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NASCAR Announcer Kevin Harvick Makes Telling Admission

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 4:34 PM ET

Kevin Harvick retired from full-time competition as one of the greatest drivers of all time. Harvick was known for his ability to command respect on the track, especially later in his career.

At an age where many drivers begin to lose their edge, Harvick seemed to find another gear, doing enough to outsmart and outlast much younger opposition.

After years of fending off newcomers as the wily veteran in NASCAR, Harvick is back on the opposite side of the coin as a broadcaster. In his second full-time season in the booth, Harvick admitted that he's okay with stepping aside for one portion of every race.

“I’m of the opinion that Mike Joy should call the last lap of every race because I like listening to his voice," Harvick said about his broadcast partner on FOX.

"So … you have to know when to stand down, though there are moments that you could definitely put in on something that happened, but you have to do it quickly.”

Harvick explained his feelings during an interview with The Athletic's Jordan Bianchi, and explained where he'd like to get better as a broadcaster as he advances in his second career after driving.

“I worry too much about walking on somebody or overthinking the end of the races," Harvick admitted.

“The end of the races just gets so chaotic with two big voices in the room. Sometimes it’s hard to know where you chime in on that, or if you don’t need to."

Harvick noted that in year two, he understands what his role is in the booth, and that's allowed him to become more comfortable as a commentator.

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 16: Fox Sports NASCAR broadcast team (L-R) Chris Myers, Kevin Harvick, Jamie McMurray and Clint Bowyer in the Neon Garage before the Pennzoil 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on March 16, 2025, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, NV. Harvick, McMurray and Bowyer are former NASCAR drivers. (Photo by Gary Nastase/LVMS/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

“I think Year 2 allows me to be more opinionated in things that are happening or happening in the conversation, whether it’s in a production meeting or in the booth or whatever that is, and feel comfortable about not stepping on anybody’s toes," the former Cup Series champion said.

"Because this is truly a team. It takes a lot of people, just like everything else, and last year I wanted to make sure I understood how it all worked before I started being too opinionated on things. I treat it just like I was driving the car. Like everything matters. You want everything to flow and be organized."

Driving the car worked out pretty well for Harvick, and it seems that in time, he'll have the same level of success in the broadcast booth.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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