Kevin Harvick criticizes NASCAR playoffs as he voices strong opposition to the sport’s championship-deciding structure, claiming the format could unfairly deny top drivers their due recognition when the season concludes. In remarks made this week, the recently retired Cup champion argued that the playoff system is damaging the credibility of determining real champions in NASCAR, particularly as the 2025 season looms.
Harvick Opens Up About Championship Frustrations
Having spent over 20 years racing in various NASCAR eras, Kevin Harvick is no stranger to shifts in the sport’s regulations. However, his current concerns about the playoff setup go beyond simple race results, touching on the very legitimacy of the championship title. Speaking on his Happy Hour podcast, Harvick directly compared the impressive records of Corey Heim in the Truck Series and Connor Zilisch in Xfinity, expressing deep worry that the playoff format may prevent season-long standouts from earning the ultimate prize.
According to Harvick,
“If Heim doesn’t win this championship, it’s going to be a nuclear meltdown,”
said Kevin Harvick, Retired NASCAR Champion. He further emphasized the importance of clear-cut champions, adding,
“It shouldn’t even be a question who the champion is in Trucks or Xfinity,”
Kevin Harvick, Retired NASCAR Champion.
Playoff System Creates Uncertainty and Discontent
Harvick’s criticisms revolve around the contrast between a driver’s consistency throughout the season and the unpredictable nature of a one-race championship showdown. He believes the current playoff system undermines long-term performance by exposing dominant drivers like Corey Heim and Connor Zilisch to the risk of losing everything in a single event.
“Here’s what I think is interesting: when you look at Corey Heim’s stats compared to everybody else, if he doesn’t win this championship, it’s going to be a nuclear meltdown,”
said Kevin Harvick, Retired NASCAR Champion.
He made clear his stance during a broader discussion, stating,
“If they don’t change the points the correct way at the end of the year. Because it shouldn’t even be a question who the champion is in Trucks, right? Shouldn’t be a question who the champion is in Xfinity. So, if Connor Zilisch and Corey Heim don’t win these championships, it’s exactly why we don’t need the system we have as it is right now. It’s embarrassing,”
Kevin Harvick, Retired NASCAR Champion.
Warnings for NASCAR Leadership and the Broader Community
Since retiring in 2023, Harvick has continued to be an outspoken voice regarding fairness in the sport. He warns that if underdogs, like Tyler Ankrum in the Truck Series, end up capturing the championship due to the unpredictability of the playoffs, it would disrespect the efforts of dominant drivers.
“If Tyler Ankrum wins the Truck Series championship, what a slap in the face that is to the series,”
said Kevin Harvick, Retired NASCAR Champion.
Addressing NASCAR’s leadership, he insisted,
“If we’re going to have playoffs, you better make the points matter as much as possible, or these people are going to eat you up,”
Kevin Harvick, Retired NASCAR Champion. He reiterated his concerns, stating,
“Because if those two guys don’t win the championship, it’s an embarrassment,”
Kevin Harvick, Retired NASCAR Champion.
Implications for Future NASCAR Seasons
Harvick’s public disapproval resonates within the NASCAR community, as others also question the wisdom of a system where top-performing drivers can lose out on a championship in a single day. Recent seasons have witnessed this exact scenario, fueling discussion over whether entertainment value should trump season-long achievement. As the finales for the Truck Series, Xfinity Series, and Cup Series approach, debate over the playoff model is likely to intensify, with fans and experts scrutinizing how champions are truly decided in NASCAR going forward.
