With up to a foot of snow possible, the season kickoff short-track showdown may have to wait.
UPDATE: NASCAR has now postponed the event to Monday, February 2.
With the unprecedented cold of winter storm Fern affecting much of the American Southeast, NASCAR has made some changes to the Clash weekend at Bowman Gray Stadium. Initially, the season-opening short track exhibition race was intended to be a two-day affair, with qualifying races Saturday and the main event on Sunday.
The Winston-Salem, North Carolina area is under a winter storm watch until 1 PM on Sunday. As much as a foot of snow is possible for the area – and cleanup from last weekend’s snowstorm isn’t yet complete.
If the snow holds off, NASCAR intends to begin practice at 2 PM Sunday, with the main event taking place at 6 PM. Low temperatures and road conditions will definitely have an effect on in-person turnout, to say nothing of the on-track action.
Each driver will get three practice sessions, with the results of the final session determining running order in lieu of heat races. There are 20 available starting spots to aim for in that third and final practice run; a last-chance qualifying race immediately after will determine two more spots. The final 23rd spot will go to the highest-finishing driver in points last season who didn’t make their way in during practice or qualifying.
As the reigning series champion, Kyle Larson is currently eligible for that spot. However, we have a feeling he won’t have any trouble racing his way in.
Initially, qualifying heat races were to take place after practice on Saturday night, similar to your local short track. The Clash is a chance for NASCAR to return to its short-track roots, but with all of the big-league action you’d expect from the Cup series.
If, for some reason, the race cannot happen Sunday, the Clash will be held on the next possible day. It’ll have to be soon, as teams are due in Daytona on February 9th. Here’s hoping for a miracle on Sunday.
We’ll keep you posted as to any changes, so watch this space for updates on the weather and schedule. If all goes well, we’ll be back next week with a recap.
Photo: Chris Weaver
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