Kevin Harvick to... Hendrick?? | Updating My NASCAR Power Rankings!

I have a theory on why Hendrick Motorsports asked Kevin Harvick to substitute for Kyle Larson at North Wilkesboro. Let's take a look at my updated NASCAR Power Rankings after an educational Dover race!
Dover Race Analysis: • Too Much Defense, Not ...
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Thumbnail Cred: Jonathan Bachman (Getty), Hendrick Motorsports
0:00 Harvick to Hendrick
4:22 Power Rankings

[@DennyDeliversYT]

imagine FOX interviewing harvick when he’s in the 5 car during practice… bro’s gonna be out here sayin how skibidi the car is 💀😭

[@kyleenglandracing701]

Surprised he hasn’t said skibidi in the booth yet😭

[@DannyRicBobby]

Didn’t they do that with Mcmurray during one of the duels at the 2021 500?

[@jeremiahevans7752]

He had to yeet it to the right after missing the hullabaloo

[@aiwash2766]

Bruh 😂😂😂😂

[@cloud1173]

Bro is going to be saying that second place car is rizzing up first for position.

[@bobfoutch5238]

“When Rick called a couple of days ago, he said, ‘Hey, I need a favor,’ and I know when the conversation starts like that, that usually you have to say yes,” Harvick said. “So I appreciate you guys calling. It’s going to be fun.”

[@JackCallSports]

People saying this is a FOX publicity stunt needs to stop If you get a call from Rick Hendrick to drive one of his race cars you’d be silly to say no

[@StevenP727]

Facts! People just wanna spread false narratives for clout

[@kingsally2864]

Harvick also comes across like a stand up guy. he doesnt seem like the type of guy to say no to sharing experience and wisdom just because there's no ford/KHI/etc affiliation

[@justcody6068]

I’d say no with no regrets because fuck Hendrick I want actual equipment

[@JackCallSports]

@@justcody6068 what did bro do to you

[@kingsally2864]

​@@justcody6068 Harvick laps lead 2021 & 2022: 336 Larson laps led in 2024 AT JUST LAS VEGAS AND RICHMOND JUST THOSE 2 TRACKS: 325

[@JackCallSports]

Be cool if Kyle Larson let him race the 5 for the actual all star race

[@Mr.PeanutSteve]

I don’t think he’s eligible for the race

[@EricEstepp]

Harvick would have to race his way in since he's not a full-time driver

[@JackCallSports]

@@EricEstepphonestly that’d be fine too See Harvick racing anything would be a treat

[@robertstone9988]

Who said it's larsons call?

[@Ice-Blade]

how bout the 48 instead....

[@gatling216]

Harvick is the only logical choice. I can't think of another driver with current Next Gen experience with anything like Harvick's pedigree who isn't already going to be in the car for that weekend and isn't tied to another team. As for Chastain, I like how the only time they really mentioned him on the broadcast was full sending it three wide into the corners on restarts to make hay. Clearly didn't have a good car, but he's still doing Chastain things.

[@JosephMicheal-eu5mc]

I can’t wait to see Kyle Larson race for the Indy 500 but also I can’t wait to see Kevin Harvick back behind the wheel of a rick Hendrick car something that is unheard of for him to do, but I’m glad that Kevin Harvey has an opportunity to get behind the wheel of the nextgen car

[@Mass1fy]

He raced the next gen though for 2 years? Also it’s not Harvey it’s Harvick

[@Carsboy95]

Clint bowyer is not gonna shut up about harvick if he’s not at the top of the board in practice

[@southernmermaid2526]

🤣

[@AmericanPoliceCams]

For one Dale Jr hasn't driven the new car and harvick just retired and has the experience with this car and that's why they chose him lol. We're talking Hendricks and obviously they need no help. I'd say harvick is also probably the closest to Larson on how they drive.

[@prairiefarmer5994]

They need to take some team pictures with Harvick. I know him and Chase are well past 2021, but it would be interesting to have pictures of them as teammates, even if it’s just for one race.

