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Kevin Harvick defends Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch’s bold gamble in wet conditions: a race for survival

James Taylor by James Taylor
February 8, 2026
in Motorsports, NASCAR
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Kevin Harvick defends Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch’s bold gamble in wet conditions: a race for survival

Mar 18, 2023; Hampton, Georgia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick (4) talks to a crew member during qualifying at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch's Daring Wet-Weather Gamble: Kevin Harvick Defends the Underdogs!

In a thrilling display of audacity that sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch made a bold move during The Clash, opting to brave the treacherous wet conditions while others chose to play it safe. While the decision left Hamlin finishing in a respectable 5th place and Busch trailing behind in 19th, the fallout from their daring strategy has ignited a firestorm of debate among fans and experts alike.

But not everyone is quick to criticize this risky maneuver. Veteran racer Kevin Harvick emerged as an unexpected ally to Hamlin and Busch, arguing that their choice to stay on the track was not just about immediate results, but about gathering invaluable experience for future races. Harvick passionately defended their decision, emphasizing the importance of understanding track dynamics under wet-weather tires.

Harvick remarked, “Well, I wanna go back to one more thing from the race. We saw Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin, a lot of these guys go into the pits, work on their cars to get back out on the racetrack in the wet. You’re gonna get in this position again. They were craving time on the racetrack.” This statement underscores the crucial learning opportunity that Hamlin and Busch seized, as they honed their skills in unpredictable weather conditions.

According to Harvick, the real victory lies not in the scoreboard but in the data collected during the race. “To understand what they needed to do to get better, understand their race cars, and collect that data to know what they needed to do to their car in these rain conditions is invaluable,” he continued. Harvick's insight illuminates a critical aspect of racing that often goes unnoticed: the ability to adapt and thrive in varying conditions.

Moreover, Harvick took a swing at a prevalent stereotype surrounding NASCAR drivers— the belief that they shy away from wet racing. In a strong rebuttal, he declared, “If we’re gonna be in the wet-weather business, let’s just own it. The tires are good, the cars are capable, the drivers are capable.” This powerful assertion challenges the status quo and champions a new era of fearless racing.

The seasoned driver pointed to the successful navigation of tricky conditions during the race, highlighting that “none of the drivers ended up crashing into each other” despite the rain. He believes this success is a testament to NASCAR’s capability to handle adverse weather conditions, urging teams to embrace the challenge rather than fear it. “We just gotta quit worrying about it so much,” Harvick stated, suggesting that the time has come for drivers to experiment and push boundaries during these weather challenges.

As the dust settles on this riveting race, the question remains—did Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin gain a crucial edge over their competitors with their bold gamble? With Harvick's endorsement and a wealth of experience under their belts, the answer may very well be yes.

As NASCAR gears up for future races, one thing is clear: the audacity to race in the rain could become a defining feature of this season. Will other drivers follow Hamlin and Busch's lead, or will they continue to play it safe? Only time will tell, but the roar of the engines promises to be louder than ever.

Tags: 2004-nascar-cup-series-championshipdenny-hamlinKevin Harvickkyle-busch
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