Kevin Harvick has shared his unexpected Kevin Harvick Cup Series pick, selecting Denny Hamlin as his choice for the Cup Series Driver of the Year. Despite Hamlin not clinching the championship, Harvick praised Hamlin for outperforming his peers under challenging circumstances.
Hamlin encountered significant setbacks throughout the season, starting with a change in crew chief and the departure of long-standing sponsor FedEx. Yet, the No.11 team managed to adjust rapidly, with Hamlin securing multiple wins as the season progressed.
In addition to on-track challenges, Hamlin balanced family responsibilities, including missing a race for the birth of his son, and navigated the ongoing legal issues involving 23XL Racing and NASCAR. Hamlin nonetheless established himself as a title contender, amassing six wins despite these off-track difficulties.
Hamlin affirmed his capabilities by taking pole position in the championship finale at Phoenix Raceway and leading the field for 208 laps. However, a strategic miscalculation during overtime prevented him from securing the championship. Reflecting on Hamlin’s efforts, Harvick commented,
“Cup Driver of the Year winner is Denny Hamlin……I think that from an overall standpoint, you know, I think Denny, with all the things that he had going on, I just think he dealt with more than the rest of them, so he didn’t win the championship, but the rest of it was better than everybody else’s, I believe.”
— Kevin Harvick, Driver
Hamlin Reflects on the Strain of Title Chase
Hamlin drew a comparison between his season and Carl Edwards’ memorable final year in the Cup Series, suggesting that missing out on the championship did not reflect on his abilities. He emphasized that he gave everything he had throughout the season, regardless of the final result.
The leadup to the finale tested Hamlin’s resilience, as preparing for Phoenix over several weeks took a toll. Hamlin, who had qualified for the championship event by winning at Las Vegas, spoke candidly about the emotional and physical toll of the title hunt.
“It took so much out of me, it drained so much out of me, time-wise. And a lot of it, too, is because we had multiple weeks to prepare. If I had gotten in after Martinsville, I wouldn’t have had all that time to spend on Phoenix, but yeah, it was tiring and gruelling, which is why I feel the way I feel today,” he said in an exclusive interview with Racing America.
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
Champion Sportsmanship and Mutual Respect
Despite falling short in his championship bid, Hamlin demonstrated sportsmanship by personally congratulating Kyle Larson, commending him for achieving his second Cup title. Hamlin was adamant that Larson’s accomplishment was legitimate and not overshadowed by his own defeat.
This season highlighted not only high-pressure moments on the track but significant personal and professional crossroads for top competitors, including Hamlin and Harvick. The constant shifts—team changes, family obligations, and ongoing legal matters—framed a year marked by resilience and adaptability across NASCAR.
As drivers like Hamlin and Larson continue to shape the Cup Series narrative, Harvick’s public recognition underscores the value placed on overcoming adversity. NASCAR fans and insiders will be watching closely to see how these drivers build on the lessons and experiences of this turbulent season.
"He didn't win the championship, but the rest of it was better than everybody else's." The "Cup Series Driver of the Year" is Denny Hamlin. Do you agree?@KevinHarvick | @KaitlynVincie | @MambaSmith34 pic.twitter.com/aLgp8wGksJ
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) November 12, 2025