[@Itsgamingtime11-co5kp]

When Kyle Larson said that during pre-race, I was going crazy!!

[@jeffrosenberger2148]

Even though Harvick said multiple times he would never again drive at the Cup level, he couldn’t resist experiencing what driving a top level next gen Chevy is like after being with a declining Ford.

[@johnhaas2523]

Only practice and qualifying

[@NOBODYAskedForThisTV]

Dale Jr said on his podcast a couple weeks ago that he can’t make it to Wilkesboro that week / weekend. So most likely scheduling issues.

[@codypet2110]

He was going on vacation with the family in the camper. The podcast is going remote too.

[@Glitchunlocked]

That's a bummer. I'll be at the race and I was hoping to see him there

[@joeypooschke7914]

Hey Eric, coming from a huge Kyle Larson fan & HMS fan, I do tend to agree with you on your analysis of Kevin Harvick being in the 5 but I’m also looking forward to Kevin being in top-tier equipment, he’s gonna be going around the track with the car that dominated last year and I’m pretty sure they’ll bring pretty close to the same set up again. It’ll be nice to see what Kevin does in practice and qualifying and maybe a heat race if Kyle is not back.

[@AndrewFRC135]

My very first thought on Sunday when I saw that Bell got caught up in the Dover wreck was, "No, he's gonna be out of the power rankings for sure now!" I think your list is pretty spot on. Bowman is a suprising yet justified inclusion this week. I'm glad to see he's finally coming back to form after the injury last year.

[@montecarloss305]

Man, this Harvick thing is crazy to think about. I bet part of it is curiosity on his part. Even tho he was able to get a couple of wins in the Next Gen car, I bet he wants to feel what a top tier car is running like and (like you said) his feedback is gonna be valid. What might be interesting is if KL is unable to be there for either qualifying or the race due to weather or something. Especially if Harvick's got the thing dialed in.

[@tomchristen4815]

That's Awesome to hear Harvick practicing n preparing Larson's #5 car...😃... Your power rankings are good with me Eric. 😉

[@naparacingfan9275]

Harvick returning even just for practice is cool. 1st time Harvick will drive the 5 since the Nationwide Series days with JRM.

[@MegaMr46]

Ironically too, since Chase raced in the 9

[@markmcquillan1074]

Keep up the great work. We want you in the booth on Sunday.

[@wmk29]

Harvick has experience with this car, dale doesn't. They may have asked Dale and he said no. Don't assume.

[@NR_88]

Dale Jr did the Daytona test in the 5 car in 2022 though

[@ChristopherWHerbert]

The rules are that a driver must complete full-time, in order to take part in the All-Star race. Kevin Harvick raced Full-time in 2023. Which is a way that gets around that rule Dale Jr has to race full-time and take part in races during the 2023-2024 year. To be eligible

[@codypet2110]

Dale is gonna be on vacation with his family. The podcast is going remote starting next week too.

[@charliequintero6210]

I assume , they didn’t call him.

[@rus2207]

I went back and rewatched the Dover race this morning. From the drop of the green flag to the end of the race, there was a total of 23 commercial breaks (side-by-side included).

[@prakharvarshney4789]

I would still put chase on 5th instead of reddick, Chase didn't qualified good at dover but was still able to move up to 10 in stage 1. He is 3rd in points too.

[@MagnusOpite34]

Chase did everything that he commended Larson for minus the stage win at Dover. Eric has always been a little biased against the 9 over the years. He’s absolutely outrun Reddick all year yet is behind him in the rankings

[@wendyluke544]

Chase came from 29th very quick..passing more cars then any other driver..he deserves to be higher then 6th

[@billsbetterthanurteam8488]

Also it’s one race. He’s been meh this season

[@spencerwright600]

​@@billsbetterthanurteam8488 he's literally 3rd in the points right now....that's not mehhh

[@crimsonstorm34]

@@billsbetterthanurteam8488 Really? Have you been watching lately? Take the blinders off.

