The big question racing fans want answered — who won the NASCAR race today — remains unresolved due to weather impacts at the 2026 NASCAR Cook Out Clash. Winter storms and heavy snowstorms forced postponements and rescheduling of the event at Bowman Gray Stadium, meaning no official race winner has been recorded for today’s originally scheduled competition as NASCAR works to complete its preseason slate. As the Cup Series gears up for the regular season and the big Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, fans are anxiously tracking developments and awaiting results from the rescheduled Clash event.
If you’re here for the latest updates on who won the NASCAR race today, keep reading for a detailed look at the situation at Bowman Gray, what led to the status of the race, and what to expect next from NASCAR’s early 2026 season activities.
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Winter Weather Throws NASCAR’s Preseason Plans Into Chaos
The highly anticipated Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium — meant to be the first on-track action of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series — has faced repeated delays due to intense winter weather that blanketed the southeastern U.S.
Historic snowfall in North Carolina created unsafe track conditions at the historic half-mile short track. NASCAR officials initially postponed the event from its original date, and subsequent attempts to reschedule were again thwarted by icy conditions. With snow still covering large sections of the racing surface and safety crews prioritizing fan and team well-being, the organization shifted the date multiple times late into the week.
As of today’s reporting, no race was run and therefore no official winner has been declared, leaving NASCAR fans still asking, who won the NASCAR race today? The answer, for now, is that delays have prevented that outcome.
Why the Clash Matters Despite No Winner Yet
The Cook Out Clash holds a unique place in the NASCAR season. It’s an exhibition event that traditionally signals the first flash of competition before the regular season begins with the iconic Daytona 500 several weeks later.
Here’s why this race is important even if it has no result yet:
- Gives teams their first performance window of the year on race tires and in traffic.
- Allows drivers to shake off winter rust and test setups ahead of points-paying races.
- Provides early data for crew chiefs and engineers as teams dial in for Daytona and beyond.
With no winner yet, the question of who won the NASCAR race today highlights the broader disruption rather than an actual result. Fans may find this confusing, but safety remains NASCAR’s priority.
How NASCAR Is Handling the Weather Disruption
Faced with conditions that prevented the race from running as scheduled, NASCAR issued updates about the postponement and rescheduling several times over the last few days.
Key actions taken include:
- Moving the Cook Out Clash initially from Saturday to Sunday.
- Further shifting it to Monday due to persistent snow and ice.
- Subsequently rescheduling for later this week to give crews better conditions and time to clear the track.
Officials are coordinating with city authorities and track personnel to monitor road conditions, track temperatures, and forecasts before confirming a new date and time for the race.
Fan Impact: More Waiting and Strong Demand for Updates
For racegoers, the postponement has caused logistical challenges:
- Ticket holders have faced uncertainty about travel plans and accommodations.
- Teams have had to adjust practice schedules and transport logistics.
- Broadcasters and media partners have scrambled to recalibrate coverage plans.
Yet despite the waiting, NASCAR’s fan base remains deeply engaged, tracking every update about who won the NASCAR race today and when the event will finally take place.
What’s Next on the NASCAR Calendar
Although the Cook Out Clash remains in limbo, next up in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule are key events that will have definitive results, including:
Daytona Duel Races
Held just days before the Daytona 500, these qualifying races set the starting lineup and produce clear victors as drivers jockey for prime positions.
The Daytona 500
Scheduled later this month, this crown jewel event will yield an official winner and kick off the points season in earnest.
Early Season Points Races
Once the regular season begins, several marquee races with clear winners will follow, helping shape the championship picture.
These events will finally provide the sort of definitive answers fans crave — including winners and key standings — after the unusual start to the year.
Historical Context: NASCAR Winners in Recent Seasons
For perspective, looking back at recent NASCAR seasons shows a pattern of dominant performances from veteran stars. In 2025, drivers such as Ryan Blaney and William Byron secured significant victories on the Cup Series circuit. In recent years, champions like Kyle Larson have made headlines for their championship runs and multiple wins.
That history underscores how unpredictable race outcomes can be, and how weather delays don’t diminish the excitement fans feel about finding out who won the NASCAR race today once the event finally runs.
Official Standings and Timing Updates Still Pending
Because the Cook Out Clash has not been held, there are no official NASCAR standings changes based on this event. Drivers, teams, and fans alike are monitoring announcements closely for a new date and time, frequently checking updated schedules from the NASCAR Cup Series.
Once the race completes, results will be shared broadly and definitive answers to the question who won the NASCAR race today will at last be available.
Thanks for reading — let us know your thoughts about the weather delays and who you think will take the checkered flag when the Cook Out Clash finally runs!
