The semi-retired NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick has shared his sentiments on a recent episode of his “Happy Hour” podcast about Kyle Busch’s missed opportunity to compete in the NASCAR playoffs this season.
In his discussion, Harvick highlighted the significant progress made by Richard Childress Racing, particularly after the Olympic break, but admitted his disappointment in Busch not being able to capitalize on this momentum during the playoffs.
“When you look at Kyle Busch, kudos to RCR for what they’ve done since the Olympic break. Those cars were not very good for the most part the first 26 weeks or first 20-whatever weeks.
“But since that Olympic break whatever they have done since that break, both of those cars of Austin Dillon and Kyle Busch have been capable of running up front and leading laps,” Harvick remarked.
Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 Morgan & Morgan Chevrolet, speaks to the media during a press conference prior to practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on August 31, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina. Harvick has expressed his disappointment over Kyle Busch’s missed opportunity to compete in the NASCAR playoffs.
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
He continued to note that Busch’s recent form could have disrupted the playoff standings significantly. Before the Southern 500, Busch achieved three consecutive top-5 finishes, including finishing 10th and 5th at Atlanta and a remarkable 3rd place in a three-wide finish earlier in the season at the same track.
It’s clear that Busch had the potential for a win and a place in the Playoffs, but this was something that he wasn’t quite able to manage.
Harvick elaborated:
“I think it’s unfortunate that we don’t get to see Kyle make his way through the playoffs because I really do feel like he could make some noise and I feel like there’s a couple of guys who aren’t going to make much noise and get eliminated, but that’s part of it. But I was surprised he didn’t get to him because of the tires.”
For Busch, who aims to maintain his streak of winning at least one race per season, the frustration of missing the cut is compounded by the knowledge of his team’s improved capabilities post-Olympic break. The transformation in RCR’s performance, which saw both Busch and Dillon running at the front and leading laps, ironically highlights what might have been a missed opportunity for championship contention.
What Is The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Field?
1. Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, 2,040 points
2. Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, 2,032 points
3. Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota, 2,028 points
4. William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, 2,022 points
5. Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford, 2,018 points
6. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, 2,015 points
7. Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, 2,014 points
8. Brad Keselowski, No. 6 RFK Racing Ford, 2,008 points
9. Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford, 2,007 points
10. Austin Cindric, No. 2 Team Penske Ford, 2,007 points
11. Daniel Suárez, No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, 2,006 points
12. Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, 2,005 points
13. Chase Briscoe, No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford, 2,005 points
14. Harrison Burton, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford, 2,005 points
15. Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, 2,004 points
16. Martin Truex Jr., No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, 2,004 points
