Kyle Larson, the defending NASCAR Cup Series champion, earned the pole position for the 2026 Cook Out Clash held at Bowman Gray Stadium. On Wednesday, Larson posted a top qualifying speed of 63.663 mph driving the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, securing his place at the front of the starting grid for the race set to begin at 6 p.m. ET.
Qualifying Results Highlight Strong Hendrick Motorsports Presence
Close behind Larson was fellow Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron in the No. 24 Chevrolet, recording a speed of 63.645 mph. The top five qualifiers also included Ty Gibbs in the No. 54 Toyota from Joe Gibbs Racing, Chase Briscoe in the No. 19 Toyota, and Christopher Bell driving the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. Rookie Connor Zilisch, competing in the No. 88 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, qualified 19th, securing a spot in the main event.
Race Field and Last Chance Qualifier Details
The main race field features the top 20 qualifiers, with a Last Chance Qualifier scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET to finalize the lineup. Alex Bowman, in the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports car, currently holds the points provisional and can race into the event through this qualifier if necessary. The Last Chance Qualifier will also be broadcast on FOX, HBO Max, MRN Radio, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Practice Session Highlights and Weather Impact
Before qualifying, Christopher Bell recorded the fastest lap across practice sessions, reaching 63.411 mph, while Ryan Blaney of Team Penske followed closely at 63.295 mph. These sessions marked the first on-track activities since the 2025 season’s conclusion at Phoenix Raceway. The original event was postponed several days due to heavy snowfall in North Carolina, causing delays in the schedule.
Significance and Upcoming Coverage
Kyle Larson’s pole position sets an optimistic tone for the 2026 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, signaling strong competition ahead among notable drivers from top teams. With the Last Chance Qualifier approaching and a lineup filled with experienced racers and promising rookies, fans can expect an intense and exciting race. Coverage continues across major broadcast platforms, offering comprehensive access to all the action.
“We are excited to get back on track after the delay and look forward to a competitive race.” ?Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
“The team has worked hard under difficult conditions, and it shows in our qualifying results.” ?William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
