While Joey Logano celebrated his third NASCAR Cup Series championship in Phoenix with a thunderous burnout, Kevin Harvick had his heart set elsewhere. The retired NASCAR legend crowned Shane van Gisbergen’s dramatic Sonoma burnouts as the most unforgettable of the 2024 season.
Burnout Battle: Logano’s Glory vs. SVG’s Drama
Joey Logano’s celebratory smoke clouds in Phoenix marked a career milestone as he clinched his third championship, a feat few drivers achieve. However, Harvick, a former Cup Series champion himself, wasn’t swayed by Logano’s polished post-race display. Instead, he found himself captivated by van Gisbergen’s fiery, drama-fueled burnouts earlier in the season at Sonoma.
“The way it all played out—he followed [Hill] to pit road, then went to the front straightaway for his burnout—that was one of the most unique moments I’ve ever seen,” Harvick said. For him, it wasn’t just about the smoke and screeching tires; it was the raw emotion and intensity that van Gisbergen brought to the moment.
Sonoma Showdown: SVG’s Flashpoint
Van Gisbergen’s Sonoma burnouts weren’t your standard victory celebration. After a heated on-track encounter with Hill, SVG turned the race’s tension into a spectacle. With a bold “in-your-face” style, he made his burnouts a statement that resonated far beyond the finish line.
Although SVG didn’t secure the Xfinity Series championship, his showmanship and skill earned him a promotion to NASCAR’s Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing for 2025. It’s clear his Sonoma antics were more than just a fleeting moment—they were a preview of his bold approach to the sport.
The Champion’s Case: Logano’s Legacy
On the other side, Logano’s Phoenix burnouts carried a different kind of weight. They weren’t about rivalries or theatrics but a celebration of perseverance and precision across an entire season. Winning a third championship cemented Logano’s place among NASCAR’s elite, yet some fans felt his dominance was overshadowed by Kyle Larson’s standout six-win season.
Harvick acknowledged the debate but stood firm in his praise for Logano’s season. “We believe Larson is the best driver in the world, right? But there’s more to winning championships than just being the best driver,” Harvick explained, pointing to the strategy and consistency that propelled Logano to the top.
The 2025 Redemption Arc
Kyle Larson, who narrowly missed out on both the regular-season and playoff titles, has a chip on his shoulder heading into 2025. With lessons learned from the razor-thin margins of 2024, Larson will aim to turn his dominance into a championship victory next season.
Smoke Clears, Stories Remain
As NASCAR shifts into offseason mode, 2024 will be remembered not just for its champions but for the moments that defined it. Logano’s methodical rise to his third title showcased his mastery, while van Gisbergen’s unfiltered Sonoma burnouts added flair to a year packed with drama.
Harvick’s verdict may not settle the debate, but one thing is clear—burnouts are more than just celebrations. They’re expressions of personality, rivalries, and the unrelenting passion that makes NASCAR unforgettable.