[@cell9785]

Chase discovered gold and the cure to cancer too

[@spencerwright600]

@@cell9785 I know ain't it awesome

[@dripduck9393]

My theory is that Harvick gets the pole, replaces bowman next year and wins the 2025 championship with 13 wins

[@EricEstepp]

now that's a wild theory

[@bighand1530]

246 days left till 2025.

[@ryanmfussner]

👀👀

[@BTEY586]

That won't happen.

[@johnhaas2523]

Kevin isn't coming back full time

[@jeremiahevans7752]

Kevin finally gets to drive a Hendrick car💪🏾

[@mgm1356]

Finally? 🙄 Isn't it where he started in #29 many years ago?

[@andyjennings15]

He already basically did drive a hendrick car at SHR. They had an alliance with hendrick using their engines and chassis before they switched to ford.

[@andyjennings15]

@@mgm1356 29 car was RCR

[@TrenchToast]

​@@mgm1356 he started his nascar cup carrer by replacing Earnhardt Sr in the #29 in 2001 for RCR. As far as I know, he's never driven a Hendrick car.

[@mgm1356]

​@@andyjennings15you are right, my bad, it was RCR

[@KSRPerformanceFabrication]

Eric! We need you at IRP this Friday night for the Indy 800!!

[@inFenity]

Bowman 8th was disappointing at Dover, that pit road mishap and then a bad call for tires on the last caution set him back from what should've been a 4th place finish

[@JacobRayLawson]

Harvick is only allowed to fill in for practice and qualifying. I am pretty sure he mentioned that this past Sunday that he isn't allowed to in the actual race cause he isn't full time.

[@JoeKell365]

i think the Harvick deal is just a one-off thing, and anyone who thinks there might be more is reading too far into it. Harvick has already said he's not racing Cup full-time anymore, so that can be ruled out. i think he was just picked as someone who is available, competent and still has a NASCAR license, and that's the whole story

[@johnhaas2523]

He had to get a 2024 license. I sure he is going to be doing a Xfinity series or truck series race this year if not more than 1 he just hasn't announced anything. He hasn't even announced what race or any sorts he is doing in June other than that he will be racing in June

[@vince92664]

Very impressed with your channel Eric last year during nascar season it felt like you were just a guy reviewing nascar races and randomly posting nascar news in between races this year it feels like you’ve gone to a totally new level

[@EricEstepp]

Always trying to put in more work to make the show better. I'm glad you've been enjoying this season!

[@beepboop306]

The recent times have been tough, but being a bowman fan ain’t an easy job

[@AngeloRametta]

Damn right! Buschy will be getting those good finishes soon!

[@Wrlixer]

Can’t wait for harvick to say the car is getting his sigma energy

[@slayer11447788]

It would kinda such for larson, but i would love to see harvick Race in a top-tier hendrick car. Imagine if he won 😂

[@geneschaffer4123]

Think you nailed it Eric, makes a lot of sense!

[@eriklatham9384]

Hard to argue those rankings. Definitely was suprised like you said Chastain contended for the win at Dover the last two year but had to fight all day to finish 12th.

[@irexrampage7257]

As a lifelong Harvick fan (and I like Kyle Larson) I wish Harvick would race in the All Star race. See him one last time in a real competitive car and show us what he is still capable of

[@johnhaas2523]

Kevin can't race in the All-Star Race this year since not full time

[@davids5006]

@@johnhaas2523race his way in

[@johnhaas2523]

​@@davids5006I not sure if he can since not a full time driver

[@brandencurtin4210]

Spot on power rankings this week

[@gasgassteve]

I can't argue with your ranking .... too much . Denny is win or wreck , so I don't know if I would rank him quite that high . He is a threat everywhere , but you got to finish the races . So far I don't see him at #2 no matter if he does have 3 wins . Come the end of the year , it wont matter how many wins he has , if he wrecks in the playoffs too many times . Good show Eric . You are the best show on KZbin ! Keep up the great productions , thank you

[@rshackelford4445]

Hamlin kinda reminds me of Matt Kenseth back in the day in terms of performance. They both would spank the field when they find their way out front and were extremely consistent no matter what happened.

