NASCAR reduces Clash event to a single day because of winter storm conditions.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — NASCAR has revised the schedule for this weekend’s exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium due to the expectation of additional ice and snow affecting the region.
The Clash was initially planned as a two-day event starting Saturday, with the main race set for Sunday evening. However, the roads in the vicinity remain partially obstructed from last weekend’s ice storm, and further adverse weather is anticipated in the coming days, with up to 12 inches of snow possible on Saturday and a winter storm watch in effect until 1 p.m. ET Sunday.
In response, NASCAR has postponed all Saturday’s track activities and will conduct the Clash as a single-day event on Sunday. The intention is to commence practice at 2 p.m. Sunday.
NASCAR is confident that, despite the low temperatures, its Goodyear tires will provide sufficient grip on the quarter-mile track at Bowman Gray Stadium to proceed with the race at 6 p.m. Sunday.
The execution of the event will depend on the amount of snowfall on Saturday. Should The Clash be unable to take place on Sunday, NASCAR appears ready to reschedule it for the next available clear day; teams are set to travel to Daytona Beach, Florida, around Feb. 9 to start preparations for the season-opening Daytona 500.
With the Clash now condensed to a single day, the format will be as follows:
• Drivers will be divided into three practice groups, with each group allotted three practice sessions. Times from the final session will establish their starting positions for the main event and the last chance qualifier.
• The heat races scheduled for Saturday are canceled.
• The last-chance qualifier on Sunday will consist of 75 laps, providing two spots in the main event for those who did not finish in the top 20 during qualifying.
• The final 23rd position in the main event will be awarded to the driver with the highest points who has not qualified. Two-time NASCAR champion Kyle Larson is the only driver assured a spot.
• The main event will consist of 200 laps, featuring a midway break at Lap 100. Only laps under green-flag conditions will be counted.
Source: espn.com
