NASCAR's preseason exhibition race is heading back to historic territory. The Cook Out Clash is taking on Bowman Gray Stadium once again in 2026.
According to a press release, the annual preseason event will take place on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. The Cup Series teams will also be in action at the quarter-mile short track on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. If the series follows the schedule from last season, Jan. 31 will feature practice, qualifying, and heat races.
"The City of Winston Salem is deeply honored to have been chosen to host the 2026 Cook Out Clash," said City of Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines in a press release.
"The 2025 race was an immensely successful event for all parties involved. We will work hard to ensure that the 2026 Cook Out Clash is even more successful."
At a place that remembers everything, we're writing history you can't forget.
The @nascarclash returns to The Madhouse in 2026! pic.twitter.com/AmV20IxdMA
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 9, 2025
The Clash, which has traditionally taken place at Daytona International Speedway, made its first trip to Winston-Salem, North Carolina last season. NASCAR saw the Gen 7 cars could compete on a quarter-mile track after three trips to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, so it took the cars to The Madhouse.
This move was made possible by NASCAR acquiring Winston-Salem Speedway, Inc, the company responsible for managing racing operations at Bowman Gray Stadium.
The short track featured short tempers as drivers battled for the historic win and bragging rights. Ty Gibbs, in particular, launched the No. 54 Toyota Camry into the air under caution while trying to retaliate against Justin Haley for an earlier incident.
Ty Gibbs gets air at the Madhouse. pic.twitter.com/G4bW8NJ4A2
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 3, 2025
While some drivers battled during the Cook Out Clash, Chase Elliott dominated. He started from the pole, led 171 of the 200 laps, and scored the win in the No. 9 Chevrolet.
"We wrote a new chapter in the storied history of motorsports at Bowman Gray Stadium with the Cook Out Clash this year," said Joey Dennewitz, Managing Director, NASCAR Regional.
"As NASCAR's first weekly racetrack, we are proud to bring the 2026 Cook Out Clash back to the original home to grassroots racing. Thanks to the City of Winston-Salem and Winston-Salem State University for their continued partnership at 'The Madhouse'."