[@noahmielke2148]

Yes. I for the most part agree with your power rankings. But if it were me I’d swop Ty Gibbs for Noah Gragson. Yes Ty Gibbs has been impressive. But Noah Gragson seems to be progressing each week. I can strongly say that a win is coming his way. SHR and that no.10 team. They’ve found something. Wish I could say the same about the other three SHR cars. But that no.10 team. They’re definitely cooking something up over there. And a win is definitely coming for them.

[@toddmanger7194]

Noah Gragson is on the outside looking in, when it comes to the Top 10 power rankings. Give it time.

[@tennesseesmoky9012]

I am sure that Jeff Gordon and Mr. Hendrick have a solid plan to make sure that the #5 car has an experienced driver ready for the racing at North Wilkesboro. Just to make sure the car has some shakedown laps in that brief practice and a shot at a good qualifying run. You also have to consider the possibility that something could prevent Kyle Larson from getting there in time.

[@ryanproffer]

I'm going to say it's a head game like what he did to Mark Martin. Martin's a racer in one of his interviews he was having fun doing a handful of races and he said Hendrick would keep coming by and being like man if I only had somebody to fill that 5 seat for a year. Then Martin started thinking man what if I did just one more year. That's how come he doesn't really come around NASCAR too much anymore he can't quit it. So what if he's doing is teasing Harvick to bring him in his fold

[@bbn_strouse]

I get that Chase hasn't been lighting the world on fire this season, but he and MTJ have been top 20ing the field to death, they're the only two drivers left in the cup series who have finished every race this year in the top 20, which is probably why they're 3rd and 2nd in the regular season points, that's insane consistency that's hard to overlook

[@bbn_strouse]

addendum to this, he's tied for 2nd most top 5s this year as well

[@toddmanger7194]

Is top 20 even considered good anymore when the field sits at 36 car fields?

[@bbn_strouse]

@@toddmanger7194 with how competitive the field typically still is from 20th on back I'd say so, but the point is more so not having as many horrible days with wrecks like a lot of the other points front-runners have had

[@samuelstewart495]

Said this in a previous video but Christopher bell this year is like the last couple years Alex bowman. Starts super strong then starts to fall off farther in the year you go. But then clutches up in the early playoffs rounds.

[@toddmanger7194]

Cbell is way more consistent than last years bowman. Cbell already has a win and is more of a contender than Bowman ever is at any track. Even with the fact that bell has 5 finishes of 30th or worse so far.

[@ateddybear1392]

As someone that was a huge Harvick fan from 2001 through his retirement, who’s now moved to Larson.. this is pretty freakin awesome

[@jorgejoelhernandez]

Your power rankings seem very solid, I don't see any mistakes. Good job.

[@chaysecarruthers7368]

i wonder if harvicks there to help bridge stewart haas back over to chevy and hendrick, like the good ol days

[@johnhaas2523]

Nice f****** joke

[@legacyofthe243]

Here's why I think he got the call over Jr: Harvick has driven the Next Gen car, Jr hasn't.

[@bradfordmcgomery9058]

It will be good to see Harvey get back in the car believe it or not. Just to practice. Good content today. I’m not a big Danny Hamlin fan by no means, but he’s a great racecar driver, and I’m here to say it right now, he will win the championship this year.

[@marklive]

Dale Jr. previously mentioned on DJD that he had prior obligations that won't allow him to attend North Wilkesboro

[@kilebogart]

Stuart Weber from Action Sports Jax interviewed Josh Berry during Action Sports Jax Primetime on CBS 47 WJAX-TV

[@bonesdoes6142]

I hope he doesn’t get “yeeted” 😂 Kevin said NASCAR told him he wasn’t eligible to actually race in the all star race when they were interviewing Larson before the race. I agree with your top 10

[@terrycole9427]

Larson will not miss being in the 5 car for the Allstars race

[@Jimmieadamsp]

Dale Jr has said time and again that he has zero desire to drive the next Gen car.

[@MICKEY-LOGANO]

I think Harvick is doing this just because he is retired and has nothing to do. I don’t think it really has to do anything with connections or anything like that.

