On the eve of the highly anticipated Richmond Raceway night race, Kevin Harvick Richmond NASCAR winner prediction has become a topic of discussion as drivers look for a crucial playoff-clinching victory on the short track. Harvick has made a surprising choice, supporting Chase Briscoe to take the checkered flag in a race dominated by high stakes and previous track specialists.
Saturday evening’s contest at Richmond will see 23 competitors aim for an instant ticket to the Cup Series playoffs by reaching Victory Lane. Kevin Harvick, speaking candidly on the “Happy Hour” podcast with his co-hosts, opted to place his confidence in a repeat winner rather than a wild card.
“I’m gonna make a bold prediction right here… I’m gonna go with Chase Briscoe,”
—Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Driver
Harvick elaborated on Richmond’s historical context, referencing Martin Truex Jr., a dominant force at this track who, while known for his successes, faces stiff competition from teams displaying strong momentum this season. Harvick noted that the blend of past performance and current form could play a role in Saturday’s results. While Briscoe has already punched his playoff ticket thanks to an earlier victory at Pocono Raceway, his record at Richmond tells a different story: eight starts without a single top-10 finish. However, the narrative may be shifting this season.
Briscoe enters the Richmond event supported by improved equipment and a crew performing at its peak. In his past eight starts overall, he has taken one win and recorded four other top-five finishes, a demonstration of consistent speed and competitiveness that now has him ranked eighth in the overall points standings. This upturn has solidified his status as a legitimate championship contender, despite past struggles on Richmond’s 0.75-mile oval. Martin Truex Jr., a three-time Richmond winner with Joe Gibbs Racing in the No. 19 Toyota, remains a formidable opponent, further raising the competitive bar for Briscoe and his team.
Analysts Weigh In With Their Own Richmond Picks
Harvick was joined on the “Happy Hour” podcast by Mamba Smith and Kaitlyn Vincie, both of whom delivered their own unique Richmond predictions. Smith, evaluating recent trends and car performance, also considered specialists suited to short ovals but ultimately was swayed by Hendrick Motorsports’ track record.
“I really wanted to go with Ryan Preece or Josh Berry because I think these are their types of racetracks, but Hendrick has been so good here. I’m going with Alex Bowman,”
—Mamba Smith, Analyst
In contrast, Kaitlyn Vincie put her faith in the Joe Gibbs Racing stable, opting for Denny Hamlin. Hamlin has shown a particular affinity for Richmond, accumulating five career wins at the Virginia circuit. He captured the spring race last year and finished second in the fall, positioning himself as a perennial threat whenever the Cup Series visits this venue.
Richmond’s Importance and What’s at Stake
This weekend’s night race at Richmond Raceway serves as more than just another stop on the NASCAR calendar—it’s a critical opportunity for drivers to lock themselves into the playoffs, test their mettle against past winners, and build momentum toward a championship run. The focus will be on whether Harvick’s bold prediction comes to fruition, with Chase Briscoe looking to break his track struggles and secure another milestone win. Meanwhile, formidable contenders like Martin Truex Jr., Denny Hamlin, and Alex Bowman will push to maintain their own Richmond legacies, ensuring a fiercely contested battle under the lights.
