Ranking Top NASCAR Prospects | Harvick Puts JGR Drivers On The Spot

Connor Zilisch adds to his NASCAR schedule. Where does he rank among the top NASCAR prospects?
Harvick's Happy Hour: • JGR drivers on the bat...
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[@DennyDeliversYT]

kevin harvick’s idgaf energy he had in his retirement year really be translating to his time in FOX

[@Itsgamingtime11-co5kp]

👍

[@barrettcarpenter1745]

He had his whole career**

[@gatling216]

Harvick is going for blood and I love it. Obviously it's all in good fun, but I like the fact that he's pushing drivers to answer uncomfortable questions. We need more of that energy in the sport.

[@kingsally2864]

the thing is they arent even that awkward of questions. what's awkward is gibbs not letting bell run dirt and looks like if he speaks his mind he might get him in shit from the boss. and its just silly question but thanks to the toxic manufacturer wars you'll never see a toyota driver comfortably giving praise to a ford or chevy driver.

[@smunger69]

@@kingsally2864there’s a good reason for why Gibbs won’t let bell run dirt races, look at the Bowman ordeal last season. Gibbs drivers are paid a lot of money, and Gibbs is paid a lot of money to have them there, they don’t want to deal with a potential loss of revenue because of an injury that could’ve been avoided. It’s odd but it’s a business thing, some teams are more picky about it and some aren’t. Hendrick lets his guys run other things if they want to sometimes but it can result with injuries and a bad season for the team as a whole not just the driver.

[@TactShooter]

@@smunger69 Why does it matter to Ty Gibbs who runs where?

[@formulafish1536]

@@TactShooterhe’s not talking about Ty…

[@brysonbugay1563]

Just putting this out there, with all your connections, I'd love to see you interview one of the AMR safety team. I'm so curious about things like, what goes through their mind as they approach a crashed car. What is the procedure for if a driver doesn't lower the window net? How are they supposed to interact with drivers who are angry after crashing? What are their thoughts on the safety issues the next gen car has? Thanks for your content. I always look forward to your videos.

[@mag1cman777]

Awesome idea

[@Glitchunlocked]

Oooh yeah I like this idea. Make it happen Eric!

[@jeremyharper3462]

I support this! Awesome idea

[@nicksbits]

Love this idea

[@jacobwatts202]

I know someone who was at Martinsville for the firetruck at the cup race two years ago.

[@14wbigt]

Harvick raced these guys he’s had beef with jr and chase and these questions he asks make him the best podcast interviewer

[@Momentum_Racing]

I would seriously consider putting Parker Retzlaff in that prospect list. Yes I know he hasn't been in a championship ride yet, but in his xfinity debut at Richmond for RSS Racing, he finished top 10, and actually finished the year with 1 more top 10 and some top 15s. This year he just got the pole in a Jordan Anderson Racing car like a month ago. I'd bet that if Retzlaff had a Gibbs or Jr Motorsports ride, he would seriously be on your prospect list because he's so underrated.

[@smunger69]

Retzlaff honestly could be a fringe playoff contender this season with the speed that car shows most weeks. If they can clean up some of the mistakes on track and pit road, they realistically could make it into the playoffs on points.

[@bobbyblair8478]

Who’s here after Zilisch won the ARCA East race??!?! He’s the real deal!!

[@jacksonrobison1901]

I am here

[@fatheroffish101]

Connor is the next big thing, his race tonight was a masterpiece, kid has massive potential in what ever he decides to do

[@noviranger239]

Heim is Caleb Williams. Zilisch is eternal.

[@ming454]

He probably wouldn't won without wrecking Sawalich

[@jorgejoelhernandez]

If I was starting a Cup team, my driver line-up would be: #25: Hailie Deegan #26: Cole Custer #27: Sam Mayer #28: Sheldon Creed

[@TheCloudCreation]

I watched the DBC episode with Connor on it and that kid really impressed me with the way he carries himself and speaks. He has a bright future and I hope he goes far in life.