[@cjfastfoot]

Kevin Harvick has experience in this car jr has a little test time

[@darthhull85]

I thought it was clear HMS picked Kevin because he has the most cup experience and some next gen, so he’s probably the best that’s not active to give the crew the information needed to set the car up right. Jr is long out of touch, his opinion wouldn’t be as valuable

[@michaeljensen1817]

Tnn had Buddy Baker as an in car reporter during the 1992 Winston open, so it wouldn't be anything new if they did have him try and commentary during any part of the weekend.

[@davidschach6264]

It would be cool if you could, for every day next week, rank 1-2 drivers’ races for the first third of the season per day from best to worst

[@N9IBZED]

I agree with your rankings this weekand can't add anything more

[@scotiaE46M3]

What's wrong with aero blocks? That's just skillful racing IMHO. Use all the tools in the tool box. Great defense.

[@GiveMeLibertyOrGiveMeDeath147]

Areo makes it car vs car and not driver vs driver. This areo blocking sucks, the best car and driver don't win. Even Larson admitted that he wasn't better than Reddick at Vegas

[@bearmarsh6579]

Happy for Happy gets to drive the #5 car also it's about time Alex Bowman makes your to 10.

[@SHARKYBOI345]

Can't wait for the All Star race

[@chrisp883]

I would rather see Jr in the car. BUT, it makes total sense to go with Harvick. A great decision imo

[@Vulcan9988]

Eric I feel like your asleep on Noah, i would take him as a better chance to get his first win than Alex Bowman this year. How many consistent top 10s does he need to put up before he cracks number 10 at the very least?

[@capcaw]

My Top 5 PWR Rankings are the exact same. Slight differences in 6-10. I still have Bell in over Bowman and Blaney ahead of Elliott

[@mikejoerger3333]

You need to do the power rankings every 4 races. Because doing it after every race it's not really legitimate. Things don't change from week to week in the power rankings it should be every 4 weeks.

[@liamwetzler9281]

Have you looked at the points lately🤷‍♂️the 9 is doing alright I think.

[@jessecardinaels]

I think Dale jr has another commitment. He isn’t doing the cars tour he said on his podcast but he’ll be there for the race Saturday.

[@pns_prince5578]

Having Reddick 5 is crazy

[@kharnthebetrayer1575]

You know ……. If I’m Harvick or any other driver, I’m saying YES to Mr H even if it’s for “stand by “ .

[@Eagleracer38x]

Yeah, I think you are right that Kevin is the best driver to fill in and get Hendrick's 'short' track setups better. He's got a huge wealth of knowledge and just retired last year, so his knowledge is still very relevant. Where is Logano at in your power rankings? lol.

[@ctron2388]

Ok Eric has completely forgot about bubba lol he’s been pretty good this year hes dropped from 9th to 15th just because if the bad luck 2 weeks in a row but he ran top 10 so much and keeps getting taken out by someone else’s mishaps! Talladega, Richmond, dover, Bristol

[@dinoburkalini3021]

As usuak I agree on the ranking on everyone but Chase. He has a win and is third in the points chase and you put reddick ahead of him. He put in anther top 5 and added a lot of stage points. What does the guy have to do for you to rank him where he belongs.

[@joevaughn8742]

I agree with the no. 1 spot

[@cjfastfoot]

I th8nk maybe swap Reddick and Blaney but other than that I think I agree

[@TrenchToast]

Byrons crew also dropped his car down with no front wheel.

[@John-kx3ng]

If a Ford gets a win this season and its a big if at this point I think Gragson will be the one that pulls it off.

[@charlesharter3068]

a few weeks ago the boos outnumbered Denny Hamlin's cheers, it's interesting how they are now about 50 50.

[@jamiethornton6101]

It's crazy to think Denny Hamlin is catching Kyle Busch in wins. Hamlin's career seemed to be over and during the pandemic he had that seven win season and hasn't looked back. Not sure where the resurgence came from. At 54 wins now, we could see Hamlin go over 60 now to join Kyle Busch. It has me thinking, what current drivers also have a chance for 60 career cup wins? Imagine if Harvick came back and won a race a HMS?

