In a bold and intriguing move, Kevin Harvick has thrown his support behind Connor Zilisch, the promising protégé of Dale Earnhardt Jr., urging him to take on the formidable challenge known as “the Double.” This grueling feat calls for drivers to participate in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, an endeavor that tests even the most seasoned racers. Harvick passionately argues that the early years of a driver’s career, particularly during their rookie season, are the ideal time for such a daring attempt. The reasoning behind this is simple: the expectations are significantly lower, allowing for a more liberating experience.
Harvick points to Zilisch as an exemplary candidate, emphasizing that attempting the Double early in his career could capitalize on the youthful exuberance and fearlessness that often accompany being a rookie. He believes that this fresh perspective can be advantageous, providing the rookie with a built-in excuse if things do not go as planned. In his reflections, Harvick stated, “I’d love to see Zilisch do it. Yeah, and I think you got to do it while you’re young. I guess you don’t have to do it while you’re young. I think your best opportunity to perform like Kyle Larson did in year one… It might be better to just do it in your rookie year, just to get it out of the way, right? Because then you have all the excuses in the world that, yeah, I’m just a rookie here.”
The former driver also shared insights into the pressure dynamics of NASCAR. He conveyed that while the double-header is not a necessity, engaging in it early could alleviate some of the mounting pressure that comes with high expectations. By doing so, a driver can set more realistic goals as they navigate the intricacies of their racing career. “Because the expectations from the cup side, you’re still building the program and you’re still doing all the things to get yourself in place, and the enthusiasm and everything that goes with it. I could see it both ways,” Harvick elaborated.
Beyond his racing days, Harvick has seamlessly transitioned into a prominent media role, currently serving as an analyst for FOX Sports. His commentary continues to resonate within the motorsport community, where he remains an influential figure.
In addition to his advocacy for Zilisch, Harvick has also cast his gaze toward the future of the NASCAR Cup Series, naming Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell as his favorite to clinch victory in the upcoming 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Harvick’s confidence in Bell stems from the driver’s impressive track record at the Charlotte Roval, which includes a win, two top-five finishes, and three top-10 finishes across five starts, yielding an average finish of 10.
On the NASCAR on FOX YouTube channel, Harvick stated, “I’m going to take Bell. He’s been solid at the Roval.” Bell’s 2025 season has been nothing short of stellar, boasting four wins, 11 top-five finishes, and 18 top-10 finishes through 31 races, along with leading 282 laps and maintaining an average finishing position of 11.9. With all eyes on the future and the potential of new talent like Zilisch, the world of NASCAR remains as electrifying and unpredictable as ever.
