As anticipation builds for the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kevin Harvick predicts 2025 Coca-Cola 600 winner William Byron will take the checkered flag in NASCAR’s legendary endurance event. The race, unfolding on Sunday, May 25, stands out as one of the Cup Series’ most grueling challenges at 600 miles on the 1.5-mile Charlotte oval.
Kevin Harvick and Co-Hosts Reveal Their Coca-Cola 600 Picks
During a new episode of ‘Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour’, the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion shared his insights alongside co-hosts Kaitlyn Vincie and Mamba Smith, each weighing in on who they believe will emerge victorious at Charlotte’s spring crown jewel. Harvick, who transitioned from championship driver to commentator, spotlighted Hendrick Motorsports when making his call for the winner.
The former champion opted for William Byron, believing he’s poised for victory on the demanding Charlotte track.
“600 miles. That’s a long ways but a long time. I’m going to go with William Byron,”
—Kevin Harvick, 2014 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Kaitlyn Vincie, Harvick’s co-host, gave her support to Joey Logano, highlighting his determination and form leading up to race day.
“I’m going with [Joey] Logano. He strikes me as a driver that could — him and that team, they have what it takes, I think, to win that race. He’s already mad after what happened last week,” Vincie said.
—Kaitlyn Vincie, Co-host
Bringing Team Penske further into focus, Mamba Smith picked Ryan Blaney as his favorite to win, noting the team’s historical strength during Coca-Cola 600 weekends.
“This is typically the point where Team Penske really starts firing off on all cylinders. It usually starts [during the] 600 weekend,” he prefaced. “So, it’s time. YRB [Ryan Blaney]. Run it. They’re confident here. They love this place. I think it’s their’s to get. It’s either them or a Hendrick team.”
—Mamba Smith, Co-host
Why William Byron Stands Out at Charlotte
William Byron enters the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 riding a wave of solid performance at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Across ten starts at the venue, the Hendrick Motorsports driver has earned three top-five finishes and five top-10 results, displaying consistent speed and race management over the event’s long distance. In the current NASCAR Cup Series season, Byron has notched a win, as well as five top-five and seven top-10 finishes, leading 386 laps so far.
His average finish sits at an impressive 10.1 through 12 races, while his 434 points place him second in the Cup Series standings. Both his track record at Charlotte and current form help explain why Harvick, as well as many in the NASCAR community, consider him a leading contender for Sunday’s demanding race.
What to Expect as the Green Flag Waves
This year’s Coca-Cola 600 is regarded as one of the four crown jewel races in the NASCAR Cup Series, drawing top talent and fan interest from around the globe. As the main players—including William Byron, Joey Logano, and Ryan Blaney—prepare to battle for victory, attention will turn to how Hendrick Motorsports and Team Penske measure up through each mile.
The race broadcasts live on Prime Video starting at 6 pm ET, with radio coverage available via PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The coming weekend will reveal whether Kevin Harvick’s prediction for the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 winner stands up to the challenge, as Charlotte Motor Speedway once again plays host to high-speed drama and monumental moments for drivers and fans alike.
