Kevin Harvick has voiced strong opinions on recent developments in the NASCAR organization, centering his remarks on the sudden exit of Jusan Hamilton as race director. During a segment of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, Harvick addressed the news and suggested that further significant adjustments are likely within NASCAR, raising the question of whether it is time for a widespread organizational overhaul. This directly ties into the ongoing conversation surrounding Kevin Harvick on NASCAR changes.
Harvick Highlights Uncertainty Following Leadership Departure
The departure of Jusan Hamilton from his role as NASCAR race director has sparked speculation about the company’s internal future. Harvick, a prominent figure in the sport, weighed in on the situation and referenced other veteran leaders such as Chip Wile, emphasizing the extent of experience within NASCAR’s management ranks. Harvick did not shy away from expressing concern about where the sport is headed.
Well, I think the timing of it’s interesting,
Kevin Harvick said, referencing current developments in NASCAR and acknowledging the tenure and contributions of long-standing executives like Chip Wile, who has worked his way up within the organization, including overseeing major tracks like Daytona and Darlington.
Harvick went on to question whether Hamilton’s departure signals additional changes on the horizon, expressing a belief that the company may need to consider a more assertive approach to restructuring.
Those probably aren’t the last changes. I think NASCAR needs to be pretty aggressive and how they realign themselves as to whatever their plan is, but it needs to be pretty aggressive as far as whether it’s calling the races or changing the rules with the car, personnel, people, uh, you know, it appears to be time for a reboot from the bottom to the top.
Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Driver and Broadcaster
Last week, NASCAR officially confirmed that Jusan Hamilton is no longer affiliated with the company. Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports reported that NASCAR did not specify the reasons for Hamilton’s departure, although it was clarified that the move was unrelated to performance.
Jusan Hamilton’s Milestones in NASCAR Leadership
Jusan Hamilton had a notable career within NASCAR, beginning his involvement in race operations in 2016. In 2022, Hamilton made history by becoming the first Black race director for the Daytona 500, and, at the age of 31, was thought to be the youngest person to ever fill that role for the iconic race. Hamilton’s achievements were viewed as highly significant not just for him, but also for the representation they offered within the organization.
It’s a huge accomplishment for me, and I hope the biggest thing that comes from that is when there are young African-American kids from upstate New York or in an area where NASCAR isn’t necessarily the popular thing or on everyone’s radar, I hope that I am setting the example,
Jusan Hamilton, Former NASCAR Race Director, told NBC Sports at the time.
Instead of getting the questions I’d typically get of, ‘Why are you interested in this? Is this really for you?’, I hope the next generation of those kids see motorsports and racing as something they have a passion for and a desire to be a part of, and that is an easier thing for them to achieve.
Jusan Hamilton, Former NASCAR Race Director, told NBC Sports at the time.
Hamilton’s career in NASCAR began in 2012 as an intern focusing on Racing Operations and Integrated Marketing Communications. He returned the following year as an Account Executive in marketing communications. Over time, Hamilton moved through several positions of increased responsibility, including Senior Director of Racing Operations and Event Management from 2016, and later, Managing Director of Competition Operations, starting in September 2022.
Industry Perspective and What’s Next for NASCAR
Speculation remains high about the potential long-term effects of Hamilton’s departure, especially given Harvick’s perspective that this might be the beginning of a larger organizational transformation. Mention of individuals like Bob Pockrass, who reported on the matter, as well as considerations for future generations, demonstrates that this development is about more than just a single personnel move. With calls for a “reboot” and an aggressive restructuring, those connected to the sport, from executive ranks to young fans and aspiring professionals, are watching closely to see how changes in leadership and policy might shape the future direction of NASCAR both on and off the track.
NASCAR has parted ways with race director Jusan Hamilton. NASCAR confirmed he is no longer with the company but would not elaborate. My understanding is the decision was not performance related.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 26, 2025
