As the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season kicks off this week, Kevin Harvick has identified a promising driver he believes will emerge as a breakout star. Harvick singled out Ty Gibbs, a Joe Gibbs Racing driver, as someone poised for a career-best year based on his speed and consistency.
Before the season opener, NASCAR insiders Bob Pockrass, Kaitlyn Vincie, and Mamba Smith joined Harvick on the Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast to share their predictions on who will stand out in 2026. Harvick’s focus was clear when discussing upcoming talent ready to take a significant step forward.
Reflecting on his choice, Harvick said:
“I think for me, it’s Ty Gibbs. Just because he’s been so fast and he’s got the speed in the race car to keep himself in contention, qualifies well, does a lot of things well and it’s just about getting over that hump to get to victory lane. Yeah, I think that they have the capability, the stability with within the team now. I think that they could have a breakout year if they can get to victory lane.” [33:48]
Ty Gibbs, who drives the #54 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, has displayed notable speed and consistency since entering the Cup Series. Throughout the 2025 season, Gibbs showed moments of elite pace with strong qualifying performances, accumulating stage points, and frequently running inside the top 10.
The 23-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, concluded the 2025 campaign ranked 19th in the driver standings, achieving five top-5 finishes and ten top-10s. Notably, he led 304 laps last season, the highest among drivers without a win, suggesting the potential to convert performance into victories.
Analyst Picks Chris Buescher as a Rising Contender for 2026
Kevin Harvick’s co-host and respected NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass named RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher as a driver who could break out in 2026. Buescher, who has three Cup Series wins, is seen as a strong contender if RFK Racing continues to strengthen as a team.
“I’m going to go with RFK, but I’m going to go with Chris Buescher. When we talk to other drivers about who do you think is going to make the make the make the chase this year who didn’t make it last year, virtually I would say a third of them didn’t even think twice before they said Chris Buescher. I think if RFK is stronger as a group, he’s going to be really strong,” Pockrass said on the aforementioned interview.
In addition to Harvick’s and Pockrass’s selections, co-hosts Mamba Smith and Kaitlyn Vincie offered their own predictions. Smith highlighted 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott, while Vincie eyed rookie Connor Zilisch as breakthrough talents in the upcoming season.
With these varying picks, the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season is shaping up to be highly competitive and filled with emerging talents ready to challenge established veterans. The next races will be crucial in determining if these drivers can meet the high expectations set for their breakout campaigns.
