NASCAR adjusted the schedule for this weekend’s exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as the region continues to deal with hazardous conditions from last weekend’s ice storm and the forecast calls for more wintry weather.
The Clash had been scheduled as a two-day event starting Saturday, with the main eventon Sunday night. NASCAR postponed all Saturday on-track activity and instead plans to run the event as a one-day program on Sunday.
Winter storm watch and uncertain conditions drive the decision
The Winston-Salem area was still clearing roads after last weekend’s ice, and another round of snow and ice was forecast for the next few days. Forecasts cited the possibility of significant accumulation on Saturday, with the area under a winter storm watch through early Sunday afternoon.
NASCAR said whether the event can run on Sunday will depend on how much snow falls. If it cannot be held on Sunday, NASCAR indicated it is prepared to run it on the next possible clear day.
Sunday timing and tire grip expectations
Under the revised plan, NASCAR’s goal is to begin practice at 2 p.m. Sunday. NASCAR also said it believes its Goodyear tires will provide enough grip on the quarter-mile Bowman Gray Stadium track to run the main event at 6 p.m., even with cold temperatures.
One-day format replaces heat races and sets the grid through practice
Because the Clash is now scheduled as a one-day program, NASCAR said drivers will be split into three practice groups, and each group will receive three practice sessions. Times in the final practice session will determine the starting lineup for both the main event and the last-chance qualifier.
Saturday heat races were canceled.
Last-chance qualifier and main event details
The revised schedule includes a 75-lap last-chance qualifier that will offer two spots in the main event for drivers who do not finish in the top 20 in qualifying.
The 23rd and final starting spot will go to the highest driver in points who has not made the race. NASCAR said two-time champion Kyle Larson is the only driver guaranteed a spot in the main event.
The main event is scheduled for 200 laps, with a break at Lap 100. NASCAR said only green-flag laps will count.
Looking ahead to Daytona
NASCAR teams are expected to head to Daytona Beach, Florida, around Feb. 9 to begin preparations for the season-opening Daytona 500, adding pressure to get the exhibition event completed before the travel window.
Chase Elliott won the event last year.
