NASCAR’s unofficial begin to the 2026 season is in jeopardy attributable to winter climate. Winter Storm Fern left Bowman Grey Stadium lined in snow simply days earlier than the pre-season Conflict that’s imagined to happen on the iconic quick observe.Â
The observe, situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was utterly lined in snow following the storm. Plows have been working to clear the roads round Bowman Grey, however regardless of some sunshine, little is melting as temperatures stay round freezing. Based on AccuWeather, temperatures punched above freezing for the primary time at this time with a excessive of 37 levels (Fahrenheit). That pattern will proceed into Wednesday and Thursday.
The observe itself and storage space is now clear whereas the infield stays coated with a skinny layer of snow. Nevertheless, their efforts will likely be stifled by the truth that temperatures will plunge again down simply in time for the race weekend with a excessive of 21 and low of 11 on Saturday, after which a excessive of 27 with a low of 15 on Sunday. There’s additionally an opportunity of further snow flurries in the course of the race weekend as one other system strikes into the world.
Mike Pleasure, who works because the play-by-play announcer for NASCAR on FOX, gave the next replace relating to the observe on Tuesday: “Bowman-Grey at midday: observe and pits are plowed and drying. Major St. has only one lane scraped every manner. Different roads and facet streets are packed snow. Most tons have snow piled excessive, limiting parking. If coming, gown for excessive chilly. Plan to park remotely and shuttle to trace.”
TV tools is being arrange on the observe, however conversations proceed relating to doable changes to the weekend schedule, NASCARÂ Government Vice President and Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer Ben Kennedy supplied the next perception:
“Snow has been cleared from the observe and storage areas at Bowman Grey. Hoping for a heat(er) day or two in Winston-Salem to speed up clear up. We’re persevering with to watch extra climate this weekend and can talk schedule modifications, if any.”
That is the second 12 months of The Conflict being held at Bowman Grey Stadium. In 2024, NASCAR held the occasion on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the ultimate time, and that occasion was pressured to run someday early attributable to historic rainfall and flooding that hit Southern California.
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