On February 1 at Bowman-Gray Stadium, NASCAR Cup Series driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. personally joined track crews to clear snow from the grandstands, ensuring fans could attend the rescheduled Cook Out Clash. Stenhouse’s hands-on approach highlights his commitment to supporting race fans and preserving a key event, with fellow driver Todd Gilliland also pitching in ahead of the anticipated showdown.
Drivers Take Action to Prepare the Track for the Cook Out Clash
As winter weather blanketed Bowman-Gray Stadium, regular track workers were joined by Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Todd Gilliland, both equipped with shovels, to help remove snow from spectator areas. Stenhouse responded to an invitation from the stadium’s social media account, agreeing to bring his own shovel to help the snow removal effort. The following day, video footage captured by FOX reporter Bob Pockrass showed Stenhouse actively shoveling snow in the grandstands. Gilliland was also caught on camera contributing to the cleanup. Pockrass humorously suggested that both drivers deserved a “snow removal provisional” as a reward for their dedication, noting the added pressure on Gilliland, who had family planning to watch the race in person.
Both Stenhouse and Gilliland are set to compete in the Last Chance Qualifier, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Eastern, as they aim for a spot in the 200-lap main event of the Cook Out Clash. The main race is slated for February 4 at 6 p.m. Eastern, ensuring a full day of racing action.
Inclement Weather Forces Major Changes to Event Schedule
The Cook Out Clash, one of the opening highlights of the NASCAR Cup Series season, was originally scheduled for Sunday, February 1 at Bowman-Gray Stadium. However, a significant snowstorm forced officials to delay the event, initially postponing it to Monday, February 2. Continued snowfall made Monday’s racing plans unfeasible, prompting another reschedule for Wednesday, February 4.
Preparations for the big day now include practice and qualifying, set to begin at 1:30 p.m. Eastern on race day, with the Last Chance Qualifier taking place later that afternoon. Both the LCQ and the main Cook Out Clash will be broadcast on FOX, while preliminary practices air on FS2. This year marks the event’s second appearance at Bowman-Gray Stadium, and defending winner Chase Elliott is looking to repeat his victory from the previous season. The main event will run for 200 laps, promising plenty of excitement for competitors and fans alike.
Importance of Fan Participation Drives Stenhouse’s Efforts
Stenhouse emphasized his belief that fans are central to the race day experience. In conversation with Bob Pockrass, the four-time Cup Series winner described why he chose to join the snow removal efforts personally:
“This place has always been about hard racing and great race fans. I think for a driver, yeah, I had other plans this week that I would be doing on Wednesday night, but I think it’s more important to race with the fans.”
? Ricky Stenhouse Jr., NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Approaching his seventh season in the #47 Hyak Motorsports car and the 14th of his Cup Series career, Stenhouse is no stranger to big moments, holding a Daytona 500 win from 2023 and most recently winning at Talladega in October 2024. His decision to assist with preparations reflects a commitment to the broader NASCAR community, ensuring spectators can enjoy the event despite challenging winter conditions.
The Event’s Significance and What Lies Ahead
The extraordinary efforts by drivers like Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Todd Gilliland to help ready the stadium underscore the sense of community and dedication typical in motorsports. Their participation in snow removal—ahead of battling for qualification—illustrates a genuine connection to fans and recognition of their role in the sport’s atmosphere. As the Cook Out Clash finally moves forward at Bowman-Gray Stadium, race fans and participants alike can look forward to an event built on resilience, team spirit, and a shared passion for racing.
I put the offer out to come shovel snow in the grandstands
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) February 1, 2026
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is here, too, helping with grandstand efforts. We joked he is clearing grandstands for Burt Myers fans who will flip him off lol. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/u5ExDnANZT
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 2, 2026
I suggested that Todd Gilliland and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. should get a “snow removal provisional” to get in the main and Gilliland said he is under big pressure to make the main because his wife is having people over to watch. 😬@NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/M3hGngYzgZ
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 2, 2026
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. on the importance of having fans at the Clash even if that means the push to Wednesday. The track appears ready but the facility needs more work (and teams likely needed at least one more day for crew members in remote locations to travel). @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/jOWF9AZbnN
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 2, 2026
