The 2026 NASCAR racing season returns following three months away, as drivers and fans gear up for the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on Sunday, February 1. This exhibition event, featuring only 23 qualified NASCAR drivers to watch 2026, marks an electric start to the year, promising non-stop action ahead of the official Cup Series points races.
Recognized as one of NASCAR’s most historic venues, Bowman Gray Stadium will once again play host to this highly anticipated 200-lap race. With only a limited number of drivers making the main field, competition is at its fiercest, ensuring that spectators will see some of the top names in the sport battle for early momentum. Below are the five standout competitors you simply cannot overlook as the 2026 Cook Out Clash unfolds.
Joey Logano: Proven Track Record on Exhibition Circuits
Joey Logano enters the 2026 Cook Out Clash as a seasoned veteran with an impressive exhibition record. The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion boasts two prior Clash victories and secured a fourth-place finish at Bowman Gray Stadium just last year. Renowned for his strategic positioning and ability to read short, aggressive races, Logano is well-equipped to challenge for the top spot as he commences his new campaign. His experience and poise make him a clear threat every time a non-championship format hits the track.
Ryan Blaney: Dominant on Short Tracks
Ryan Blaney of Team Penske has developed a reputation as a specialist on shorter ovals and will enter the 2026 Clash as one of the frontrunners. After an impressive runner-up result at last year’s event, where his consistent pace set him apart, Blaney remains among the top favorites in both statistical forecasts and odds. His ability to adapt quickly to the challenges of Bowman Gray’s quarter-mile layout underlines why he is a prime contender for this unique showdown.
Denny Hamlin: Veteran With a Winning Edge
Driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, Denny Hamlin brings unparalleled knowledge of short-track racing, competing regularly at tracks like Martinsville Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway. Hamlin leads all current competitors with four career victories in exhibition-style Clash races. Building on a third-place finish in the prior year’s event, Hamlin’s expertise and familiarity with tightly contested circuits continue to position him among the best chances for another strong outing in the 2026 Cook Out Clash.
Chase Elliott: Defending Cook Out Clash Winner
Chase Elliott, representing Hendrick Motorsports, returns as the reigning Cook Out Clash champion after dominating at Bowman Gray Stadium last season—leading an astounding 171 laps from the pole. Elliott’s status among NASCAR’s elite is reinforced by his mastery of short oval tracks and by the technical excellence of his #9 team. With the right qualifying run and a solid starting spot, Elliott’s capability to control the pace makes him one of the most compelling NASCAR drivers to watch 2026 and a favorite to repeat his triumph.
Kyle Larson: The Reigning Cup Series Champion
Fresh off his NASCAR Cup Series championship, Kyle Larson looks to build on his substantial winning momentum as he returns to Bowman Gray Stadium. Not only did Larson rack up victories during the offseason—including title wins in dirt racing competitions and the High Limit International event in Australia—but he also stands out for his ability to handle high-pressure, chaotic racing. His consistent excellence in fierce competition puts him at the center of attention for the upcoming 2026 Cook Out Clash, making him an essential driver to follow in this preseason contest.
The 2026 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium will set the tone for what promises to be an action-filled NASCAR Cup Series season. As drivers like Logan, Blaney, Hamlin, Elliott, and Larson line up to make their mark, fans can anticipate close racing and thrilling moments throughout the 200-lap event. Success in this exhibition will offer both bragging rights and momentum as teams and stars prepare for the official start of the new racing year in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
It was Driver No. 9 in 2025.
Who takes the 2026 edition of the #CookOutClash? pic.twitter.com/18omeO4FIg
— Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium (@nascarclash) January 28, 2026
