Before the start of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, former driver turned commentator Kevin Harvick has identified William Byron as his pick to win the championship. Harvick believes Byron and his Hendrick Motorsports team will secure the Bill France Cup at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 8, following a full season of competition.
Harvick shared his prediction during his podcast, Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, alongside co-hosts Kaitlyn Vincie and Mamba Smith, with NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass joining to discuss their championship forecasts. Harvick expressed strong confidence in Byron’s maturation and the collaboration with his crew chief Rudy, highlighting their resilience through challenges together.
“Take Byron (William Byron). It’s just that maturity and the things that go with a team. I think him and Rudy, you know, have a great relationship and have worked through a lot of hard moments together and that’s what it takes to be the champ.”
Last season, Byron demonstrated consistent performance, making the championship 4 for the third straight year in 2025. Despite an unexpected 33rd-place finish at Phoenix Raceway, he completed the season with three victories, 11 top-five finishes, and 16 top-ten results, leading 1,330 laps behind the wheel of his #24 HMS Chevrolet.
Other Commentary Hosts Choose Different 2026 NASCAR Favorites
While Harvick is backing William Byron, his co-hosts offered varying predictions for the upcoming season. Mamba Smith selected Christopher Bell, Byron’s on-track rival and a strong competitor who placed fifth in last year’s standings. Smith expressed enthusiasm for Bell’s potential to claim his first championship.
“I love that pick. And last year I went to Byron, and I feel like the fire is still there. But no, I’m going with Christopher Bell. I think Bell, I don’t know, man. It’s something about it.” Smith said on the aforementioned podcast.
Kaitlyn Vincie opted for Chase Briscoe, who achieved his first career Championship 4 appearance in 2025. She maintains confidence that Briscoe can repeat his impressive run and capture the title.
“I’m going with Briscoe. I’m sticking with this. He made the champ four a year ago. Say he couldn’t do that again and claim the top prize.”
Adding to the mix, FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass identified former Cup champion Ryan Blaney as his pick to emerge as the 2026 Cup Series winner.
Looking Ahead: Anticipation Builds for Intense 2026 NASCAR Season
As the 2026 season begins, the differing predictions from Kevin Harvick, his co-hosts, and journalists add to the excitement and uncertainty surrounding the championship battle. With 36 races ahead, the rivalry between Byron, Bell, Briscoe, and Blaney promises a tense and competitive journey toward the Bill France Cup.
Harvick’s endorsement of William Byron emphasizes the importance of maturity and strong teamwork, suggesting that these factors may ultimately influence who claims the coveted title later this year.
