Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour presented by NASCAR on FOX

NASCAR is entering a new era, and Kevin Harvick, Kaitlyn Vincie, and Mamba Smith break down everything you need to know from a massive offseason on this episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour. The crew reacts to NASCAR reaching a settlement with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, the introduction of evergreen-style charters, and what the agreement means for the future of team ownership. They also dive into the stunning return of the Chase format beginning in 2026, explaining how the new postseason structure works, why the elimination era is over, and how the points system will determine a champion once again. Plus, the show covers the resignation of NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps, what it means for the sport’s leadership moving forward, and the latest crew chief and competition personnel changes across the garage. From major governance shifts to on-track implications, this episode breaks down one of the most consequential offseasons in modern NASCAR history.

0:00 - Intro2:41 - Offseason Catch-Up9:29 - NASCAR Reaches Settlement With 23XI & FRM14:13 - NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps Resigns21-51 - New Chase Format40:45 - Personnel Changes
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The NASCAR community comes together after a heartbreaking offseas as Kevin Harvick, Kaitlyn Vincie, and Mamba Smith reflect on the lives and legacies of several beloved figures across the sport on this episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour. The show honors the life and impact of Greg Biffle following the tragic plane crash that claimed him and members of his family, discussing his decorated NASCAR career, his reputation in the garage, and the generosity that defined him off the track. They also address the devastating loss experienced by Denny Hamlin’s family, the passing of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett, and the death of longtime team member Rick Otis Hodges, highlighting the often unseen people who make race weekends possible. Through thoughtful conversation and reflection, the crew examines how moments like these reveal the tight-knit nature of NASCAR and the strength of the racing community in times of loss.

0:00 - Intro

1:21 - Greg Biffle & Family Tragedy

11:05 - Denny Hamlin’s Family Tragedy

15:59 - Loss Of Michael Annett

17:58 - Loss Of Rick Otis Hodges
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It’s the final episode of the 2025 season, and Kevin Harvick, Kaitlyn Vincie, and Mamba Smith close things out with the second annual Happy Hour Awards Show! The crew hands out end-of-season hardware for categories like Best Word of the Week, Best Viral Moment, Best Burnout, Craziest Finish, Biggest Story of the Year, and the prestigious Cup Driver of the Year Award. Some of the biggest names and moments in NASCAR this season are featured in the winners circle — but you’ll have to tune in to see who walks away with what.

0:00 - Intro

6:46 - Best Word Of The Week

11:19 - Best Viral Moment

18:30 - Best Burnout

25:48 - Craziest Finish

31:48 - Biggest Story Of The Year

37:07 - Cup Driver Of The Year

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Kevin Harvick, Kaitlyn Vincie, and Mamba Smith recap an unforgettable NASCAR Championship Weekend in Phoenix. They react to Kyle Larson’s thrilling Championship victory, break down the critical caution that changed everything, and discuss the heartbreak for Denny Hamlin, who dominated most of the race yet still came up short of his first Cup title. They analyze how the rest of the Championship 4 — William Byron and Chase Briscoe — performed and explain how tire wear played a major role in shaping the race. The crew also discusses Jesse Love’s Xfinity Series Championship and Corey Heim’s Truck title run, before diving back into the heated debate around NASCAR’s playoff format and what the future should look like. Mamba delivers this week’s top social media moments in Social Sips, and in Last Call, they grade Larson’s burnout and crown Kaitlyn as the official postseason points champion of the show.

0:00 - Intro

2:15 - Championship Weekend Recap

1:00:25 - Mamba’s Social Sips

1:12:23 - Last Call!

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

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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.
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Kyle Larson joins Kevin Harvick after winning his second NASCAR Cup Series Championship, and he is still processing the magnitude of it all. Larson explains the emotional rollercoaster of the title race, how shocked he was to even be in position after the chaos unfolded, and breaks down the critical moments including his flat tire and the move that changed everything after the caution. Larson reflects on his entire season, how he approaches planning his schedule, and why this championship means so much to him personally. Kevin and Kyle also discuss what this title means for Rick Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports, and Larson shares how special it is to bring another championship home for the organization.

0:00 - Intro

0:41 - Kyle Larson Joins The Show!

1:26 - Emotions Of The Race

4:04 - Cliff Daniels’ Leadership

6:37 - Evolution Of The 2025 Season

8:40 - Tires At Phoenix

10:20 - Opinion On Playoff Format Changes

11:52 - Championship Celebration

13:24 - Planning Season Schedule

16:02 - Winning For Hendrick Motorsports
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