With excitement building around the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway, Kevin Harvick Phoenix predictions are front and center as he and his Happy Hour crew prepare to share their final picks for the 2025 season. The racing world is watching closely as Harvick, Kaitlyn Vincie, and Mamba Smith dissect the showdown between Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, Kyle Larson, and William Byron in the heart of the desert.
Harvick Backs Hamlin’s Pursuit of a Title
Kevin Harvick is siding with Denny Hamlin, the accomplished veteran still determined to clinch his long-awaited first NASCAR Cup Series championship. Hamlin’s career is brimming with 60 Cup wins and five appearances in the Championship 4, yet a title remains just out of reach. Despite coming close many times—his last Phoenix victory was in November 2019, and he recently finished second to Christopher Bell at the same venue—Hamlin enters Phoenix as the odds-on favorite. With history within grasp, he aims to finally secure the championship that has so far eluded him, a crowning moment in a career worthy of the Hall of Fame.
Vincie Picks Larson’s Proven Phoenix Skill
Kaitlyn Vincie is placing her hopes on Kyle Larson, the 2021 Cup Series champion who knows what it takes to prevail at Phoenix Raceway. Although Larson’s 2025 season hasn’t matched his most dominant campaigns, his playoff performances have stood out, demonstrating both consistency and poise. Notably, Larson was the only Championship 4 competitor who advanced without a race win during the Round of 8, underscoring his reliable results under pressure. His Phoenix pedigree includes clinching the 2021 title at the track and a recent third-place finish. This speed and adaptability make Larson a formidable threat to reclaim the series crown for Hendrick Motorsports this weekend.
Smith Believes Byron’s Momentum Could Deliver
Mamba Smith has set his sights on William Byron, who capitalized on his form by winning at Martinsville to punch his ticket to the Championship 4. Byron, representing Hendrick Motorsports, is seeking to turn his third consecutive shot at the championship into victory. With a Phoenix win in March 2023 and a sixth-place showing this spring, Byron’s record at the track demonstrates his capability to challenge for the title. Having come close in previous years, Byron appears poised to finally secure his place among the Cup Series champions.
Briscoe: The Dark Horse Not to Overlook
While the analysis from Harvick, Vincie, and Smith focuses on Hamlin, Larson, and Byron, Chase Briscoe’s own prior success at Phoenix keeps him firmly in contention. Briscoe’s history of winning at the raceway ensures he remains a potential challenger when the green flag drops for the season finale.
The Stage is Set for a Desert Showdown
As the NASCAR Cup Series Championship approaches, Phoenix Raceway becomes the focal point for fans and analysts alike, eager to see which driver will emerge victorious. The Kevin Harvick Phoenix predictions highlight the range of talent among the contenders, from experienced veterans like Denny Hamlin to consistent performers such as Kyle Larson and fast-rising competitors including William Byron and Chase Briscoe. The final laps at Phoenix promise drama and excitement, as a new champion prepares to etch their name in NASCAR history and elevate their career to legendary status.
