Kevin Harvick Predicts Maiden 2026 Win for Shane van Gisbergen at Watkins Glen

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season so far has been a year of mixed bag for Trackhouse Racing’s Kiwi racing sensation Shane van Gisbergen. From eleven races so far this year, he has secured two top-10 finish and three top-15, surprisingly making him the best driver in his team, with Ross Chastain struggling to find form and rookie Connor Zilisch failing to establish himself.

He has showed major improvement on the ovals and the time has come for him to convert that to road course domination. Going into Watkins Glen this weekend for the second RC race of the season, SVG is eying for win and redemption from missing out on the COTA Triumph, where he finished P2 behind Tyler Reddick. 2014 champion Kevin Harvick predicted that to happen via his podcast.

I’ll take SVG.

Kevin Harvick said on his podcast.

Later talking about the weekend, the veteran shared his thoughts on the supposed advantage Shane van Gisbergen’s team Trackhouse Racing has this weekend. Kevin Harvick believes unlike in the past, Justin Marks’ team won’t have an easy weekend as they do not have momentum on their side right now compared to the last few seasons when the team were team to beat in road courses.

When you’re not running good, it’s hard to bring a good horse to the place that you’re supposed to bring a good horse. And I think that they’re going to run well, but it’s just how good is the question. Yeah, they’re going to run good regardless, but how good?

Kevin Harvick added via Happy Hour podcast.  

Kevin Harvick’s co-hosts refuses to pick Shane van Gisbergen as Glen favorite

During the same discussion, the co-hosts of the podcast Kaitlyn Vincie shared her thoughts on who might get into the victory lane. The Fox Sport broadcaster picked Chris Buscher over the Kiwi, claiming the recent form gives the Ford driver an advantage.

My heart wanted to pick SVG, but I’m a show-me-lately kind of person. Oh. And I’m just not feeling it. So, I’m going with Chris Bucsher because he has been good there in the past and he’s been very good as of late at all tracks.

Kaitlyn Vincie said.

The third host of the show, Mamba Smith shared his thoughts on who might win the race. He is confident that 23XI racing’s Tyler Reddick, who has won five races so far in the 2026 season, to come victorious on Sunday, if team co-owner Michael Jordan is in attendance.

I think I came in here with a strategy, and it’s out the window. Is Michael Jordan going to be there this weekend? Tyler Reddick.

Mamba Smith asserted.

The comments from the broadcasters seems to be on point and have their own valid reason. But considering the skill and Next-Gen era dominance, Shane van Gisbergen is still the driver to beat on non-oval races. He has the opportunity get the teams season back on track with a triumph.

Also Read: “It’s a Contract Year!” Kevin Harvick Slams Kyle Busch for Risking His NASCAR Career with Aggressive Moves