Kevin Harvick Reveals His Dark Horse for 2025 NASCAR Cup Playoffs at Darlington!
As the NASCAR Cup Series gears up for the electrifying 2025 Cook Out Southern 500 at the iconic Darlington Raceway, racing enthusiasts are on the edge of their seats! In a thrilling episode of ‘Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour’ podcast, the racing legend himself has made a bold prediction that could shake up the playoff landscape!
Harvick, a seasoned champion from 2014, has put his money on Hendrick Motorsports’ very own William Byron to dominate this weekend’s race, taking the spotlight in this pivotal playoff opener. With the race set for Sunday, August 31, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. Harvick exclaims, “I’m going to take William Byron,” showcasing his unwavering confidence in the driver, who is on the hunt for his second win of the season!
In a lively discussion with podcast co-hosts Kaitlyn Vincie and Mamba Smith, Harvick alluded to the competitive nature of their predictions, humorously referencing their previous misstep when fans overwhelmingly backed Ryan Blaney. “We got our asses kicked by the fans this week,” Harvick quipped, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of NASCAR.
Vincie, not one to be outdone, threw her support behind Kyle Larson, the 2023 Darlington winner, declaring him as the potential champion, while Smith opted for defending winner Chase Briscoe, who is itching for his second victory this season. “Chase Briscoe did good there last year. He won here last year,” Smith stated, reinforcing the intense competition among the racers.
But what’s the real story behind Byron’s performance at the notoriously challenging Darlington track? Over his 14 appearances, Byron has managed to snag a victory, with five top-five finishes and seven top-10 placements, boasting an average finish of 15. This season, he’s been a force to reckon with, racking up two wins, nine top-five finishes, and 13 top-10s, leading an impressive 915 laps and maintaining an average finish of 13.8. Currently, he sits second in the playoff points standings with a whopping 2032 points!
As the countdown to the 2025 Cook Out Southern 500 intensifies, fans are eager to see if Harvick’s sizzling prediction will pay off. Will Byron rise to the occasion and secure a playoff victory? Tune in to NBC Sports at 6 p.m. ET to catch all the high-speed action, with radio coverage available on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The stage is set, and the excitement is palpable—don’t miss out on this thrilling chapter of NASCAR history!