Cook Out Clash defending champion Chase Elliott recently reflected on the biggest takeaways from his successful run last year and what he sees as key factors heading into the 2026 exhibition-style clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. For Elliott, the secret to success starts long before the green flag flies in the main event.

Chase Elliott said that on the historic 0.25-mile short track, where overtaking can be a full-contact affair and tempers can flare up quickly, track position remains a major advantage. Last year, Elliott and his #9 hendrick motorsports The team executed this plan almost perfectly, keeping themselves in front and away from the chaos that often erupts in the middle. After winning the first qualifying heat of 2025, he took pole position for the main event.

During the FOX Sports production day ahead of the 2026 clash, Chase Elliott looked back at last year’s perfect weekend and detailed what Bowman Gray Stadium needs to do to make it a success.

“It was a really smooth weekend for us and I think that’s probably the biggest takeaway. I think going back to do well in qualifying and get ready for the warm-up. You know, put us in a good position and have good track position all night “I don’t necessarily think that’s what’s important and final. I think Ryan blew that away with his performance in the main event, but certainly it would be nice to get off to a good start again,” Elliott told Bob Pokeras.

‘Great atmosphere’: Chase Elliott looking forward to Cook Out Clash 2026

Last year, Chase Elliott started on the pole after winning Saturday night’s heat race at Bowman Gray and dominated the race, leading a race-high 171 of the 200 laps before holding off Ryan Blaney and Denny Hamlin in the second half of the event.

Elliott further stated in the interview that he is looking forward to this weekend’s exhibition game and the atmosphere of the event.

“I thought the atmosphere was great and obviously we won, which was great, but you know, I really thought it was a great and energized vote,” Elliott said.

Chase Ellott ends his 2025 season in eighth place in the points standings with two wins, 11 top-five finishes, 19 top-10 finishes and 454 laps led.

Watch the 30-year-old Dawsonville, Ga., native return to action on Sunday, February 1 at Bowman Gray Stadium.