Thursday, January 29

NASCAR Trivia Night at Fiddlin’ Fish

• Where: Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Company
• Time: Thursday, 7–10 p.m.

Kick off Clash weekend with a laid-back but competitive NASCAR-themed trivia night at one of Winston-Salem’s most popular breweries. Expect racing-related questions, prizes for top teams, and a lively crowd of fans ready to test their NASCAR knowledge. NASCAR appearances are being explored, and there is no cost to play. A food truck will be onsite, and select pints will be available for $5.

Friday, January 30

NASCAR Clash Fan Preview

• Where: Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Event Center
• When: Friday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Kick off Cook Out Clash weekend with the all-new Clash Fan Preview, an immersive fan event offering rare, up-close access to NASCAR before the action moves to Bowman Gray Stadium. Fans can get inches from NASCAR Cup Series cars, meet current drivers and legends during autograph sessions, take photos with the Bobby Allison Memorial Trophy, and explore interactive features including iRacing simulators and the official Cup Series Competition Office Hauler. Live DJ-hosted programming and driver Q&As keep the energy high. Programming and appearances are subject to change.

• Good to know: This is a ticketed event. Tickets are $23.55 for adults; kids 10 and under are free. Fans with Cook Out Clash tickets will receive a discounted admission offer via email, valid through Dec. 31.

NASCAR Clash Hauler Parade

• Where: Research Parkway
• When: Friday,  2:30–3:30 p.m.

Race weekend officially rolls into Winston-Salem as NASCAR Cup Series team haulers make their way through the city en route to Bowman Gray Stadium. Fans can line the route for a rare chance to see the massive haulers up close and hear the unmistakable sounds of race weekend arriving. Official parade routes and recommended viewing areas will be finalized soon.

• Good to know: The parade is free to attend, whether you have a race ticket or not. The tentative hauler route will be shared online ahead of the event.

NASCAR Clash Fanfare at Merschel Park

• Where: Merschel Park, downtown Winston-Salem
• When: Friday, 3:30–5 p.m.

Downtown turns up the energy with a free, family-friendly fan festival celebrating The Clash. Fans can meet NASCAR driver Rajah Caruth, see Dale Earnhardt’s iconic race car on display, test their skills in race car simulators, and enjoy food vendors, a live DJ, giveaways, and interactive booths from local attractions. Kaleideum will host a hands-on kids’ station where young fans can build their own race cars and receive museum discounts.

• Good to know: This event is free and open to all. Parking is available at nearby decks, including Liberty Plaza Public Parking at 235 Town Run Lane (map).

Nashville Nights: The Ultimate ’90s Country Experience

• Where: The Ramkat
• When: Friday,  8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.)

Catch a high-energy concert from Nashville Nights, one of the nation’s top ’90s country tribute bands. Expect a crowd-pleasing singalong packed with hits from Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Brooks and Dunn, and more, making it a fitting soundtrack for Clash weekend. General admission tickets start at $25. Premium and reserved seating options are available for $50.

Racing Events: Times, Tickets, and More

Saturday, January 31

Clash Day One: Practice + Qualifying + Madhouse Classic

• Where: Bowman Gray Stadium
• When: Saturday; gates at 10 a.m.; first race at 1 p.m.

Saturday delivers a full day of short-track action led by the return of the Cook Out Madhouse Classic. The invitation-only event features top Bowman Gray drivers and special guests competing in two marquee races, followed by NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying. Fans can expect nonstop on-track action, local racing pride, and a preview of the stars who will headline Sunday night. Below are some key times to know for Saturday's festivities:

• 10:00 AM - Clash Fan Fest opens (Bowman Gray Stadium East Lot)
• 10:15 AM - Cook Out Madhouse Classic practice and qualifying (stadium gates open at 10 a.m.)
• 1:00 PM - Madhouse Classic race, Stadium Modified Division
• 2:45 PM - Madhouse Classic race, Stadium Sportsman Division
• 6:00 PM - Cook Out Clash practice and qualifying (Cup Series)

*NOTE: Limited tickets remain available. Visit The Clash website for ticket details. 

Sunday, February 1

The Cook Out Clash (main event)

• Where: Bowman Gray Stadium
• When: Sunday; gates at 1 p.m.; racing at 6 p.m. 

The Cook Out Clash is NASCAR’s preseason exhibition race, bringing the Cup Series to the legendary quarter-mile short track known as “The Madhouse” in Winston-Salem. The non-points event serves as the official kickoff to the NASCAR Cup Series season and features top drivers competing under the lights in a nationally televised broadcast on FOX. Ticket-holding fans can also add the Clash Fan Track Walk, offering rare pre-race access to track along with photo ops, a live DJ, meet-and-greets with NASCAR drivers, and more. Key times to know include:

• 1:00 PM - Parking opens; Clash Fan Fest opens (East Lot)
• 3–5 PM - Clash Fan Track Walk (ticketed add-on)
• 6:00 PM - Cook Out Clash Last Chance Qualifier
• 8:00 PM - The Cook Out Clash, broadcast live on FOX

*NOTE: Limited tickets remain available for both the race and Track Walk. More day-of events and schedules are available on NASCAR's Clash site here.

More Clash-related events and fan experiences are still in the works, with additional details to be announced as race weekend approaches, so be sure to check back for the latest updates!

Beyond NASCAR, the city will be buzzing all weekend long with everything from karaoke nights and true crime tours to college basketball and live entertainment. To see everything happening around town during Clash weekend, explore our Events Calendar for a full lineup of things to do.

In the meantime, our Clash 2026 page is your go-to for everything you need, including hotel deals, dining guides, track FAQs, and tips for making the most of your time in Winston-Salem.