The Driver Suit Blog-My Thoughts On The Clash

By David G. Firestone

Just a brief column, been feeling off this weekend. So, the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium is behind us, the NASCAR Cup Season is upon us. The race was good, and, again, if the Clash moves from one historic short track to another each year, I would get behind that. I will say that I do miss the days of the Clash being for pole award winners. If it was, then it would have been a shootout between Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Michael McDowell, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick, Ty Gibbs, Chase Elliott, Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, Alex Bowman, Shane van Gisbergen, and Martin Truex Jr..

The for the Clash, according to NASCAR is as follows:

Heat Race Starting Lineup – The field will be split into (3) practice groups, with each group receiving (3) sessions. Each competitor’s fastest lap time from their final practice session will determine the starting lineup for the heat races. The fastest qualifier will be on the pole for Heat 1; second-fastest will be on the pole for Heat 2; third-fastest qualifier will be on the pole for Heat 3; fourth-fastest will be on the pole for Heat 4; etc.

Heat Races – Four heat races of 25 laps each with only green flag laps counted – no overtime in play. The top five from each heat race advance through to The Clash.

Last Chance Qualifier – Cars that do not transfer to The Clash will compete in the Last Chance Qualifier Race with their starting position determined by where they finished in their respective heat races. The LCQ race is 75 laps with only green flag laps counted – no overtime in play. The top two finishers in the LCQ will transfer to The Clash.

The Cook Out Clash Feature – The main event will feature 23 drivers competing for 200 laps with only green lag laps counted – the race must end under green. A timed break will be observed at the halfway point of the race (Lap 100).

Lineup: The first 22 starting spots for The Clash is set through finishing positions in the heat races and the LCQ. The 23rd and final starting spot is reserved for the driver who finished the highest in the 2024 season driver points standings who did not already transfer into The Clash.

I like the idea that everybody can race their way into the Clash, and no spots are guaranteed. The heat races were fun to watch, and it was a great way to hold a Cup Series short track race. Again, the lack of pit stops did hinder the race, but all in all, it was a great race

Really, there isn’t that much to say here. It was a fun racing weekend, and I look forward to the NASCAR season.

Source Cited:

NASCAR announces Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium format