As NASCAR navigates the fallout from Martinsville’s playoff race, former Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick has shed light on the intense politics behind the scenes. With accusations of race manipulation swirling around several drivers allegedly helping their manufacturer teammates, Harvick defended these actions as part and parcel of the NASCAR garage culture.
In a candid breakdown of the “garage politics” that govern stock car racing, Harvick explained that such alliances aren’t unique to Martinsville. “We openly talk about [race manipulation] at the Superspeedways all the time,” he said, emphasizing that NASCAR racing has always been a “manufacturer race.” According to Harvick, each brand crafts a strategy where teams support each other on the track—a system that goes beyond just the playoffs and is ingrained in every race.
“There’s a plan that goes along with it,” Harvick continued, noting that if drivers aren’t prepared to play into these politics, they’re at a disadvantage. Manufacturer briefings often emphasize how drivers can support teammates, and Harvick believes the events at Martinsville were no different from what happens on any track.
However, Harvick acknowledged the toll that this culture takes on drivers. Many drivers are forced to make moves on the track that may feel unnatural but are essential to securing a team advantage. “This system makes you do things that are uncomfortable,” he admitted, pointing out that drivers have no choice but to comply if they want to stay competitive.
Harvick’s comments illustrate a reality where drivers are caught in a balance between individual ambition and team loyalty—a situation that often leads to maneuvers NASCAR fans find controversial. While NASCAR has tried to enforce regulations to curb blatant race manipulation, the underlying politics of brand alliances are here to stay.
As Harvick puts it, NASCAR can’t stop these alliances; they can only prevent incidents as blatant as those witnessed at Martinsville. The Martinsville race has sparked conversation, but Harvick’s insights reveal that “playing the game” is a core part of racing, and it’s not going anywhere soon.
