During the weather-affected Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, Chase Briscoe accepted responsibility for spinning Shane van Gisbergen late in the race. Briscoe, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, had been competing near the front for most of the event before his collision with the Trackhouse Racing driver halted van Gisbergen’s chances of winning. The intense NASCAR exhibition race saw erratic weather and multiple incidents shape its outcome.
Race Conditions and Challenges Make the Clash a Test of Skill and Strategy
The 2026 Cook Out Clash was marked by extraordinary unpredictability. Initially postponed due to snow, the race also endured rain and sleet during a mid-race break, forcing teams to switch from dry slick tires to those suited for wet conditions. NASCAR introduced a mandatory refueling stop, contributing to the event stretching over three and a half hours. A total of 17 cautions disrupted the flow, 13 of which occurred in the latter half, as nearly every driver in the 23-car field faced incidents.
Battle for the Lead Intensifies with Multiple Restarts
Among the drivers caught in the fray were Shane van Gisbergen in car No. 97 for Trackhouse Racing and Chase Briscoe in the No. 19 for Joe Gibbs Racing. During the closing 60 laps, van Gisbergen and Ryan Preece exchanged challenges for the lead over several restarts, while Briscoe maintained a consistent position near the front. Preece ultimately distanced himself from the pack following the restart on lap 156.
Critical Moment: Briscoe’s Spin Ends van Gisbergen’s Bid
The defining incident came on lap 165 when Chase Briscoe caused Shane van Gisbergen to spin while competing for second place. Afterward, Briscoe conceded the error, reflecting on his misjudgment amid the difficult conditions.
“I had a ton of fun when I was leading and even running second behind (Carson) Hocevar. I just kept kind of running behind him and trying to set him up cleanly. And then it was like, as soon as I got out of the top two, just guys are piled driving into you. And I absolutely wrecked SVG. I went in and got my left front where it was wet, cleaned him out. So I can’t really sit there and talk about other guys when I did the exact same thing,” he told Bob Pockrass (0:30 onwards).
Van Gisbergen expressed his disappointment over the radio by stating, “That’s a shame,” and from that point, he struggled to regain competitive speed, ultimately finishing 17th. Briscoe himself lost positions amid the chaos, crossing the finish line in sixth place.
“Yeah, it was fun. If you had more room, it’s just hard. The lane was so narrow. And as soon as you got out of that lane, it was honestly like hidden black ice. And we just go straight. So it was tough for sure,” he added.
Ryan Preece Captures Victory Following an Unpredictable Race
After enduring a tumultuous night challenged by the weather and numerous on-track incidents, Ryan Preece emerged as the winner of the Cook Out Clash. His success capped off a race that tested drivers’ skills and teams’ adaptability under difficult conditions.
Officials’ Decisions Spark Frustration Among Drivers and Crew
Although the Cook Out Clash was a non-points exhibition, many within the Cup Series garage expressed dissatisfaction with NASCAR’s officiating throughout the event. Crew chiefs and experienced team members called for clearer communication and more consistent rule enforcement as the Cup season approaches.
James Small, crew chief for Briscoe’s No. 19 team, highlighted the confusion surrounding race procedures and rule changes.
“It’s like, why do we even have the rules. Even after the LCQ, I think they gave another car a set of tires that they said they were never going to give. So, it was just constantly chopping and changing and it was frustrating.”
Briscoe shared this frustration, specifically referencing unauthorized tire adjustments occurring during caution periods.
“I didn’t know all the circumstances that were going on, but I know James was not thrilled with the situation… a lot of guys were doing adjustments. You weren’t supposed to be doing adjustments. Like the 22 (Joey Logano) was changing air pressure and stuff right in front of us. And so, yeah, it’s kind of frustrating a little bit.”
Controversy Over Tire Changes During Restricted Pit Stops
One particular issue involved Carson Hocevar and the Spire Motorsports No. 77 team. NASCAR’s rules permitted teams to pit only for refueling during the event, yet Hocevar switched out his wet-weather tires, sparking debate. Officially, teams are not allowed to return to slick tires until race control confirms the track is dry, which was not declared at that time.
Looking Ahead to the Daytona 500 and Season Opener
With the NASCAR Cup season kickoff scheduled for the Daytona 500 on February 14, teams and officials alike aim for improved race management and clearer guidance to avoid similar confusion. The experiences from the Cook Out Clash provide lessons for better communication and rule enforcement as the competitive season unfolds.
Chase Briscoe on the fuel situation where NASCAR allowed everyone to pit for fuel and the inability for the race to get into any flow once they raced in the wet. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/tXmTz81bmG
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 5, 2026
