Kevin Harvick’s NASCAR Cup analysis suggests a significant shift in the balance of power at Hendrick Motorsports, as the once-dominant Kyle Larson faces mounting postseason challenges while William Byron emerges as a formidable contender. Harvick’s recent insights, shared on his Happy Hour podcast, highlight changing momentum within the team as the playoffs progress.
Harvick Identifies Changing Dynamics at Hendrick Motorsports
This NASCAR Cup season began with expectations that Kyle Larson, a driver closely associated with relentless pace and consistent victories, would once again spearhead Hendrick Motorsports’ title ambitions. However, as the playoffs unfold, Larson’s grip on the championship picture appears to be loosening, with his performance no longer setting the relentless standard seen in previous years. The team, a perennial powerhouse, now faces questions about who will carry their championship hopes forward, especially as William Byron’s reputation rises on the back of consecutive Daytona 500 wins.
Early playoff races have underscored doubts about Larson’s current competitiveness. Once a favorite for every major event, Larson is now struggling to replicate his previous success, with speed and race results falling short of expectations. Meanwhile, Byron’s performances, although occasionally inconsistent, indicate flashes of potential that could make him the driver to watch during the high-pressure postseason battles. Harvick’s analysis suggests the narrative at Hendrick is no longer centered around Larson, with Byron gradually drawing more attention as the possible new face of Hendrick’s campaign for the championship.
Harvick’s Podcast Analysis Favors Byron’s Consistency
On September 23rd during an episode of his Happy Hour podcast, Kevin Harvick provided a direct assessment of the Hendrick duo’s current status in the NASCAR Cup Series. Harvick focused on the adjustments within the team’s hierarchy and pointedly addressed Larson’s recent lack of dominance.
“I still don’t see the same speed and dominant car out of that 5 car that we saw at the beginning of the year and that we’ve seen last year. I think Kansas should tell a good story,”
said Harvick, emphasizing the tale of a contender losing steam.
Harvick contrasted this with his growing confidence in Byron’s performance consistency, highlighting the No. 24 car’s recent improvement.
“I’m more impressed with the 24 car, to be honest, as far as their consistency of speed, and I think they’ve been better than the 5. So, still don’t see it out of the 5, but the 24 tends to. I tend to lean towards thinking that they have a little bit of life with how close they are now,”
Harvick stated. With that, Byron emerges as the driver more likely to spearhead Hendrick Motorsports’ playoff drive if he can capitalize on team momentum and minimize mistakes.
The shift is further highlighted in key race moments. During a recent event, Kyle Larson appeared momentarily poised to take control, but his opportunity faded as Joey Logano intervened:
“Larson led for a moment, but @joeylogano said, ‘Not so fast.’”
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 21, 2025. This encapsulated the ongoing narrative of Larson encountering hurdles while rivals — both internal and external — seize momentum.
Despite Larson’s proven abilities and a history marked by championship pedigree, the postseason spotlight now increasingly turns toward Byron. Harvick’s take underlines that Byron’s trajectory, based on consistency and adaptability, positions him as Hendrick’s primary contender should his form hold, especially with larson challenged by fluctuating results.
Team Penske’s Revival Earns Harvick’s Respect
Beyond Hendrick’s lineup, Kevin Harvick has been vocal about Team Penske’s resurgence, especially following recent performances at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS). After a relatively slow start to the season, the team’s surge was apparent over the NHMS weekend, where strategy and preparation paid off in visible ways.
“It just seems like you can never count them out at this time of year. We’ve seen it multiple years in a row now,”
Harvick noted, illustrating the consistent threat posed by Penske as seasons reach their defining moments.
Harvick gave particular praise to Joey Logano, who played an instrumental role in the team’s turnaround.
“A guy like Joey Logano, there’s not very many of them that can go do stuff like that, but he’s dug them out of a hole,”
Harvick remarked. Logano’s effort in test sessions, particularly at North Wilkesboro, resulted in important adjustments that brought the yellow Penske cars back to the front.
The impact of these preparations was clear on race day.
“They show back up. All the Penske cars are fast on the pole, on the front row. Josh Berry, Ryan Blaney, (and) Joey Logano leading laps,”
Harvick observed, underscoring the unified pace of the team. While Ryan Blaney’s results have varied, his consistent speed and dependable presence on the track reinforce the view that Penske’s tactical approach and veteran leadership remain pivotal.
Harvick summarized the weekend with an emphasis on Penske’s remarkable turnaround:
“Look, you haven’t seen the Penske cars. Penske cars were awful to start the season. … But it was lights out this weekend from the time those cars rolled off pit road for the 12,”
he stated. With Logano securing pole position, Blaney delivering steady performances, and Josh Berry showing speed, Penske’s collective resurgence points to their continued championship relevance and the importance of thorough preparation and adaptability.
Significance of Harvick’s Analysis for the NASCAR Cup Picture
Kevin Harvick’s sharp observations not only influence media narratives but also shape how fans and teams assess championship contention heading into the critical stages of the NASCAR Cup playoffs. As attention shifts from Larson to Byron at Hendrick Motorsports, Byron stands at the threshold of cementing his status among NASCAR’s top contenders — provided he sustains his current focus and minimizes errors.
Meanwhile, Team Penske’s resurgence, led by Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and Josh Berry, serves as a reminder of how rapidly fortunes can change in the sport. Harvick’s experiences as both a driver and analyst bring weight to his assessments, making his NASCAR Cup analysis essential for understanding the evolving landscape. With the playoffs intensifying, the battle among top teams and drivers like William Byron, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, and Ryan Blaney will continue to command the spotlight as the field narrows toward the season’s climax.
Larson led for a moment, but @joeylogano said, "Not so fast." pic.twitter.com/yrKRS2ImGH
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 21, 2025
