Kevin Harvick has made a bold call ahead of the 2025 Jack Link’s 500. His choice points to a driver with past wins and strong numbers. The track is fast, the stakes are high, and not all hosts agree on who will win. With more than one name in the mix, the race could go in any direction. The spotlight now shifts to Ryan Blaney, whose record might be the key.
Key Highlights
- Kevin Harvick predicts Ryan Blaney will win the 2025 Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega.
- Blaney has a strong track record at Talladega with three wins and multiple top finishes.
- Blaney seeks his first win of the 2025 season, currently ranked sixth in points.
- Harvick shared his prediction on his podcast, ‘Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour’.
- The race coverage is available on FS1 and radio via MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Kevin Harvick Predicts Winner for 2025 Jack Link’s 500
Kevin Harvick, the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion, has confidently predicted the winner for the upcoming 2025 Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.
On his popular ‘Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour’ podcast, Harvick, alongside co-hosts Kaitlyn Vincie and Mamba Smith, shared their predictions for the much-anticipated race. Harvick, now a respected commentator, has chosen Ryan Blaney as his favorite to clinch victory at this event.
Blaney, a standout driver for Team Penske, boasts an impressive track record at Talladega, known as the “Biggest and Baddest” track in NASCAR.
His recent performance, marked by consecutive top-five finishes, supports Harvick’s assertion that Blaney is poised for success.
Other Hosts’ Picks for the Talladega Race
While Kevin Harvick has placed his bets on Ryan Blaney for the 2025 Jack Link’s 500, his co-hosts on the ‘Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour’ podcast have offered their predictions for the Talladega showdown.
Kaitlyn Vincie has confidently chosen William Byron, a formidable driver from Hendrick Motorsports, to secure his subsequent victory of the season. “Okay, I am taking Byron,” she stated, highlighting her belief in Byron’s capabilities on the challenging Talladega track. In contrast, Mamba Smith is placing his hopes on Chase Elliott to emerge victorious, capturing his initial win of the season.
“My bet is I am going Chase Elliott. I think Daytona was really good for them. They put themselves in a good position to think quietly lately. It’s been quiet. They need a little bit of a shot to the arm and need some steam.” – (Mamba Smith)
He emphasized Elliott’s potential, noting the team’s quiet resolve and need for rejuvenation.
Ryan Blaney’s Record at Talladega Superspeedway
Ryan Blaney’s performance at Talladega Superspeedway has solidified his status as a formidable competitor on this challenging track. With a career marked by tactical skill and a knack for maneuvering through the high-speed chaos of superspeedway racing, Blaney has secured three wins at Talladega.
Significantly, his victory in the 2023 YellaWood 500 highlights his capacity to succeed in fiercely contested races. Beyond his wins, Blaney’s record features two runner-up finishes, demonstrating his consistent ability to compete at the front of the pack.
In addition to his podium successes, Blaney boasts six top-five finishes and eight top-10 finishes in 21 starts at Talladega, contributing to an average finish of 15.9. This impressive record reflects not only his skill but also his adaptability to the unpredictable nature of superspeedway racing.
Blaney’s 2025 Season Stats and Broadcast Info
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season has seen Ryan Blaney, driving the #12 Ford for Team Penske, display a commendable level of performance. With nine races completed, Blaney has secured one pole position, achieved three top-5 finishes, and four top-10 placements. His consistency on the track is further highlighted by leading a total of 198 laps, resulting in an average finish of 16.6 and placing him sixth in the Cup Series points table with an impressive 275 points.
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| Stat | Performance |
|---|---|
| Pole Positions | 1 |
| Top-5 Finishes | 3 |
| Top-10 Finishes | 4 |
| Laps Led | 198 |
As the series heads to Talladega Superspeedway, Blaney seeks his initial win of the season. Fans can catch the Jack Link’s 500 on FS1 at 3 pm ET, with radio coverage available on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
News in Brief: Kevin Harvick’s Talladega Prediction
As the anticipation builds for the 2025 Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega, Kevin Harvick’s prediction adds excitement to the upcoming race. While other hosts weigh in with their picks, all eyes remain on Ryan Blaney, who seeks his initial win of the season.
With a strong record at Talladega Superspeedway, Blaney is a formidable contender. Fans enthusiastically await the race, hopeful for a thrilling performance and a potential breakthrough victory for Blaney.
