Kevin Harvick Snubs Kyle Larson and Name Five Drivers Who Could Thrive Under New Format

The NASCAR Community is over the moon, as the leadership finally decided to listen to the fans and scrap the playoffs format for good. From the 2026 season, the new champion will be crowned under the 16-driver version of the original Chase format that was used from 2004 to 2014. Kevin Harvick, the last champion under the original format has some bold takes on it.

In the latest episode of his Happy Hour podcast, Kevin Harvick pointed out that according to his there are five drivers who could really take advantage of the change. The first two are veterans Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano, the only racers in the list that have previously raced in the old format. The third name in the veteran’s list was 2023 champion Ryan Blaney.

The guys with experience. I still think it’s gonna be the Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano… I’d say Hamlin, Logano, I think [Ryan] Blaney, I mean, he had a little spell at the beginning of last year where he had some things go wrong, but he’s usually super consistent.

Kevin Harvick said via Happy Hour podcast.

The ex-RCR driver went on to name two Hendrick Motorsports drivers to finish the list, William Byron and 2020 champion Chase Elliott, who are known for their superior consistency. While doing so he forgot one big name, reigning champion Kyle Larson who won both of his Cups as one of the winningest racers of the years as well as the points leader. Harvick might have snubbed Larson because of his DNF stats.

I think William Byron has ventured into that category. Chase Elliott, when you look at his stats, they’re finishers. They’re old school racers, and I think that style of racing is going to matter to be able to gather all those points.

Kevin Harvick added.

Kevin Harvick brands the new format a great compromise

Talking about the format change in his podcast, he pointed out that it’s great compromise for everyone involved. The broadcasters will still have their semi-fabricated moments in race weeks while the legitimacy of the title remains.

I think it’s a great compromise, because there are a lot of parties involved. You’ve got television, who wants those cuts and moments every few races, but sometimes those moments are fabricated.

Kevin Harvick said.

Further talking about the point, he highlighted how under the chase system winning and not having DNF becomes equally important. Later in the same conversation, he shared his feelings about wanting to win regardless of the format.

Winning still has to be important, but when you get a DNF, it needs to hurt…As a competitor, you race to the format. I don’t make the format. I don’t care what it is. I just want to win.

Kevin Harvick said.

This hunger for the win is something he share with the elite racers in the current grid. The new championship format is going to change sport and it would be interesting to see who will be crowned as the 2026 champion, becoming the first win the title taking advantage their consistency in the Next-Gen era.

Also Read: Kevin Harvick Questions Whether NASCAR Even Needs a Commissioner After Steve Phelps’ Resignation

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