Kyle Larson will lead the field from the pole position in the season-opening NASCAR Clash, scheduled for Wednesday night at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. After weather-induced delays and a challenging winter storm, the event is set to launch with Larson’s impressive qualifying run securing the top spot at this high-profile exhibition.
Clash Faces Multiple Weather Delays Before Race Night
The NASCAR Clash, a much-anticipated exhibition to kick off the season, was originally planned for Sunday but faced several postponements as a winter storm moved through the Winston-Salem area. The first adjustment pushed the event to Monday, before it was postponed again by two more days out of safety concerns, with the new date set for Wednesday.
According to Justin Swilling, NASCAR’s project manager for the event, all parking areas at Bowman Gray Stadium have been cleared and the racetrack is prepared to welcome fans. As Swilling explained, the goal was to be cautious and prioritize the safety of the local community, allowing time for ice and snow to clear from residential streets.
“We wanted to be prudent, responsible to the city, right? I mean, Winston-Salem very rarely gets a winter storm of the magnitude, much less two back-to-back like we’ve seen in the past two weekends. I think we wanted to make sure we just gave the community time to, hopefully, get some ice and snow thawed, be able to get out of their neighborhoods and residential streets and be able to come safely over here.”
— Justin Swilling, NASCAR Project Manager
Despite favorable weather returning ahead of Wednesday, the decision to race on this day rather than Tuesday reflected an abundance of caution. Local weather reports from The Weather Channel predict a 70% chance of snow and cold temperatures for the scheduled event, setting up a challenging, wintry backdrop for drivers and fans alike.
Larson and Byron Headline Qualifying, Full Starting Lineup Announced
Kyle Larson’s pole position came after he recorded the fastest lap in qualifying on Wednesday afternoon. Teammate William Byron will join Larson in Row 1 to start the main event. Here’s a look at the top starters for the 2024 NASCAR Clash:
1. Kyle Larson
2. William Byron
3. Ty Gibbs
4. Chase Briscoe
5. Christopher Bell
6. Denny Hamlin
7. Bubba Wallace
8. Chris Buescher
9. Ross Chastain
10. Tyler Reddick
11. Chase Elliott
12. Carson Hocevar
13. Kyle Busch
14. Joey Logano
15. Austin Dillon
16. Ryan Blaney
17. Shane van Gisbergen
18. Ryan Preece
19. Connor Zilisch
20. Daniel Suarez
21. Last Chance Qualifier Winner
22. Last Chance Qualifier Runner-Up
23. Provisional Points Driver
The full lineup brings together a competitive field featuring top drivers such as Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin, Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, and Austin Dillon, all vying for an early-season statement at Bowman Gray Stadium.
NASCAR Teams Adjust and Prepare Amid Unpredictable Winter Conditions
In light of weeks filled with weather challenges, the NASCAR team has remained committed to hosting a safe and exciting event. Swilling expressed confidence in the organization’s ability to navigate the hurdles of the past two weekends:
“If we’ve overcome the last two weekends, our team is ready to take anything on,”
— Justin Swilling, NASCAR Project Manager
With qualifying concluded, attention now shifts to the last chance qualifier at 4:30 p.m. and the Clash’s main event at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Organizers remain optimistic that, despite the cold and snow risk, the safety and spectacle of the race will draw fans and provide memorable moments to start the NASCAR season.
What to Expect as the NASCAR Clash Begins
The 2024 NASCAR Clash marks not just a return to competition under challenging conditions, but also a test of the sport’s flexibility as it accommodates both drivers and local fans affected by winter weather. With standout competitors like Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Joey Logano in the spotlight, anticipation is high for a thrilling race at Bowman Gray Stadium. As the season opens with the Kyle Larson NASCAR Clash pole, the series demonstrates both its resilience and readiness for what promises to be an action-packed year.
I asked Justin Swilling, the Project Manager for the Cookout Clash, about if the race could have run today.
He said the decision on Sunday to go to Wednesday was out of an abundance of caution. pic.twitter.com/gaJHKGyVcg
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) February 3, 2026
