Josh Berry and Austin Cindric secured the last two positions for the NASCAR Clash after finishing first and second in the final qualifying heat at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This preseason exhibition race, originally scheduled for Sunday, was postponed twice due to a heavy snowstorm affecting the region and finally took place on Wednesday.
Berry Dominates Heat While Cindric Battles for Second Spot
Berry claimed a decisive victory driving the No. 21 car for Wood Brothers Racing, a team associated with Team Penske. Meanwhile, Austin Cindric engaged in a grueling side-by-side contest with Corey Lajoie for more than 15 laps, ultimately prevailing to clinch the second and final transfer position. Lajoie was filling in for Brad Keselowski, co-owner of RFK Racing, who is recovering from a broken leg suffered in December.
Strategic Moves in Closing Laps Determine Final Transfer
As the race neared its conclusion, AJ Allmendinger attempted to advance his position by shoving Cindric, hoping to disrupt the battle between Cindric and Lajoie and clear the way for himself to claim the final spot. Instead, the maneuver propelled Cindric solidly ahead of Lajoie, securing his berth in the 200-lap Clash event at the historic short track.
Historical Context and Track Significance
This marks the second consecutive year Bowman Gray Stadium has hosted The Clash. The event was held at Daytona International Speedway for over four decades from 1979 until 2021 before moving to a temporary track inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for three seasons.
Notable Drivers Missing the Field and Weather Challenges
Several drivers, including Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Todd Gilliland, failed to qualify for The Clash. Both contributed their time shoveling snow from the grandstands earlier in the week to help prepare Bowman Gray Stadium for the race amid the harsh winter conditions.
Prominent Competitors and Race Lineup
Kyle Larson, the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion, will start The Clash from the pole position, alongside his Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron, who is the defending Daytona 500 winner for two consecutive years. Denny Hamlin, who experienced an emotionally challenging offseason, will begin the race in sixth place during his first event since losing the Cup title last November.
Injury Updates and Offseason Challenges for Hamlin
Hamlin revealed prior to the race that he re-injured a torn labrum, initially surgically repaired before the 2025 season. The injury was aggravated when he slipped in debris from a December house fire that tragically claimed his father’s life and critically injured his mother. Hamlin explained that he intends to delay further surgery until after this upcoming season.
I don’t think that it ever healed properly,
Hamlin said.
Took a little fall at my mom’s house, going through all the rubble and stuff, and just didn’t feel right. Got it rescanned and retore it again.
– Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Upcoming NASCAR Events and Season Outlook
Teams are scheduled to report to Daytona International Speedway next week for preparations leading up to the season-opening Daytona 500 on February 15. The qualifying round for the pole position is set for the following Wednesday, with the remainder of the field determined through two races on Thursday.
