In the midst of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, Kevin Harvick NASCAR predictions have captured attention, as the 2014 champion and FOX Sports analyst revealed the drivers he believes will advance to the Championship 4. With only eight competitors left before next month’s finale at Phoenix Raceway, Harvick made his choices as the field prepares to tackle the Round of 8 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Harvick’s Choices for the Championship 4
During the latest episode of the Happy Hour podcast, Harvick shared his top picks for making it into the final four:
“My underlying names are [Denny] Hamlin, [Ryan] Blaney, [Kyle] Larson, and [Christopher] Bell,”
— Kevin Harvick, 2014 NASCAR Champion and FOX Sports Analyst.
Among these selections, Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson already have Cup championships to their names, with Blaney earning the title in 2023 and Larson in 2021. Christopher Bell, though still searching for his first Cup, has demonstrated remarkable consistency, reaching the Championship 4 in two of the last three seasons. Denny Hamlin, whose 59 Cup wins leave him just behind Harvick in the all-time records, has become known for playoff heartbreaks, missing out on a championship throughout his accomplished career.
How Denny Hamlin Stands Out This Season
Hamlin is enjoying a standout year, tying Shane van Gisbergen for the most Cup Series wins this season, with five victories. He has also led a total of 804 laps and enters Las Vegas atop the playoff points standings, eight above the cutoff line. As a veteran at 44 years old, Hamlin recognizes that his opportunities to capture a championship are dwindling, making this playoff run especially meaningful for the Joe Gibbs Racing driver.
Examining the Round of 8 Landscape
Of the four drivers Harvick picked, only Christopher Bell begins this round below the critical cutoff, trailing by four points—a margin that could quickly be erased with strong finishes. Ryan Blaney, meanwhile, appears especially strong based on his track record at the upcoming venues.
Blaney has found success at Talladega Superspeedway, boasting three wins there, and Team Penske often commands these high-speed races. At Martinsville Speedway, Blaney has been exceptional, having clinched the last two fall events to secure his spot in the Championship 4. Penske’s proven performances at Phoenix further bolster Blaney’s credentials heading toward the season’s climax.
Teams Positioned for the Title
The battle for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship is shaping up to be thrilling, with Harvick’s predictions centering the focus on powerhouse organizations: Team Penske, Hendrick Motorsports, and Joe Gibbs Racing. These teams have consistently been at the forefront, and with drivers like Blaney, Larson, Bell, and Hamlin driving for them, the expectation is that the next champion will emerge from their ranks.
What Lies Ahead in the Playoff Race
The intensity is set to escalate as the Round of 8 begins at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with drivers and teams striving for perfection to keep their championship hopes alive. Harvick’s insights spotlight experienced drivers and dominant organizations, indicating that a blend of consistency, past performance on specific tracks, and sheer determination will determine which four drivers compete for the Cup in Phoenix. As the playoffs progress, fans can expect emotional moments and fierce competition, hallmarks of the NASCAR Cup Series postseason.
