The much-anticipated Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, which spotlights this year’s Chase Elliott Clash favorites, now faces uncertainty due to weather disruptions and lingering snow impacts. Though activities shifted from the weekend to Monday, with road conditions still a concern, NASCAR and fans alike remain focused on the headlining drivers and their odds as the event approaches.
As of now, plans are for Monday to include a practice session, an altered qualifying format, the 75-lap Last Chance Qualifier, and the 200-lap main event on the historic quarter-mile oval track. Last year marked the first time Bowman Gray Stadium hosted the Clash after three years at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and Chase Elliott, representing Hendrick Motorsports, dominated by leading 171 of the 200 laps and landing as a central favorite again according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Attention now turns to those most likely to challenge Elliott for the title in this weather-challenged showdown.
Leading Contenders to Challenge Chase Elliott at Bowman Gray
With Elliott positioned as a primary target after last year’s performance, several accomplished drivers stand out as likely threats. Each brings a unique background and set of results specific to short-track, quarter-mile racing, and their odds reflect both talent and past performance.
Ryan Blaney of Team Penske Takes the Spotlight
Ryan Blaney, who carries odds of +550, emerged as a formidable contender last year despite starting in a challenging position. Forced to use the 2024 point standings provisional after difficulties in qualifying and the heat races, Blaney began last year’s Clash from the back of the 23-car grid. Remarkably, he advanced throughout the tight quarters of Bowman Gray to finish in second place, demonstrating both patience and on-track agility. As the event nears, Blaney’s ability to navigate adversity places him among the top candidates to upset Elliott’s reign.
Denny Hamlin’s Quarter-Mile Proficiency
Denny Hamlin, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing and listed at +600 odds, is another major challenger. In 2024’s main event, Hamlin led nearly every lap not commanded by Elliott at Bowman Gray, finishing third overall. His consistency on quarter-mile tracks is notable, and after securing a weather-affected Clash win earlier this year in Los Angeles, Hamlin enters the race highly motivated. His track record positions him as an early favorite for fans and analysts alike.
Kyle Larson’s Determination in Short-Track Racing
Kyle Larson, a constant threat anywhere NASCAR races—including the Chase Elliott Clash favorites lineup—is set at +800 odds. Last year, he struggled to secure a spot in the main event, needing to surge from 10th to finish in the top two during the Last Chance Qualifier—
Kyle Larson is one of the favorites wherever NASCAR goes
—demonstrating formidable racecraft under pressure. Starting 11th out of 12 rows, Larson ultimately finished 17th, but with a lock for this year’s main event due to the 2025 points provisional, he can focus fully on contention this time around.
Christopher Bell’s Short-Track Momentum
Christopher Bell, representing Joe Gibbs Racing with +850 odds, has yet to secure a finish higher than eighth in quarter-mile Clash events from 2022 to 2025. Even so, Bell’s sustained success on short tracks and his early dominance this season—claiming three consecutive wins—make his resurgence a real possibility. His impressive streak suggests that should he find the rhythm at Bowman Gray, competitors will have reason to be cautious.
William Byron’s Potential for a Breakthrough
William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports rounds out the top five with odds at +1000. A mix-up last year kept Byron from the front, and, like Bell, he has yet to reach the top five in Clash races at this distance. Still, his prowess on short tracks and association with a top-tier team bolster his case as a credible long-shot who could deliver a surprise—especially if circumstances eliminate favorites or the unpredictable track evens the field.
Additional Drivers Worth Watching
Several other drivers also deserve mention for their chances in this unique event. Joe Gibbs Racing’s Chase Briscoe is currently listed at +1100, Team Penske’s Joey Logano at +1200, Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain at +2000, and 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick at +2200, reflecting both potential and unpredictability often seen at short tracks like Bowman Gray.
Weather Challenges and Event Coverage Details
Though the fierce snowstorm has cleared, authorities and NASCAR officials continue to assess the feasibility of running the Cook Out Clash on Monday. Clearing local roads and ensuring safe access to the venue is critical in a region unfamiliar with severe winter weather. Should the race proceed, Fox Sports 2 will start its live broadcast of practice and qualifying at 11:00 a.m. ET, with Fox taking over coverage for the Last Chance Qualifier at 4:30 p.m. ET, followed by the main event beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET. These times provide fans with multiple chances to tune in and witness this gathering of elite drivers.
What Makes the 2025 Clash a Significant Event
As fans await the final word on Monday’s race, the field of Chase Elliott Clash favorites promises another competitive chapter at Bowman Gray Stadium. Drivers such as Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and William Byron each offer compelling storylines, while the weather adds another unpredictable variable. Should conditions allow, the race is set to showcase NASCAR’s best in a showdown that could shape early season momentum for drivers and teams alike. The anticipation remains high, with every competitor eager to challenge for victory should the green flag wave.
