Get ready for a thrilling showdown at Bowman Gray Stadium, where the 2026 Cook Out Clash is set to ignite the track! But here's the twist: winter weather has canceled the heat races, shaking up the lineup and adding an unexpected layer of excitement. Here’s everything you need to know about this high-octane event, from practice sessions to the final lineup, and why it’s sparking debates among fans.
On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, NASCAR Cup Series drivers will hit the track for two 8-minute practice sessions, followed by a group qualifying session starting at 1:30 p.m. ET. Fans can catch all the action live on the FOX Sports App (available to FS1 subscribers), MRN Radio, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. During qualifying, drivers have a tight 4-minute window to set their fastest lap, running as many times as they can within that timeframe. And this is the part most people miss: the qualifying results will directly determine the starting grid for the main event, with the top 20 drivers advancing automatically.
Due to the canceled heat races, the Cook Out Clash’s 200-lap main event (6 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN Radio, HBO Max, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) will feature a unique lineup. The top 20 qualifiers secure their spots, while the 21st and 22nd positions will be filled by the top two finishers in the 75-lap Last Chance Qualifier Race (4:30 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN Radio, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). The 23rd and final starting spot will go to the highest-ranked driver from the 2025 final standings who didn’t qualify through the LCQ. Controversial question: Is this the fairest way to determine the lineup, or does it favor certain drivers over others? Let us know in the comments!
Here’s a breakdown of the practice and qualifying groups, featuring some of NASCAR’s biggest names:
Practice Groups
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, Kyle Busch, 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, Bubba Wallace, Shane van Gisbergen
Qualifying Groups
GROUP 1: Cole Custer, Ty Dillon, Noah Gragson, Riley Herbst, Ryan Preece, Chad Finchum, Burt Myers (i), AJ Allmendinger, Todd Gilliland, Zane Smith
GROUP 2: Corey LaJoie, Kyle Busch, Michael McDowell, Carson Hocevar, Erik Jones, John Hunter Nemechek, Alex Bowman, Austin Cindric, Chase Briscoe, Austin Dillon
GROUP 3: Chase Elliott, Tyler Reddick, Ross Chastain, Bubba Wallace, Shane van Gisbergen, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Josh Berry, Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, Daniel Suárez, Cody Ware
The Cook Out Clash lineup will be determined as follows:
- Positions 1-20: Fastest qualifiers
- Position 21: LCQ winner
- Position 22: LCQ second place
- Position 23: Highest driver in 2025 final standings not in LCQ
Bold prediction: This lineup could set the stage for some unexpected alliances and rivalries. Who do you think will dominate the track? Share your predictions below!
Don’t miss this action-packed event, and stay tuned for more updates as the drivers gear up for the 2026 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. Will the weather-altered format lead to a new champion, or will a seasoned veteran take the checkered flag? The race is on—literally!
