On the eve of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series opener, former racing star and current commentator Kevin Harvick shared his highly anticipated NASCAR prediction for the next Cup champion, choosing a Hendrick Motorsports driver to hoist the Bill France Cup at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 8. Harvick’s forecast sets the stage for an intense season as fans and experts await the outcome of a long, demanding campaign.
Harvick Selects William Byron as His Title Favorite
The 2026 NASCAR season is about to launch, and Kevin Harvick made his prediction public during an episode of his podcast, Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, where he was joined by co-hosts Kaitlyn Vincie and Mamba Smith, as well as respected FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass. When the moment arrived to reveal his favored champion, Harvick expressed full confidence in William Byron and his #24 crew chief, Rudy Fugle. Byron, driving for Hendrick Motorsports, reached the final Championship 4 in 2025 for a remarkable third year running, underlining his ongoing growth and maturity as a competitor.
“Take Byron (William Byron). It’s just that maturity and the things that go with a team. I think him and Rudy, you know, have a great relationship and have worked through a lot of hard moments together and that’s what it takes to be the champ.”
— Kevin Harvick, Commentator
Despite chasing his first NASCAR Cup Series title last year, Byron experienced a tough final race, finishing an unexpected 33rd at Phoenix Raceway. Throughout the previous season, he piloted the #24 HMS Chevrolet to an impressive three wins, 11 top-5 finishes, and 16 top-10s, all while leading 1,330 laps—statistics that bolster Harvick’s faith in Byron’s prospects for 2026.
Podcast Panel Shares Rivalry-Driven Predictions
While Harvick went with William Byron for his championship prediction, his co-hosts had their own opinions. Mamba Smith voiced his backing for Byron’s on-track rival Christopher Bell, noting Bell’s strong run in the 2025 season and his continued drive for a first Cup title after finishing fifth last year.
“I love that pick. And last year I went to Byron, and I feel like the fire is still there. But no, I’m going with Christopher Bell. I think Bell, I don’t know, man. It’s something about it.”
— Mamba Smith, Co-host
Kaitlyn Vincie added her perspective, picking Chase Briscoe as the driver most likely to capture the championship. She referenced Briscoe’s breakthrough appearance in the Championship 4 last year as the basis for her choice.
“I’m going with Briscoe. I’m sticking with this. He made the champ four a year ago. Say he couldn’t do that again and claim the top prize.”
— Kaitlyn Vincie, Co-host
During the same podcast episode, Bob Pockrass provided another contender for the crown, selecting 2023 Cup champion Ryan Blaney as his favorite to repeat the accomplishment. With a competitive roster and multiple storylines heading into the 36-race season, the predictions from Harvick and his panel highlight the depth of talent in this year’s Cup field.
Anticipation Builds Ahead of the Daytona 500 and the 2026 Chase
The focus now turns to the Daytona 500 and the nine months of competition that will follow. Each pick from the Happy Hour panel, including William Byron, Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, and Ryan Blaney, will face significant tests as teams and drivers navigate the rigors of the NASCAR Cup Series. With the likes of Kevin Harvick and his close-knit co-hosts weighing in, every milestone and setback will be closely watched as the championship race heats up, keeping fans and the NASCAR community engaged through to the November finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
As the season gets underway, Kevin Harvick’s NASCAR prediction stands as a conversation starter and a source of passionate debate, energizing those who follow the sport and setting the narrative for one of racing’s most exhilarating championship pursuits.
