The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series is grappling with major challenges even before the season opener, as heavy winter storms disrupt plans in North Carolina. At the center of this drama, Kevin Harvick is fueling speculation about a possible NASCAR comeback, stirring excitement among racing fans hoping to see the former champion return to the track.
Widespread Delays as Winter Storms Disrupt NASCAR Start
As anticipation builds for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, the weather has become the unexpected protagonist. Fans and drivers alike are eager for the season to begin, but repeated snowstorms in North Carolina have left roads around Winston-Salem treacherous and unsafe. The situation has cast uncertainty over the pre-season exhibition race, commonly known as the Cook Out Clash, scheduled for Bowman Gray Stadium. Relentless snowfall, with forecasts predicting up to 12 inches in some areas, has forced NASCAR officials to repeatedly postpone the practice, qualifying, and race day plans. What was intended to be a showcase event to kick off a fresh season is instead marred by Mother Nature’s persistent hand.
Harvick Champions California Weather Over Carolina’s Chill
While most drivers remain braced for freezing conditions at Bowman Gray, Kevin Harvick drew attention by highlighting the pleasant weather thousands of miles away.
“65* and sunny @KernRaceway today. 😎”
— Kevin Harvick (@KevinHarvick), Cup Series Champion
This brief post on social media resonated widely, with many interpreting it as a subtle critique of NASCAR’s decision to move the Clash from the temperate Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in California to the winter-prone region of North Carolina. Kern Raceway, based in the Bakersfield area of California, stands in contrast to the icy predicament in Winston-Salem, and Harvick’s comment offered a reminder of the logistical trade-offs that come with shifting high-profile events to new venues.
The clash is now set for Monday evening, but projections indicate it could be the coldest event in NASCAR’s storied history. Yet, despite harsh conditions in the grandstands, the tightly-sealed stock cars themselves may provide some comfort to the drivers.
Kyle Larson, Drivers, and Fans Brace for Frigid Clash Conditions
The weather’s impact stretches beyond the drivers, with broader concern for everyone involved in the event. Kyle Larson, the reigning 2025 Cup Series champion, expressed apprehension about the extreme temperature expected on race day.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever competed when it’s that cold, but thankfully for us, we’re inside of a stock car, which is basically like an oven, so that’ll help. It’ll feel fine for us inside the car. I wouldn’t be surprised if you still break, you know, somewhat of a sweat in there”
— Kyle Larson, 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Larson’s attention, however, was especially on those enduring the elements to keep the event running.
“I feel for the crews and mechanics and fans and NASCAR officials, everybody who’s there outside in the cold.”
— Kyle Larson, 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
While drivers race inside heated cockpits, crews, officials, and attending fans face long hours exposed to historically low temperatures, a reality that has prompted debate over event scheduling and venue choices.
Harvick Hints at Racing Return as Legends Reappear
With the on-track action on hold, rumors have taken center stage amid the frost. The 2026 NASCAR season, marked by new championship formats and increased horsepower, is already notable for celebrating the sport’s storied past. The return of Tony Stewart—a three-time Cup Series champion—driving Ram’s entry in the Truck Series at Daytona is already generating headlines. Harvick, who stepped away from full-time racing in 2023, has only fed the speculation with candid remarks during recent appearances.
“I might just make a comeback, why not? Tony Stewart’s going to drive the truck race at Daytona. Why not? What should we race?”
— Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Champion
“I’m starting to get the bug again, I think. Cup is too much work. What could I just get in and drive?”
— Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Champion
Harvick, who once tallied 60 Cup Series wins and currently competes in the CARS Tour alongside his son Keelan Harvick, left the door open for a cameo in the coming season. The comment has sent waves through the motorsport community, with fans speculating on which race or series might lure Harvick onto the grid again.
Industry Speculation Mounts Over Harvick’s Next Move
Veteran driver Kenny Wallace was quick to weigh in with his perspective on how a possible Harvick return could materialize.
“I think you’re going to see Kevin Harvick run either in an O’Reilly Auto Parts race. I could see him driving a car for a Dale Jr. I’m sure there’d be some other team out there, but Kevin and his CEO of Harvick Management. Josh Jones… is the king at getting sponsors. Harvick management controls a lot of superstars… Hell, they could be in rodeo. So Harvick is just staying relevant, something to do.”
— Kenny Wallace, NASCAR Veteran
Wallace pointed to the strong backing Harvick enjoys through his management company as a factor making a comeback plausible. With marketing partners, longstanding relationships, and managerial expertise, Harvick’s return could take several forms—whether in a high-profile exhibition, a Truck Series start, or as part of a special event organized by another team.
A Changed Landscape and a Heated 2026 Season Ahead
The possibility of a Harvick return isn’t the only headline waiting to break this year. The 2026 season marks a turning point for NASCAR, featuring a new championship format and attracting attention from legends like Tony Stewart and potentially Harvick. Their involvement heightens competition and interest, particularly for an audience nostalgic for the sport’s earlier days.
As for the immediate concern, all eyes remain on whether the rescheduled Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium can proceed on Monday despite the freezing forecast. The event could well set records for coldest race day, providing another layer of intensity to an already turbulent start. Meanwhile, fans and industry insiders are left to hope for clearer skies and to follow every hint about which motorsport great will line up on the grid next—with Kevin Harvick’s NASCAR comeback now among the year’s most closely-watched storylines.
65* and sunny @KernRaceway today. 😎
— Kevin Harvick (@KevinHarvick) January 31, 2026
