As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season unfolds, former champion Kevin Harvick has voiced his concerns regarding two notable drivers: Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch. While several competitors, including Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson, and Denny Hamlin, are enjoying multiple victories this season, Elliott and Busch find themselves without wins, raising alarms about their confidence and competitiveness.
Harvick emphasizes the importance of a win for Elliott, noting that maintaining confidence is crucial as the season progresses. “The No. 9 needs a win. I think that’s the expectation that he has, the team has, and the organization has,” Harvick stated. Elliott has consistently performed this season, standing at P4 in overall points with six top-ten finishes and three top-five finishes, but he lacks a podium finish, having secured his best result at P4 twice.
The performance of his teammates, such as William Byron and Larson, has added to the pressure on Elliott. If teammate Alex Bowman starts achieving victories, it could amplify the stakes for Elliott even further. Harvick suggests that the only way to alleviate mounting frustration is through a timely return to Victory Lane.
Similarly, Kyle Busch’s struggles have become increasingly apparent. After a strong start at Richard Childress Racing, where he achieved three wins in the first half of the 2023 season, Busch has struggled to maintain that momentum. He ended his streak of annual victories in 2024 and currently sits at P17 in points this year, with only four top-ten finishes and a single top-five finish while leading 62 laps. His best outing was a P5 finish at the Circuit of the Americas.
Given these challenges, Harvick’s observations highlight a critical juncture for both drivers. The need for a victory is not just about points; it’s about reinstating their confidence and reaffirming their status within the NASCAR elite. Fans of the sport undoubtedly hope to see both Elliott and Busch reclaim their winning ways, as their talent and popularity are integral to the excitement of the series. The potential for their comeback adds a hopeful narrative for the remainder of the season, as observers eagerly await who will break through first.