[@noviranger239]

Caleb may be the best NFL prospect, but Zilisch is the best prospect ever in any sport. Even over LeBron and Wemby, COMBINED.

[@westleysherwood7444]

I was at the Indianapolis Raceway Park last year when Jesse Love won that arca race. He seems like a cool, humble driver. I can't wait to see his career unfold.

[@jeremyharper3462]

Harvick is a savage for that! I will definitely be listening to that entire interview!

[@JackCallSports]

Right in time for my workout Eric 😂

[@Boosted_Juice]

I like to listen to the NWP when I work out, it's a vibe

[@Foley34]

“Oh shoot I’m on the clock” Hahahahhaha

[@mdbudreau]

Carson Kvapil - It’s a very small sample size, but he has impressed. He’s great in the CARS Tour. He almost won today’s Xfinity race in his second start…at The Monster Mile! And finished 4th in his first race at Martinsville. He’s not a top 5 prospect yet, but definitely earned top 10.

[@connorbingel7134]

I’ve been so impressed with Jessie. The biggest compliment I can give him is that he looks comfortable. He looks like he knows what he’s doing on the track, good with the media, doesn’t look like he has something to prove. He will make a great flagship driver for someone

[@Pointlesscrap-lu5vi]

There should be a nascar draft where the worst team that needs a driver goes first and gets the top prospect

[@ghostarmygaming6974]

The problem is equipment so bottom prospects would end up more successful at a team like Jgr/hendrick

[@Pointlesscrap-lu5vi]

@@ghostarmygaming6974 well, they could turn that team around though, but fair point

[@wardjones3297]

too funny....was thinking the other day would be cool to see you do a mock draft...good job

[@InsaneCelery238]

this aged like fine wine after the dover arca race

[@shoebuddy]

It’s about time somebody asked drivers some interesting questions. I don’t need to hear the same comment week after week. We want driver personality, Harvick can tap into that. Now let’s get some damn horsepower.

[@naparacingfan9275]

I agree with the top 5 but I'd have Zilisch at the top. He can drive anything learning on the fly. ARCA, LMP2 (winner in Rolex 24 & 12 Hours of Sebring), Mazda MX-5 Cup, Truck, late model, Xfinity eventually. Very impressed.

[@mathieuwatkinsa9668]

Personal Draft Board #5,Conor Zilich.Just from what I saw in one truck race, this guy has the potential to be absolutely insane, but he is only 17 so I can’t say that for sure. #4,Kaden Honeycutt.Here me out, at only like 18, with little experience, he way over preforms in Yungs Motorsport equipment, and in a limited schedule with Niece is doing better than his experienced team mates more often than not, he’s the real deal. #3, Chandler Smith I can argue is cup ready at this point. #2,Corey Hyme, probably the most consistent development driver the truck series has had in a wile, and his stock could sky rocket if he does good in these relief races, which I think is more than possible. #1, Jessie Love.RCR is not the greatest xfinity team, but if a rookie is doing this, than Jessie has to be pretty good right?

[@iBolt07]

I'm going out on a limb here, but can we talk about Leland Honeyman Jr? I think that car is on par with the Gase or SS-Greenlight cars equipment-wise and he's been running top 20s and even top 10s at times with it. I'd LOVE to see what he can do in better equipment. Talladega did show his limited experience, but still! Get him some experience and track time, the guy can clearly run decent in crap equipment.

[@FishNFoolLures]

On my list of prospects would be Chase Cabre. I think that guy is one hell of a wheelman. I've watched him on Monday nite Esports and in his micro sprint at Millbridge Speedway and he kicks (_:_) everywhere he runs.

[@ihyghxstt]

I like him aaking the Chase Vs Dale Jr question vecause realistically it makes sense. Theyre both most popular drivers of their eras, both had a large amount of time in some of if not the BEST equipment at hendrick and especially for Denny and Truex they've had a lot of time racing and interacting with both drivers so while it may be viewed as a "gotcha" question it does really make you think about how we view drivers, JR was popular because he was his dads kid and he tried his hardest to win week in and out, Chade is popular because hes also his dads kid but because he DOES win constantly, aside from his injury year hes been a threat to win week in and out since practically day 1

[@tMatt5M]

Christopher Bell should find a new boss.

