Harvick Blames Drivers for 'Shit Show' at Clash

NASCAR veteran says drivers lost their minds and started 'bulldozing' each other in wet conditions.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Kevin Harvick believes the chaotic Cookout Clash race on Wednesday was not due to the weather or tires, but rather the drivers' aggressive behavior on the track. Harvick said the drivers were constantly getting run into and turned, leading them to start 'bulldozing' each other, especially in the wet conditions where finesse was required. He criticized NASCAR's hesitation to put the cars on wet weather tires sooner, which he felt could have helped improve the racing.

Why it matters

The Clash is an important early-season NASCAR exhibition race that sets the tone for the upcoming season. Harvick's comments highlight the challenges of racing in wet conditions and the need for drivers to exercise more restraint and finesse when the track is slippery.

The details

Harvick said the race devolved into a 'shit show' as drivers grew tired of getting run into and turned, leading them to start 'bulldozing' each other. He felt NASCAR was too tentative about putting the cars on wet weather tires, which he believes could have improved the racing. Harvick said the middle lane was 'like ice' due to the rubber, causing the cars to slide and spin their tires.

  • The Cookout Clash race took place on Wednesday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Kevin Harvick

A veteran NASCAR driver who has competed in the sport for over 20 years.

Kaitlyn Vincie

Harvick's co-host on the Happy Hour YouTube show.

Kyle Larson

A top NASCAR driver who competed in the Clash.

Chase Elliott

A top NASCAR driver who competed in the Clash.

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What they’re saying

“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, NASCAR Driver (Happy Hour YouTube show)

“If you've got the wet weather tires in the pits, give them five minutes, put the tires on, send them out on the racetrack and let's go. We heard it from several of them -- Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, guys on the radio saying, 'Let's go.'”

— Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver (Happy Hour YouTube show)

What’s next

NASCAR will need to evaluate its procedures for handling wet weather conditions at future Clash events to ensure a smoother and more competitive race.

The takeaway

Harvick's comments highlight the challenges of racing in wet conditions and the need for both drivers and NASCAR officials to exercise more restraint and decisiveness to avoid the kind of chaotic 'shit show' that unfolded at the Cookout Clash.