[@John-kx3ng]

Harvick is back at home driving a Chevrolet, I can assure you of this.

[@briangardner5905]

How about this addition to the power rankings images: the logo for the manufacturer that driver drives for next to the driver photos. Then, at a quick glance, one could see how the Chevy, Toyota and Fords are doing in your rankings. - B-NASCAR FAN - Gardner

[@dalesusieyates8041]

Earnhardt don't have any experience in this car that would be a silly move

[@chloe-stephlis6281]

As a lifelong HMS; Chevy; and Harvick fan I always wished those rumors in 2016 that he was going to replace Kasey Kahn’s in the 5 when SHR went to Ford had to come to pass. Sigh. Love Kevin but hate the blue oval.

[@owenwidrick]

Noah gragson is showing speed

[@BBA429]

Just got announced that harvick will fill in for practice and qualifying.

[@StevenP727]

We need a dramatic intro for power rankings to make Monday blues less blue lol

[@marcusvillarreal]

I'm crossing my fingers that christopher bell will win this weekend at Kansas and that's not a prediction it's a spoiler

[@michaeljensen1817]

The last time Paul Heyman said that, Roman reigns lost, so bell crashing out again confirmed. 😂

[@marcusvillarreal]

@@michaeljensen1817 yeah I know I promise Christopher Bell will not crash out at Kansas

[@posisteve]

Harvick would be awesome to see race

[@johnhaas2523]

You might see him race but it ain't going to be a Cup series race. Any NASCAR races he does is going to be either Xfinity or truck series Then of course there's kHI 62 late model

[@hutrod7721]

Shoutout to Noah for a 3rd and 6th the last 2 races

[@outfield1988]

Would love to see Kevin in a Hendrick car full time.

[@johnhaas2523]

Never happening

[@TheMillennialModeler]

My theory is Harvick got asked just because he has a lot of NextGen seat time vs someone like Dale Jr…

[@theskoob2944]

I'm sure any contract with Ford expired with Harvick's retirement, but I am not sure if his development drivers are under one. Wouldn't that be a conflict of interest?

[@johnhaas2523]

kHI management represents drivers with all different manufacturers and kHI racing has Driver

[@Evigs24]

Harvick to help Hendrick is very wierd. But at the same time you can say you have driven a Hendrick Motorsports car but i do agree with you Eric. In fact I would rather have Harvick race the entire weekend since he’s eligible for the all star race still and Dale Jr can’t race he actually wouldn’t be eligible because he’s not a past champion nor his all star race win wouldn’t qualify him. And to the power rankings, Byron doesn’t have stage wins but I still believe he will be at his very best. Had a top 5 car seemed like the Jack dropped and never recovered. Again nothing of his wrong doings. I would still believe Byron is the best driver in the cup series and one race wouldn’t hurt him. Oh by the way whenever Hamlin wins, Byron has won the next week. So expect him to win at Kansas….

[@RealJohnWayne]

Harvick isn't eligible to race in the All Star Race.

[@jeffbennett7470]

Seeing Harvick in a Hendrick car will be cool.

[@cjreed6379]

My mistake he finished 32nd this last two races been caught up in someone else's wreck

[@gregvandy34]

Dale Jr is busy on All star weekend. That’s why Sammy Smith is filling in driving the Late Model that weekend. So he wouldn’t have been an option, but Dale has not raced a gen 7 car at all. I’m sure Harvick could get as good a result as Larson in the 5 car. That will be the best Gen7 car Kevin has ever driven.

[@jhnstn1]

It would be interesting to see if Jr. would have as much trouble with it as Jimmie Johnson seems to be. JJ has been in a Gen 7 for six races or so with little to no practice and the results have been horrible.

[@JohnMcFallsSr]

Who's going to be in Larson's car for the 600 weekend? For practice and possibly qualifying?

[@johnhaas2523]

Nothing is announced yet

[@lunardesignstudiolinda1256]

He saw the light lol