Kevin Harvick Exposes the Real Reason why Bowman Gray Clash Was a “Sh*t Show”

Kevin Harvick wasn't too impressed with Bowman Gray Clash because of the weather conditions and utter chaos.

Kevin Harvick Exposes the Real Reason why Bowman Gray Clash Was a “Sh*t Show”

Kevin Harvick (via Getty)

In Short
  • Kevin Harvick criticized the Cook Out Clash for chaotic double-file restarts and driver crashes in snowy conditions.
  • He expressed disappointment over drivers' inability to handle wet-weather tires and the icy middle lane on the track.
  • Harvick suggested that NASCAR could have officiated the race better, especially during the transition to wet-weather conditions.

The start to the 2026 season of NASCAR was on a disappointing note as the exhibition Cook Out Clash was delayed a lot. Because of a heavy snowstorm in and around the circuit, the race was postponed to Wednesday. Despite delaying the race, there were problems running in the snowy conditions. Now, the 2014 Cup champion, Kevin Harvick, reveals how the race was a ‘sh**show’ and far from enjoyable.

Kevin Harvick wasn’t disappointed with the Cook Out Clash because of the weather, tires, or inevitable delays; rather, it was how drivers responded to the difficult conditions. The race restarts were more chaotic than ever, and many drivers crashed during the multiple restarts over the session.

Speaking about the double-file restarts mid-way through the race, Kevin Harvick wished that the drivers were more strung out on the track. The drivers were unaware of how far to commit in a corner, and hence went too deep at times. Moreover, the middle lane on the track was like ice, and drivers were spinning and sliding all over the track, further adding to the chaos.

With the double file restarts, I wish we could have gotten them a little more strung out, The only time they learn what’s happening with wet weather tires is during the race. They don’t know how far to drive it in the corner. They don’t know where to run on the race track. The middle lane was like ice with the rubber, sliding and spinning the tires.

Kevin Harvick said on the Happy Hour podcast.

Kevin Harvick pointed out that this situation turned the entire Cook Out Clash into a ‘sh**show’. Harvick recalled his race at the Coliseum, where he was tired of drivers being bulldozed off track. The drivers were fed up with the lack of grip and hence started crashing into one another, ultimately ruining the race experience for many.

Now, this particular situation turned into a shit show. I was in this situation at the LA Coliseum, where I was tired of getting run over, and you just start bulldozing people. And that’s what this turned into. The drivers lost their minds and started bulldozing people because you’re constantly getting run into.

Kevin Harvick added.

Kevin Harvick reveals ‘some moments’ that could’ve been officiated better

Despite negative feedback from many people in the community, the likes of Dale Jr. and others looked at the positives and believed the race was good. Kevin Harvick believed that some moments did not go as planned. The 2014 Cup Series champion revealed the things that could have been officiated more smoothly by NASCAR and made it a grand season opener.

Kevin Harvick
Kevin Harvick (Via @KevinHarvick/X)

Kevin Harvick revealed that the Cook Out Clash being hosted at Bowman Gray is very unique because of the caution laps not being counted and the uncertain weather conditions. As such, when the event transitioned from a normal race to a wet-weather event, Harvick wished for better handling of the situations, and the cautions and other factors not being so tentative.

I think there were definitely some moments that could have been officiated smoother, this event is so unique because we don’t count caution laps (and) we had rain and sleet in the second half, so when the things started happening and when the event started to become a wet-weather event, I just wish we weren’t so tentative, especially at the Clash.

Kevin Harvick noted.

The 2026 season has just begun, and despite the rocky start, there is a long road ahead. The upcoming Daytona 500 race is going to be extremely exciting, with many drivers vying for victory. Ryan Preece was able to lift the victory trophy at the Clash following a difficult battle in the tricky track conditions. It will be interesting to witness which driver manages to win the iconic Daytona race.

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