Kyle Larson’s dominant performance at Bristol left the rest of the competition in the dust. From the start of the race, Larson showcased an impressive display of skill, giving clean laps while his team delivered a top-notch car both before and during the event. With such precision and teamwork, it seemed inevitable that Larson would come out on top, but not all fans shared in the excitement.
Many viewers criticized the race, calling it boring due to the predictability of the outcome. The moment the cars took off, it appeared that Larson was destined to win, leading for an astonishing 462 laps out of the 500 total. One of the primary complaints was the lack of tire wear, which made it difficult for drivers to overtake each other, adding to the fans’ frustration. However, amidst the fan disappointment, one voice stood out in defense of the No. 5 team—Kevin Harvick.
Kevin Harvick’s Perspective on the No. 5 Team
Kyle Larson’s victory at Bristol was a critical win, catapulting him back to the top of the playoff standings. Despite the negative fan reactions, the Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) team celebrated the achievement. With Larson leading the playoff standings, the focus is now on whether he can maintain this momentum. One person who has confidence in Larson and the No. 5 team is none other than Kevin Harvick.
After the race, Harvick discussed Larson’s performance on his podcast, Happy Hour. During the conversation, his co-host, Kaitlyn Vincie, recalled Harvick’s previous experience with the No. 5 crew, stating, “You mentioned the fast cars, and I want to give some credit to the team, which you had firsthand experience with.”
Vincie went on to praise the strength of the No. 5 team, led by Cliff Daniels, who served as Larson’s crew chief during his championship win. She also highlighted car chief Jesse Saunders, who was part of the same team during Larson’s championship season. “That team is really, really strong as a whole,” Vincie noted, emphasizing their cohesive nature and high level of performance.
Harvick, having experienced the efficiency of the No. 5 team firsthand, chimed in to add his own perspective. “I was fortunate to have a firsthand view of that at the All-Star Weekend and see how they functioned before that,” he said, underscoring how well the team operates. He further explained, “When you’re functioning at a high level like that, with a young group of guys who are really determined to put in the time, effort, and details into what’s going on, that’s when you see a group like this come together.”
Harvick also took a moment to mention Larson’s teammate, William Byron. He pointed out that while Byron started the season strong, his performance had not maintained the same level of consistency throughout the year. In contrast, Harvick praised the No. 5 team for being consistently in contention week after week. “Yes, they’ve made some mistakes,” Harvick admitted, “but I think they’re so open with each other and so critical of each other that the conversations don’t offend anyone.”
Harvick contrasted Larson’s focused approach with other drivers, noting that Larson doesn’t waste time arguing with his spotter. Instead, he stays focused on his objectives. Even when the radio gets heated during the race, Harvick pointed out that “none of that stuff offends him.” According to Harvick, Larson brushes off any post-race frustrations with a light-hearted, “Okay, well, I probably shouldn’t have said that. That was funny.”
The Friendship Between Kyle Larson and Kevin Harvick
Beyond their professional interactions, Harvick and Larson have developed a strong friendship. Having competed against each other for years before Harvick’s retirement, the two drivers took notice of each other’s unique driving styles. Over time, they developed mutual respect, frequently acknowledging each other’s talents publicly.
Larson, as the younger driver, has always admired Harvick’s wealth of experience on the track. Even though they raced for different teams, their shared experiences in NASCAR allowed them to form a friendship that extends beyond the racetrack. Despite the competitive nature of their sport, Larson and Harvick found common ground, proving that drivers from rival teams can still build relationships outside of the race.
In addition to being NASCAR champions, Larson and Harvick have something else in common—they are both fathers. Interestingly, this shared experience has also brought their families closer together. Both of their daughters have formed a bond through go-kart racing, deepening the friendship between the two families.
As Larson continues to dominate in his NASCAR career, it’s clear that his friendship with Harvick will endure. Harvick, now retired, continues to support his friend and former competitor, celebrating Larson’s recent win at Bristol with enthusiasm. Their relationship is a testament to the respect and camaraderie that can develop between drivers, both on and off the track.
With Larson now sitting at the top of the playoff standings, the future looks bright for him and the No. 5 team. Harvick’s faith in Larson’s abilities and the team’s strong dynamic could signal even more victories to come as the season progresses.
