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Daytona CHAOS: Blaney Wins a Thriller, Playoffs Locked & Is Connor Zilisch the Next Jeff Gordon?

Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour presented by NASCAR on FOX Aug 26, 2025 69 min

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About this episode

Kevin Harvick and co-hosts dive into the thrilling Daytona race where Ryan Blaney clinched a dramatic win, shaking up the playoff standings. They analyze the intense competition, discuss the impact of the new Gen 7 car on drivers like Kyle Busch, and debate the NASCAR points system's fairness. The episode highlights rising star Connor Zilisch, comparing him to Jeff Gordon, and previews the upcoming playoff opener at Darlington. Insightful commentary on team dynamics, driver performance, and strategic challenges sets the stage for the high-stakes playoff battles ahead.

Topics: daytona race recap ryan blaney win nascar playoffs points system debate gen 7 car impact kyle busch struggles connor zilisch rising star darlington playoff preview team dynamics driver performance

Cars: Ford Mustang Renault Wind

Kevin Harvick, Kaitlyn Vincie, and Mamba Smith break down all the action from an unforgettable Daytona weekend, where Ryan Blaney scored a thrilling win that shook up the NASCAR Playoff picture. The crew discusses how Alex Bowman and Tyler Reddick barely made the cut, while Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch fell short of the postseason. They also talk about rising star Connor Zilisch, who will race full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series next year, and debate just how good he can be at the sport’s highest level. Then, the focus shifts to the Playoffs, starting with the Round of 16 at Darlington, as Kevin explains what makes the track such a challenge and who could make an early statement. Mamba shares this week’s best fan reactions in Social Sips, and the show wraps up in Last Call with Blaney’s burnout grades and Darlington race predictions. LINK TO SUBMIT PICKS FOR DARLINGTON: https://forms.gle/ncJsYhSJKuzTAJU38 0:00 - Intro3:49 - Daytona Weekend Recap35:59 - Connor Zilisch43:15 - Playoff Preview/Darlington Preview52:26 - Mamba's Social Sips1:01:38 - Last Call! GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Terms: draftkings.com/sportsbook. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Sponsored by DK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Technical Too Afraid to Ask

Dennis Elzinga (CC BY 2.0)

Car

Renault Wind

"it's cinematic he got the wind taken away from him in the truck race at the begi..."

Hans-Jürgen Neubert (CC BY 4.0)

Car

Ford Dark Horse

"will be there you guys have a dark horse is that a dark horse?"

2 cars

2 cars featured

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