Chase Elliott and Chris Buescher are set to lead the field in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium after securing the front row positions in their respective heat races. The intense competition during the four heat races determined the first 20 drivers locked into the main event on Sunday, with the remaining drivers vying for two spots through the Last Chance Qualifying race. Additionally, the 23rd spot will be awarded to the highest-ranked driver from the 2024 championship standings who has not yet qualified for the Clash.
Elliott and Buescher showcased their skills by dominating the first two heat races, starting from pole position in their respective 25-lap races. The top five finishers in each heat race secured their spots in the highly anticipated Clash. The initial heat race proved to be particularly thrilling, marked by three cautions due to the aggressive driving on the track.
The first caution was triggered by Austin Dillon, who spun out after catching the apron on lap three. The intensity escalated in the second caution when Kyle Busch made contact with Justin Haley, resulting in a dramatic aerial spin by Haley as he collided with Noah Gragson. The subsequent restart was short-lived, as Josh Berry spun out in Turn 3, leading to another caution. The rivalry between Busch and Haley added an extra layer of drama, with Busch receiving a warning from NASCAR officials to avoid further contact.
Despite the challenges, Elliott emerged victorious in the first heat, followed by Brad Keselowski, Noah Gragson, Kyle Busch, and Ross Chastain. Elliot acknowledged the importance of track position at Bowman Gray, emphasizing the significant advantage of starting from the first rows in the upcoming Clash.
Subsequent heat races proved to be less chaotic, with Chris Buescher securing his place in the Clash for the first time under the current format. In the third heat, Denny Hamlin demonstrated his prowess by leading every lap, followed by Joey Logano, William Byron, Carson Hocevar, and Alex Bowman. Tyler Reddick also delivered a standout performance, leading every lap in the fourth heat and advancing alongside Christopher Bell, Ryan Preece, Austin Cindric, and Todd Gilliland.
The Last Chance Qualifying race, scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, will determine the final drivers to join the elite group competing in the Clash at Bowman Gray. As the anticipation builds, fans and drivers alike are gearing up for a thrilling display of speed, skill, and strategy on the renowned racetrack.
The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown as the top drivers in NASCAR prepare to battle it out for supremacy in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. Stay tuned for the heart-pounding action and unexpected twists that are sure to unfold as these talented athletes push themselves to the limit in pursuit of victory.
