NASCAR Cup Series

2026 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray: Ryan Preece Takes the Checkered Flag

Updated: Feb 04, 2026 - 10:05 PM ET

The NASCAR season started with the Clash at Bowman Gray!

Ryan Preece took the checkered flag in the exhibition race. William Byron finished second. Ryan Blaney came in third.

The first taste of 2026 NASCAR Cup Series action came on Wednesday night in the 2026 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The race was interrupted by numerous weather delays, but ended with an exciting 30 laps.

Here are the top moments from The Clash, in what's its second season at Bowman Gray Stadium:

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Feb 04, 2026 - 9:39p ET