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Brandon Wilkinson, a name previously synonymous with the demanding world of Super Late Model spotting across the Southeast, has etched his name into NASCAR Cup Series history, albeit in an exhibition setting. Alongside driver Ryan Preece and crew chief Derrick Finley, Wilkinson celebrated his inaugural Cup Series win following a dominant performance in the second half of Wednesday night’s Cookout Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. While the Cookout Clash is officially a preseason exhibition event, it featured a full field of Cup Series drivers and teams, lending significant weight to the accomplishment.
"Yeah, this is a Cup win," Wilkinson stated to Motorsport.com following the checkered flag. "It’s a Cup win on a short track, you know? That’s where Ryan and I grew up racing, tracks like this, so it’s really special." The sentiment underscores the personal significance of the victory for Wilkinson, whose career trajectory has seen a rapid ascent from grassroots racing to the pinnacle of stock car competition.
Wilkinson’s path to this moment is a testament to strategic networking and proven capability. His connection with Preece was facilitated by veteran spotter and friend Mike Herman Jr., who currently serves as the spotter for Chris Buescher at RFK Racing. Wilkinson’s prior work with Ty Majeski, also associated with Herman, and his most recent stint spotting for Gio Ruggiero, now competing in the Truck Series, established a strong foundation of experience. Preece, recognizing Wilkinson’s calm and effective communication style on the radio, quickly moved to integrate him into the No. 60 team when RFK Racing established it last year.
This partnership proved invaluable during the chaotic conditions of the Cookout Clash. The race presented a multitude of variables for Wilkinson to relay to Preece, including the strategic complexities of the choose rule, a damp track that required constant adjustments, and the aggressive maneuvers of competitors vying for position. The ability to navigate these challenges effectively was a hallmark of their performance.
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"Honestly, we have a pretty good line of communication when it comes to the choose, and I feel like we made calculated but aggressive decisions on the choose," Wilkinson explained. "I was a little worried towards the end taking the top, but it got a good launch after the track dried up. So, we kept doing it. It was a challenge. We got wrecked on the first restart but kept picking ’em back off." This description highlights the resilience and adaptability of the No. 60 team, particularly Wilkinson’s role in guiding Preece through adversity.
The victory for Preece and Wilkinson marks a significant early success for the RFK Racing No. 60 team, which was formed in the previous season. RFK Racing, co-owned by NASCAR legends Jack Roush and Brad Keselowski, has been steadily rebuilding its program. The addition of Preece to the Cup Series roster in 2023 signaled an intent to compete at a higher level, and this early win, even in an exhibition race, provides valuable momentum and confidence.
Preece, a driver known for his aggressive style and skill on short tracks, found a complementary partner in Wilkinson. His ability to execute on track, coupled with Wilkinson’s precise guidance, allowed the No. 60 Ford Mustang to overcome early setbacks. The team’s performance in the Cookout Clash suggests a strong potential for the upcoming regular season.
Despite the magnitude of achieving his first Cup Series win, Wilkinson maintained a composed demeanor, a trait that undoubtedly contributed to their success on the track. "It’s a dream come true, but now the goal is to go into the Daytona 500 and get some redemption," Wilkinson remarked, alluding to potential past challenges or a desire to build upon this success in the season’s most prestigious event. "We came so close, but right now, it’s really special to get a short track win together."
The Cookout Clash, while not counting towards championship points, serves as a crucial barometer for teams heading into the official start of the NASCAR Cup Series season. The unique format of the Coliseum, with its tight confines and challenging racing surface, often produces unexpected results and tests the adaptability of both drivers and crew chiefs. For Wilkinson, it provided the perfect stage to showcase his skills and secure a career-defining victory.
The early success of the No. 60 team also reflects positively on the broader strategy of RFK Racing. The team has invested in developing talent and providing the necessary resources for their drivers and crews to succeed. Wilkinson’s rapid ascent from spotting Super Late Models to achieving a Cup Series win in a relatively short period underscores the increasing opportunities and the evolving landscape within NASCAR, where expertise from various levels of the sport is being recognized and integrated.
As the NASCAR Cup Series prepares for the Daytona 500, the performance of Preece and Wilkinson in the Cookout Clash will undoubtedly be a talking point. Their victory, characterized by strategic decision-making and a strong driver-spotter relationship, sets a promising tone for their season. The journey from spotting regional series to reaching the winner’s circle in a Cup Series event is a significant achievement for Brandon Wilkinson, marking a new chapter in his promising career within the sport’s premier division. The focus now shifts to how this newfound momentum will translate into consistent performance throughout the demanding 36-race schedule.
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