“Stop with the fairness crap”: NASCAR fans split as Kevin Harvick backs Denny Hamlin as 2025's true Driver of the Year

NASCAR fans are once again divided after Kevin Harvick made headlines by picking Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin as the 2025 “Cup Series Driver of the Year” regardless Kyle Larson was crowned the NASCAR Cup Series champion of the season. Hamlin finished runner-up in the final championship standings.

During the latest episode of his podcast ‘Harvick’s Happy Hour,’ the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion had four candidates to pick from: Larson, Hamlin, William Byron, and Shane van Gisbergen. However, Harvick picked Hamlin because he believes that even though the #11 JGR driver didn’t win the title, the rest of the things he did were better than everybody else.

The clip of that podcast went viral on X, and fans instantly sparked debate in the comment box. While some fans applauded Harvick for recognizing Denny Hamlin’s performance despite falling short of a championship, others accused him of favoritism and overlooking contenders like Christopher Bell, William Byron, and Larson, who clinched the Bill France Cup.

One fan wrote:

“Stop with the fairness crap...#5 is the champion, or should we give everyone a trophy?” “Throwing him a bone….🤷🏽‍♂️” another fan wrote. “Absolutely! 💯 Denny today is Mark Martin of the 90s and early 2000s! One of the best drivers to ever sit in the seat!” a third fan commented. “Better in wins, but not consistency. He would not have ranked in the top four for season long points standings.” another user added. “Nope. That would be Bell. He had the highest average finish,” a fifth user wrote. “Yes I absolutely agree!” commented another fan.

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Kevin Harvick feels Denny Hamlin has another year to win the maiden NASCAR title

Kevin Harvick praised Denny Hamlin for his remarkable 2025 campaign, emphasizing that despite facing several changes and challenges—including adapting to a new crew chief from Chris Gabehart to Chris Gayle, going through the lawsuit against NASCAR, and his father Dennis’ illness—he has remained in the hunt for the title. Harvick believes that the 44-year-old Tampa, Florida, native has another year to the Bill France Cup.

On his podcast, here’s what the former NASCAR champion turned commentator said:

“He had another career year with the way that they performed. New crew chief, all the things they went through this year, in contention to win the championship up until about five laps to go. A lot of wins.”

Denny Hamlin wrapped up his impressive 2025 season with a series-high six wins, getting his 60th career win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, five poles, 14 top-five finishes, and 18 top-10 finishes, and he led 1024 laps with an average finish of 13.9.

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Edited by Yash Soni