Kevin Harvick is Disappointed with Hendrick Motorsports Over Poor Start to 2026

Ex-NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick has shared his thoughts on the Hendrick Motorsports’ tough start to the 2026 season.

Kevin Harvick is Disappointed with Hendrick Motorsports Over Poor Start to 2026

Kevin Harvick and Kyle Larson (Via IMAGO)

Despite being the best team in the history of the sport, having the best crew as well as the likes of Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott in the garage, the 2026 NASCAR Cup season so far has been clear disappointment for Hendrick Motorsports. They are yet to settle and become productive after Chevy introduced a redesigned car for the season.

2014 Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick is clearly disappointed with the team he is closely associated with and he shared his thoughts on the latest Fox Sports podcast. The veteran pointed out that he never expected HMS to be in a tough spot in the 2026 season, as after six weeks they are yet to produce a race where they were contending for wins.

Oh, I think the biggest surprise to me is just where the Chevrolets are from Hendrick Motorsports. I don’t know that we’ve ever gone this far into a season and them not being in contention to win these races by dominating an event so far.

Kevin Harvick said on his podcast.

Further talking about the point, the racing legend pointed out that he doesn’t think the new Chevy body is good as many expected and they are finding it hard to find the right balance with the next-Gen car. Hence, Kevin Harvick doesn’t see them being as completive as they used to be in the coming week at Martinsville.

When we go to Martinsville next week, I think you have to expect them to be in contention. But I think that on paper the new Chevrolet, everybody thought it was better. And the reality of the situation is getting the balance right on this Gen 7 car is very difficult to do. And they just haven’t wrapped their arms around exactly what that needs to be yet on all these different styles of racetracks.

Kevin Harvick added via SPEED with Harvick and Buxton.

Kevin Harvick names the team that positively surprised him the most in 2026

In the same conversation later, Harvick talked about the team that impressed him the most this season so far and surpassingly it’s a Chevy team. Spire Motorsports has gotten the new car design right and that’s why their drivers are performing on a higher level, continuing their improvement, led by Carson Hocevar.

Kevin Harvick with Rick 'Otis' Hodges (via KevinHarvick/X)
Kevin Harvick with Rick ‘Otis’ Hodges (via KevinHarvick/X)

That has to be Spire [Motorsports] for me. When Carson Hocevar is on the racetrack, he’s exciting. He’s electrifying, and he makes a lot of people mad, but he doesn’t care. Now he’s got the cars that are capable to go up there and consistently put himself in the front of the racetrack.

Kevin Harvick said.

The new addition to the team, Daniel Suarez has also impressed the garage. He has produced much better run compared to his 2025 run with Trackhouse. They have former race winner on their hand, who would deliver more with the right car.

The one that sticks out the most to me is Daniel Suárez. He really backs it up for Spire to be able to put themselves in the front of the field as a contender week in and week out. He’s been so consistent, and that’s a very new situation for Daniel, Spire, and that team.

Kevin Harvick added.

The comments from Harvick shows HMS needs to notes of the improvement from Spire and use them on their 2026 car development. If they can’t perform for four more races this season, their star drivers will be out of championship contention.

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