Kevin Harvick has offered pointed insight into the ongoing pit stop issues that have been hampering Kyle Busch and his 2025 NASCAR campaign, injecting renewed urgency into conversations about the two-time champion’s season. With Busch currently sitting 16th in the standings after just ten races, Harvick contends that a pattern of pit road mistakes and slow stops have prevented the #8 car from realizing its clear speed and potential, making the difference between a struggling year and genuine contention.
Speaking during his “Happy Hour” podcast, Kevin Harvick gave a detailed breakdown of the numbers, highlighting how Busch’s pace on the track is not reflected in his points position, largely due to persistent mishaps during pit stops. Notably, Harvick underlined the lack of sub-10-second stops—a crucial measure of elite teams—and drew attention to frequent pit road speeding penalties. On days like the latest Talladega race, where an early wreck forced Busch to fight from the back, Harvick believes every slow or sloppy pit stop created an almost insurmountable challenge, sapping momentum just when it was most needed.
Harvick commented, “Those mistakes and slow pit stops add up,” emphasizing that the string of misfiring on pit road is at the heart of what’s holding back the 63-time Cup Series winner as he pushes for greater success this year. Aside from the technical analysis, Harvick pointed out the emotional turbulence, suggesting that a driver as accomplished as Busch must feel mounting pressure as each missed opportunity stacks up, further complicating his 21st full-time NASCAR season.
Kyle Busch’s recent performances bear out Harvick’s analysis. Despite showing pace, he remains winless for nearly two years, his last victory dating back to June 2023 in St. Louis. His finish at Talladega, 27th place, marked his fourth result outside the top 20 in just ten races and underscores the magnitude of the challenge. While Busch managed a single top-five finish at Circuit of the Americas, the image of a frustrated contender continues to define his season.
After the difficult day at Talladega, Busch discussed his frustrations and outlook on a popular NASCAR podcast, echoing the concerns Harvick raised. As speculation swirls about Busch’s future with Richard Childress Racing and the fortunes of the #8 team, Kevin Harvick’s analysis has sparked debate, leaving fans and analysts unsure just how quickly these pit stop woes can be resolved and whether Busch can claw his way back to the top before his 2025 hopes slip away for good.
