Ninth in qualifying
10. Tenth in qualifying
11. Eleventh in qualifying
12. Twelfth in qualifying
13. Thirteenth in qualifying
14. Fourteenth in qualifying
15. Fifteenth in qualifying
16. Sixteenth in qualifying
17. Seventeenth in qualifying
18. Eighteenth in qualifying
19. Nineteenth in qualifying
20. Twentieth in qualifying
21. Winner of the LCQ
22. Second place in the LCQ
23. Highest driver from the 2025 final standings not already qualified
As we gear up for this exciting event, the tension and anticipation are palpable. Will your favorite driver take home the trophy? What do you think about the cancellation of the heat races? Do you believe this will impact the competition? Share your thoughts below!
