Kevin Harvick and Kyle Larson hold strong but differing views about whether past victories give a real edge in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship, a topic stirring debate ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated race. Harvick’s NASCAR championship reaction puts a spotlight on how drivers’ experience and preparation could tip the balance as the season draws to a close in Phoenix.
Harvick Emphasizes Preparation Over Past Wins
Speaking during his show Happy Hour, Kevin Harvick countered Kyle Larson’s suggestion that previous championship wins provide little advantage in the current title fight. Harvick believes the true challenge is not just racing, but managing the unique pressures and schedule disruptions that surround championship weekend.
“There’s a lot to navigate as far as the week and the weekend and things that are going to be annoying. You’re going to have more people around you. …You got to have a plan if you’re going to do it well. If you just go in there and wing it, I don’t think you’re going to get the most out of it. I think you got to have a structured plan,”
said Kevin Harvick.
He also gave credit to Hendrick Motorsports for helping William Byron, another Championship 4 contender, stay focused under intense scrutiny. Harvick explained,
“When you look at the Hendrick organization, I think that they’re going to keep [William] Byron in line and help him manage his time because that’s what they do as a company anyway. I think the pressure of the weekend is high. But I think the biggest thing in navigating the weekend is all the things that are not in your normal routine,”
Kevin Harvick said.
Larson’s Take: Championship Experience Is Not a Decisive Factor
Kyle Larson, who seized his first NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2021, reached this year’s Championship 4 despite a lengthy winless streak spanning 23 races. His consistent high finishes, including a fifth-place finish on Sunday that led the four remaining title hopefuls, helped him secure a spot in the season finale. Alongside Larson, William Byron, Denny Hamlin, and Chase Briscoe round out the competitive field.
When asked if his own championship background would make a difference, Larson expressed skepticism. According to a quote attributed to Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass, Larson stated,
“I really don’t think [my title matters],”
Kyle Larson said, per Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports.
“It’s been so long, and we all have [experience]. Chase doesn’t have any Championship 4 experience, but I don’t even think that matters either.”
He went on to admit,
“We’ll see. I would like to win a championship and not have a new champion next week, but it’s going to be tough, for sure. It always is,”
added Kyle Larson, again as reported by Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports.
Racing Skills Versus Weekend Pressures
Harvick suggested that the competition on the track, which occupies much of the season for all drivers, may be easier to handle than the altered routines required during championship week. He said,
“racing part is actually easier to navigate,”
Kevin Harvick commented.
Both drivers face seasoned competitors like Denny Hamlin and William Byron, each supported by accomplished organizations such as Hendrick Motorsports. While Chase Briscoe lacks direct Championship 4 experience, the collective expertise among contenders keeps the outcome uncertain and the atmosphere highly charged.
Implications for the Next NASCAR Champion
The debate between Harvick and Larson about the influence of prior championship wins highlights how psychological preparedness and organizational support play into the quest for the Cup. As Fox Sports, Hendrick Motorsports, and leaders like Kevin Harvick and Kyle Larson prepare for the high-stakes showdown, the spotlight will be on whether structured planning or personal experience gives anyone the edge when drivers line up for NASCAR’s ultimate prize.
