NASCAR is gearing up for an intense weekend at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania, where Kevin Harvick predicts Kyle Larson will break his recent struggles and claim a Cup Series victory. The focus keyword—Kevin Harvick predicts Kyle Larson Pocono Cup win—highlights Harvick’s strong belief in the Hendrick Motorsports driver’s ability to regroup after several disappointing races.
The NASCAR world has experienced thrilling moments lately, including the Cup Series’ debut in Mexico, where Shane van Gisbergen secured a memorable victory. As the circuit shifts to Pocono, eyes are on Kyle Larson, who has faced a challenging run despite outstanding performances in previous seasons. Notably, Larson’s attempt at the ambitious Indy 500 and NASCAR double duty during Memorial Day ended in a crash, bringing further attention to his need for a comeback this weekend.
Harvick voices support for Larson’s bounce-back
Kevin Harvick has openly stated that Kyle Larson is in need of a reset within NASCAR, emphasizing that the recent stretch has not gone well for the No. 5 car and his crew. This sentiment comes after Larson failed to deliver the high-level results expected by fans and observers—leading to growing tension as he aims to get back on top. Harvick’s confidence in Larson has not wavered despite calling his recent runs “mediocre.”
“I think it’s time for the No. 5 to reset. I’m going to go with Kyle Larson, I just think there’s been too many weeks of too many things being mediocre and things happening, the things that they’ve had going on.
—Kevin Harvick, Happy Hour podcast
Ongoing challenges in the HMS garage have added another layer of complexity, as Larson’s team has worked persistently to return to their prior dominant form. For Harvick, this determination is what makes Larson a strong contender at Pocono.
Larson’s season so far and pressure from rivals
This season, Kyle Larson has already collected three Cup Series wins, including a hard-fought triumph last month in Kansas. Despite those victories, recent outings have been far from ideal, such as his 36th-place finish in Mexico. Although Larson currently holds second in the overall standings, fierce competition is coming from Christopher Bell and Chase Elliot, intensifying the pressure on the star driver to perform.
Harvick’s reasoning for backing Larson at Pocono
Pocono Raceway has historically proven both promising and frustrating for Larson. In 2021, he came heartbreakingly close to victory until a blown tire in the final stretch dashed his hopes. Harvick, however, maintains faith in both Larson and the Hendrick Motorsports team, noting that the organization’s cars typically excel at this unique Pennsylvania track when qualifying and car setup are dialed in.
“I just think that, especially if those guys grit up and qualify good and get the car dialed in like it needs to be. It’s a good race track for them, so I’m going to go with Larson.
—Kevin Harvick
The expectation is that Larson can capitalize on past lessons, especially at a venue that aligns with his and his team’s strengths. Harvick’s analysis reflects a belief that the right combination of preparation and grit could help turn things around for the former Cup Series champion.
Anticipation builds for Pocono showdown
Though a string of uncharacteristic finishes has hampered his season, Kyle Larson remains a driver with the talent and determination to silence critics. A successful weekend at Pocono would allow him to reclaim his ‘greatest driver in the world’ reputation and re-energize Hendrick Motorsports’ campaign. Fans and commentators alike will be watching closely to see if Harvick’s prediction comes true as NASCAR prepares for what promises to be another electrifying race at Pocono Raceway.