[@babystrawberries6629]

Hear after Zilisch just won his first arca race

[@matworpex]

No comments on the Indycar drama? I know its not NASCAR per-say but it did involve Penske and its pretty insane news!

[@johnhaas2523]

If you're not cheating you're not trying and whatever Austin's dad said was lies and everyone knows it

[@Patrickbuttman41]

I thought about this the other day and compiled my hypothetical top 10 “picks” for a nascar draft. Including some analysis 1) Corey Heim: one of the most consistent young talents ever, obvious pick 2) Chandler Smith: moved around teams, proves he can win anywhere 3) Conner Zilisch: the boom or bust pick. Very young, but has amazing upside if developed right. 4) Christian Eckes: proven winner, current truck points leader. 5) Austin Hill: older, has strengths and weaknesses, but can be great if developed right. 6) Rajah Caruth: truck winner, top 10 in points, the sophomore driver is looking good. 7) Nicholas Sanchez: the sleeper pick. Truck winner, almost made the final 4 his rookie year, could be the best driver in this list. 8) SVG: another boom or bust pick. Lots of upside, and is developing pretty well. 9) Sam Mayer: young, raw talent. Isn’t consistent yet but could became great 10) Sheldon Creed: hey, somebody has to reach to make this realistic. Truck champion, has potential, but weakness includes starting slow and no xfinity wins.

[@kevindearing4704]

I LOVE Harvick's question. No one cares about this interview otherwise. His job is to drive eye balls to the sport and this is the perfect way to do it. Anytime your pushing fans to take a side, you're creating conversation that boosts the algorithms and puts your content in front of more viewers. It's like doing a fictional draft board for NASCAR prospects, just instigating conversation to further engage your audience. And Harvick's question couldn't be more perfect because he's taken the two most popular drivers of two slightly different eras. He's putting Jr fans against Chase fans, what could be better? And, he may even get the old Jr fans that have largely disengaged from the sport to come back to see the hype over Chase. Furthermore, this isn't new, we've done this for years with conversations like Pretty vs Johnson.

[@spencerwright600]

Joe Gibbs needs to let his drivers DRIVE. Give C-Bell his chilibowl dammit!

[@elactionwilly2135]

Oh snap about damn time I been trying to get Eric to come out to Kansas speedway 😂😂 hopefully I can meet u finally

[@AlexEvans-dm3yl]

I agreed with everything in the rankings except 5 I'd put Parker Retzlaff there from what he's doing with Jordan Anderson equipment at 21 year old I'd argue 5 is even a little low for him

[@Double00music]

There's a part of me that wishes C Bell raced for a different team so that he could race dirt and other things. I could see him excel at Penkse or even Hendrick (Hypothetically). But I don't think it's worth leaving the equipment he's in.

[@claychamlee884]

Put him in bowman's spot. Then he'd be dirt racing with Kyle. Hendrick would be unstoppable.

[@Zombified2012]

I dont no how many more lessons with harvick I can age through during the broadcast.....

[@Devon_Johnson]

I love the draft pick idea. Think we need more of this. Even more so for us"NFL" Cup only guys.

[@mikemunshower8963]

Who won the MENARD championship at the age's of 15,16 and 18? Was in the series 4 year's only. At 17 when racing the MENARD eastern series. He couldn't race on the superspeedways. Then gets blessed with a Xfinity ride and has 3 pole awards in 8 starts. Now has his first Xfinity win in just his 9th start in his first year in Xfinity. Yet he is still over looked by many. If you were to go look at what he has done from day one starting in quarter midgets. You might see just how good he has and is and will be!!!

[@damnmarkey]

My draft picks is not just who hot but also I picks who i think get better later. 5. Layne Riggs 4. Jake Garica 3. Taylor Gray 2. Chandler Smith 1. Corey Helm

[@jamesvecchio5918]

My Top 10 drivers age 24 & under who have made at least one Cup/Xfinity/Trucks start: 1. Ty Gibbs 2. Connor Zilisch 3 Justin Haley 4 Corey Heim 5 Carson Hocevar 6 Todd Gilliland 7 Jesse Love 8 William Sawalich 9 Chandler Smith 10 Zane Smith

[@michaelpaul85]

Rajah Caruth, Heim Time, Love, Carson Kvapil, Parker Retzlaff

[@robertkeithelvis-jp8ef]

Thoughts on Sammy Smith, I'd give him a B- -C+ , I know he brings steady sponsorship but lately it feels like he's content on just being in top 10. He has the perfect swagger for cup and I realize he's still very very young but I kinda expected more

[@smwallace2368]

Good to see Jesse Love getting the recognition he's earned. His win last week at Talladega should put everyone on notice.

[@ItsMavicBrah]

I don't think it's going to be his last win this year either.

[@mikemunshower8963]

Jesse Love "The Hammer" is a racer that knows how to win race's and championships as well. The faster the car's go the better he is, and the more we will get to see his talent behind the wheel. He as always been better in the faster classes. Starting in 1/4 midgets where he started racing. He is the real deal!!!

[@smwallace2368]

@@ItsMavicBrahi think he gets 3 this season...

[@mikemunshower8963]

@@smwallace2368 I say 7 this session

[@bearmarsh6579]

My mock draft would be sticking with those Chevys...Connor Zilisch, Jesse Love, Nick Sanchez, Christian Eckes and Carson Kvapil.

[@joshuapboston1999]

If I had to draft anybody to my Cup team, out of all the active drivers in the Cup series right now, I would hire Larson, Busch, Byron, and McDowell. My future stars and/or reserve in the Xfinity and/or Truck series would have to be Jesse Love, Rajah Caruth, Christian Eckes, and Ryan Truex.

[@noviranger239]

My team: #28 Connor Zilisch (Generational is an understatement to describe this man. Connor Zilisch is an ETERNAL talent.) #88 Corey Heim (He's basically the Caleb Williams of racing.)

[@MrBdog1021]

If I were JGR, I’d be pushing to get Heim in an Xfinity car at the very least next year.

[@johnhaas2523]

He will never drive for JGR in cup series or Xfinity series

[@brandondavis8790]

​@@johnhaas2523and you don't know that nobody knows that so stop acting like your smart your not it's bad enough you defend the ignorant leadership now your lying saying heim won't do this and that when you don't know God I wish you would stop watching nascar you have no clue about anything and it shows

[@jeremyharper3462]

Your draft is pretty spot on as far as who is in the board. I don't think you really overlooked anyone that could belong in that mix, but I would never try to put those guys in any order. They are all top prospects for sure.

[@c.d.8975]

Ryan preece should be ranked #1in all categories ☝️🤺🏁🧢🕺🪠

[@noahmielke2148]

What about william sawalich?? He’s an up and coming driver and he’s only 17 years old. So he would make your hypothetical draft list.

[@jessbrown1830]

I think tanner grey should be on your list. I would make him number 3

[@RickisGod31]

I love that Kevin is doing these and asking these tougher and sometimes sillier questions even to just stir the pot. Im sick of the same old same old style interview with these drivers where essentially its puffy questions that never allow us to see a different more genuine side of the drivers or the interviews that are pretty much nothing more than an ad buy from the company sponsoring the driver. Would much rather Kevin ask questions like who is better jr or elliott and get stuff started.

[@Eagleracer38x]

Connor Zilisch has said he's not ruling out anything world wide. So, he come get a big deal with Porsche or some other factory team in WEC and/or IMSA. But, I'm going to watch what happening with him.

[@micahwilliams3795]

Carson Kvapil belongs on that list.

