Ryan Blaney Sends a Chilling Warning to Kyle Larson over Wild Gateway duel 1 Ryan Blaney confronting Kyle Larson after Gateway crash (via Getty)

Kevin Harvick Bets on Kyle Larson to Win Bristol Night Race

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Armaan Agarwal | Last updated Sep 12, 2025 5:13 AM ET

NASCAR is all set for the final Playoff Cup race before the Round of 12 at Bristol. Bottom four drivers will be eliminated after the night race, making this weekend even more important. Ahead of the race, NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick has picked Kyle Larson as the potential winner.

Kyle Larson did not have the best of starts to the Playoffs this year. Alongside the rest of the HMS crew, the No. 5 driver failed to make it to the top 10 at Darlington. However, Larson did make some improvements at the Gateway race last weekend. Hendrick Motorsports is known to see its cars be in their own zone in the final stages of the season.

Kevin Harvick‘s co-hosts of the Happy Hour podcast made their picks before the NASCAR legend. Kaitlyn Vincie reckoned that Joey Logano will emerge victorious this time around. While Mamba Smith asserted that Ty Gibbs will make his way to Victory Lane.

However, Harvick did not agree with his colleagues. The former Cup champion joked that the two didn’t consider the main drivers in the fight. Kevin Harvick insisted that Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell would have the best chance to win in Bristol. Moreover, he pointed out that Larson was quick last weekend, and could be the one who drives to Victory Lane before the Round of 12 commences.

I think you guys left all the winners on the table there. (Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin) or (Christopher) Bell. The 5 popped up last week with some speed that I haven’t seen and Bristol has always been his place. So I’m going to go with Larson.
Kevin Harvick said on Happy Hour podcast.

Kyle Larson finds new ally after Ryan Blaney incident

The Gateway race was a controversial round in the Playoffs. Kyle Larson almost got involved in a massive wreck due to Bubba Wallace after Stage 2. However, before this incident, Larson had a major battle with Ryan Blaney that could’ve ruined the latter’s race. Blaney did manage to recover back to fourth place after the incident, but was simply not happy with the No. 5 driver.

Now, Blaney’s teammate Austin Cindric has come in support of Kyle Larson, a rather odd scene for NASCAR fans. The Team Penske driver insisted that the Chevrolet star might have a habit of pushing himself to the limit. However, Larson never intentionally tries to create havoc and remains true to himself on or off-track.

I think Kyle has constantly proven that he’s not really that guy. I mean, he’ll overdrive his car and make a mistake. But he’s brutally honest when it comes to things.
Austin Cindric said on the Door, Bumper, Clear podcast.

Certainly, NASCAR fans never expect a teammate to go on and defend someone in a rival garage. But Cindric’s comments prove that Kyle Larson remains well respected on the grid. The HMS star might not be having the best of campaigns this year, let alone his ‘best driver in the world’ tag.

Yet, Larson’s rivals understand what the No. 5 driver is truly capable of. Though, it won’t be easy for the Chevy star to make his way to Victory Lane if he fails to avoid trouble in Bristol this weekend.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: