Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Harvick Calls NASCAR’s One-Race Championships “Embarrassing” If Heim or Zilisch Fall Short

He argues the Phoenix deciders risk undermining season-long dominance, intensifying pressure on NASCAR’s ongoing playoff-format review.

Overview

  • On his podcast, Kevin Harvick said it would be a “nuclear meltdown” if Corey Heim or Connor Zilisch fail to win their series titles despite yearlong superiority.
  • Harvick urged a system where points carry more weight through the postseason, saying a single race should not erase months of performance.
  • He pointed to Heim’s and Zilisch’s dominant seasons as vulnerable under the winner-take-all finale, echoing concerns voiced by active drivers like Denny Hamlin.
  • Examples such as Ty Majeski reaching the Truck championship round without a win and Tyler Ankrum being able to claim the title in one race were cited as evidence of the format’s flaws.
  • NASCAR has formed a committee to evaluate potential changes to the playoff structure, and no adjustments have been announced ahead of the Phoenix finales.