[@kevantecaldwell4035]

Brent Crews will be on this list

[@RC.41]

Dale Jr at superspeedways, Chase at road courses, equal at other ovals. So they are equal. Why is this so hard?

[@Itsgamingtime11-co5kp]

Eric, do you have plans to go to the Las Vegas playoff race this season? I’m just wondering because I think I’m going and I would like to see you!

[@2ndchancewarriors691]

Would love to chat with you about an idea for the Clash. Could make for a great video!

[@karlcalvert812]

Rajah Caruth and Nick Sanchez could be considered top prospects. It would be a shame to see Daytona change it's tradition. There should be many changes made to the NASCAR SCHEDULE (many mid-tier tracks should lose a date and there needs to be way more night races) but this isn't one. Times like these make me wonder, why can't we have this race the same day as the superbowl, just start it at 12ET like it used to, and it would finish up before the Superbowl. Also just want to leave my picks to click at Dover 19 Truex 17 Buescher 9 Elliott 84 Johnson 6 Keselowski

[@robbieholcombe1213]

I don’t see enough aggressiveness from these other up and coming drivers like I saw from Carson hocevar and Zane smith and you saw that new side from chase Elliot at Texas.

[@Twinspinner]

Of course, Harvick would ask that Dale vs Chase question to the top TOYOTA team, knowing damn well they'd choose Chase, knowing damn well that the audience that hates Toyota most is all diehard Jr fans. I think he just wanted to give JGR even more heat than they already are under lol

[@marcusvillarreal]

I predict Christopher Bell will win this weekend at dover and the 2024 championship

[@thereese1757]

Did Cory heim beef with ty Gibbs? He has been in sam hunt equipment way more than I would have figured for him

[@bighatLJ]

Poor Cbell, the dude just wants to run some dirt. Mabey, if he did, he wouldn't be so much of an underdog because he wouldn't have to work back in the racing mindset because of the races he could be doing during the week.

[@masonward5004]

I'd replace Christian Eckes with Sam Mayer on my list for a draft board. Other than that it's pretty damn good

[@timkis64]

id bet jr.would say the same thing.statistically, jr IS a businessman.they live & die with the numbers.& jr's bank account proves he's pretty good with the numbers.many zeros behind that 300 million.

[@zacharylozowski]

Eric when you do your race review of dover (Im watching right now)... Can you talk about the fact that we only really ever see commercials and advertisements involving nascar during races? The little amount of money or whatever spent on tv advertising, I feel, is spent during the race and not in front of people who arent watching!? Could just be me though.

[@andrewmatthews2645]

I thought the interview was great. Harvick knew what he was doing. It was funny; not awkward at all.

[@tylerjones9309]

Hey maybe we can bring back really speed weeks

[@dbrd5206]

TBH I don't think the Bell question was too awkward

[@robbieholcombe1213]

My top prospect is Carson Kvapil.

[@jeffktown]

I think Harvick is secretly Batman

[@billdncn]

Harvick has always "stirred the pot". Can't remember the race or the drivers but they were getting to go at it when Harvick pushed one towards the other like, go get him, Lol

[@gregvandy34]

eckes and Chandler Smith are the best of this bunch. Connor Zilisch is bound to be a star. He's already solid on ovals but he's great on road courses. I would want Chandler Smith driving for my team. You missed Carson Kvapil. He may end up being the best of the bunch. Nearly won Dover and didn't scratch the car. If Ryan Truex doesn't run him up the hill he wins. 2 Xfinity races, 2nd and 4th. Meanwhile he's been the best late model driver in the country the past 2 years

[@thegonz7833]

The drivers should have responded with "who;s a better driver, Harvick or Stewart '?????

[@Officer_Main69]

Will you be in the grandstands?! @Kansas

[@jacobgivens7906]

Just keep the 500 on the same day but move it up to noon and use it as a lead in to the super bowl

[@johnhaas2523]

Not happening especially the years Fox has the super bowl

[@III-jj8qk]

id rather sign Majeski or Hill if I was a cup owner.

