Ricky Stenhouse Jr. took matters into his own hands this week as he was seen clearing snow from the grandstands at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, ahead of the highly anticipated Cook Out Clash. Set to compete on Wednesday, February 4, the Hyak Motorsports driver and his fellow racers are facing unexpected challenges as winter weather continues to impact the area.
The event had already been postponed twice—from Sunday to Monday and then to Wednesday—due to severe weather across North Carolina. NASCAR, in collaboration with the City of Winston-Salem and the North Carolina Department of Transportation, has been closely monitoring conditions to ensure the racetrack is ready and accessible for fans, drivers, and teams. According to schedule updates, the main event is now set to air live on FOX at 6 pm ET, while qualifying races are planned to air Saturday on FS1.
Community Support Grows Amidst Race Day Uncertainty
The unusual sight of a professional driver grabbing a shovel did not go unnoticed. Bob Pockrass, a respected FOX journalist, highlighted Stenhouse’s efforts:
“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.”
—Bob Pockrass, FOX Journalist
With the Cook Out Clash at risk, Stenhouse’s hands-on approach underscores the importance of fan participation and community involvement, as the weather tested both logistics and morale ahead of one of NASCAR’s notable exhibition events. This exhibition-style Clash, which started in 1979 at Daytona International Speedway, moved to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2021 before landing at Bowman Gray for the 2025 edition.
The Role of the Clash and Its Value to Fans
While the Cook Out Clash is an exhibition and does not award championship points, it remains an exciting kickoff to the new season, helping teams and drivers build momentum for the Daytona 500. Speaking about the significance of the race, Stenhouse emphasized how vital fan presence is for everyone involved:
“This place has always been about hard racing and great race fans. So I think for a driver, I had other plans this week that I would be doing on Wednesday night,” said Ricky Stenhouse Jr. “But I think it’s more important to race with the fans coming to do a Clash with no fans wouldn’t be as much fun either for us drivers.”
—Ricky Stenhouse Jr., NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Stenhouse’s comments reflect the spirit at Bowman Gray Stadium, often celebrated for its passionate spectators and intense short-track racing. The driver’s willingness to put aside personal plans highlights the collective commitment to delivering a memorable event for dedicated race fans.
Looking Beyond the Clash—Daytona 500 Next on the Horizon
As fans prepare to gather under challenging conditions, anticipation for the rest of the NASCAR season is building. While the Cook Out Clash does not impact the points standings, attention will soon shift to the Daytona 500, scheduled for February 15, 2026. Stenhouse, who famously won the 65th running of the Daytona 500 in 2023, aims to earn his second trophy in the prestigious event—a feat accomplished by only 43 drivers in history.
Reflecting on his recent performances, Stenhouse wrapped up his 2025 season with one top-five finish and three top-10s across 36 starts. His focus remains firmly on using the Clash as a springboard for further success in the NASCAR Cup Series, where each season opener sets the tone for competition and fan engagement alike.
Significance of the 2025 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray
Efforts from all corners, from the North Carolina Department of Transportation to NASCAR teams and volunteers like Stenhouse, demonstrate the shared goal of keeping races running and traditions alive. Holding the exhibition at Bowman Gray offers a nod to NASCAR’s grassroots, bringing top drivers and fans together in an intimate, historic setting despite weather threats.
With national coverage on FOX and FS1 reigniting enthusiasm for short-track racing and a determined community spirit at the core, the 2025 Cook Out Clash is poised to unite both seasoned and new race fans. The event’s outcome may impact preparations and expectations for future races, reinforcing the importance of flexibility, perseverance, and shared passion in motorsports.
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
