2026 NASCAR Cup Series Predictions: Kevin Harvick Talks Breakout Stars, Cup Champ

FOX Sports analysts Kevin Harvick, Bob Pockrass, and Mamba Smith released their comprehensive 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season predictions during the latest episode of 'Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour' in Charlotte this week to provide fans with expert insights ahead of Sunday’s Daytona 500. The panel of veteran motorsports figures dissected the upcoming field to identify breakout stars, top race winners, and the eventual championship favorite, setting the stage for what is expected to be another highly unpredictable year of stock car racing. Their projections come at a critical juncture for the sport as teams prepare to debut new technical adjustments and crew configurations for the new season. During the discussion, Bob Pockrass highlighted Richard Childress Racing (RCR) as the organization facing the most pressure this year. Pockrass noted that the team is grappling with an uncertain future, particularly regarding star driver Kyle Busch’s free agency and his chemistry with a new crew chief. After a disappointing previous season where both Busch and Austin Dillon finished outside the top 12 in the standings—placing 21st and 15th respectively—the pressure is mounting for RCR to prove they remain a top-tier destination for elite talent and rising stars within their development pipeline. Kevin Harvick pivoted the focus to 23XI Racing, emphasizing that the team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin can no longer rely on excuses. Harvick specifically called out Tyler Reddick, stating that the driver was brought to the organization to win races and must now deliver consistent results to justify the team's rapidly growing expectations. While Bubba Wallace showed improvement by reaching victory lane last year, Harvick believes 23XI has exhausted its 'mulligan' and must now establish itself as a dominant force capable of competing for the Cup Series title alongside the sport's established powerhouses.