[@crazybut6641]

My top 5 5.Love 4.Eckes 3.Mayer 2.C Smith 1.Heim I don’t get the Love hype he’s had a lucky year and Zlisch is too much of an unknown imo he looks unbelievable on road courses but it’s a wait and see on the ovals which is ultimately the most important.

[@FlatRR]

Corey Day

[@buckman840]

Kevin asking these questions or is wing man Josh aka white shirt guy on his shoulder again

[@davidpease3158]

Is anybody playing the air quotes drinking game? 😂

[@Wrlixer]

My Sheldon creed 😞😞😞

[@user-dv7ro8xp4f]

love, simth,eckes,conner,

[@louislepage5111]

Feeling the Love Eric ??😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@jessicalamb2748]

camron waters

[@seen48]

Jesse Love totally legit. Sure he was Talladega but like you said, Creed in two years could not win. He seems mature while in track traffic nand doesn’t engage with the cars around him and minds his own bizznatch. Jesse Love: Nascars new lovely #1 prospect

[@Boosted_Juice]

No views in 54 seconds? Bro fell off

[@ThorneyGryffon]

The problem is the trucks and Xfinity do not drive anything like Cup. We have seen many drivers supposedly come up through the ranks and fizzle out. They need to go back looking in other series and local tracks again. Youre just pushing a buy your way in through a lower series and hope you can get enough money to get picked up to the next level mediocre drivers with money system. It isn't working like other pro sports and yet another reason we see declines year over year in viewship and ticket sales.

[@daboiracing3848]

make the Daytona 500 a Saturday night race

[@johnhaas2523]

Hahahaha

[@CQBlindHams]

Question is, Who will do more for the sport after retirement? Dale Jr. or Chase? I say Chase will go home to Ga. and go quiet like Hary Gant did.

[@johnhaas2523]

Chase will probably stay racing after retirement from NASCAR

[@gregvandy34]

You mean home to Colorado. Chase only comes to Dawsonville to race, be closer to Mooresville which is a very short flight.

[@johnhaas2523]

@@gregvandy34 I had no idea that was his primary residence

[@Pittsburgh-Kid.]

Hi

[@Boosted_Juice]

Hi

[@Mrmeap778]

Hi

[@TrillHanks]

Hi

[@GymLeaderEllie]

eric talking like HE'S not a future nascar hall of famer also have fun at kansas!!

[@daledawson1364]

No one has William Sawalich in their top 5?

[@kgmanfan4815]

aaand.. Connor just won on an oval.

[@down-n-outinNC]

I feel if Hill wouldn't have been involved in a late race incident Love wouldn't have won. Don't think Hill will help a teammate win

[@bluegrassboy2448]

I don't watch other sports, I like Motorsports in general but specifically NASCAR. C'mon NFL, let us have our own traditions. President's Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day weekends are traditional dates for NASCAR crown jewels and other world class racing events.

[@johnhaas2523]

It's Money for the NFL going to 18 games. Players don't like it or the players association and NFL players other than safety so big names aren't getting hurt so NFL can make more money

[@chadzeiders8293]

Bell could raise his name just like Larson, if they'd just let him free. What a joke!!!

[@happywrenching960]

I would take Bubba Pollard over all of them guys.

[@Cloudy341blade]

Its crazy rajah is not considered a top prospect i would have him over love

[@Duval-In-The-Wall]

Nah not over Love

[@tylerjones9309]

This is going to sound really mean, but I'm sick and tired of the NFL controlling other sports. If they move it back I know don't go head to head with Super Bowl Sunday but just goes to show everyone NASCAR won't be gaining real die hard fans in large quantities any time soon

[@RC.41]

#1 ugliest car of the year candidate Jimmie Johnson Dover wtf is that? He could have been in the 43 and been it’s 48th driver, then they could have made Heim the 49th and Kenseth the 50th. They completely blew it

[@rileymaenhout1732]

Any nascar driver would have the same results as chase in the 9 car