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Kevin Harvick gives his thoughts on ‘interesting’ Cup Series practice and qualifying at COTA

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Jonathan Howard | Last updated 3/23/24

After an extended practice session and two rounds of qualifying the Cup Series field is set, and Kevin Harvick has some takeaways. The NASCAR champion turned analyst wanted to share his thoughts on what we saw this morning and early afternoon.

Drivers had 40 total minutes to practice on Saturday. Teams were able to dial in their cars and make adjustments throughout. You could see the effects of it, too with practice and qualifying times.

Kevin Harvick was impressed with William Byron, the pole winner, as well as Ty Gibbs. The big story? Ford shut out of the top-10 for the first time in 69 Cup Series races.

“Well, we saw a pretty interesting practice session here,” Harvick said on Twitter/X. “William Byron on the pole, Ty Gibbs just a little mistake at the end or probably would have been on the pole, but sharing the front row. Tyler Reddick came back to get a good lap in, won a couple of races here.

“So, looks like the Toyotas and Chevrolets are the cars to beat. All qualified in the top-10, locked Ford completely out of the top-10. So, looks to be a pretty exciting race tomorrow, several spin-outs today so the cars look to be a handful and that’s fun for us.”

Post qualifying thoughts here at COTA

Tune in 3:00pm ET tomorrow on @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/p7jFtKR3LE
— Kevin Harvick (@KevinHarvick) March 23, 2024

Over the years, Kevin Harvick has seen a lot in NASCAR. He has seen the sport evolve and these road courses become more important on the schedule. COTA is a fun track that allows for great racing. While Harvick has his favorites, there will be plenty of others hoping to contend for the win today.

Since he is no longer racing, Harvick can give us his honest opinions. He doesn’t have to say “I think the Fords look good” when they are clearly behind. So, is his assessment right? Is this going to be the Toyota and Chevy part on Sunday?

Kevin Harvick has been big on Ty Gibbs

In the last four races, Ty Gibbs has finished in the top-10 each time out. That includes two top-5 finishes. Kevin Harvick is one of the big Gibbs supporters and believes that the 21-year-old has the talent to be a star in the sport. He’s more than just a name.

Gibbs wasn’t able to lock down his first career pole award. Still, he could get earn his first career Cup Series win on Sunday starting P2 at COTA. The first Xfinity Series win Gibbs earned was on the Daytona Road Course, he’s strong on the twists and turns.

If Harvick and others in NASCAR are right, Gibbs is just on the verge of a breakthrough. Many times, it takes just one win to open things up for a driver. Think about Chase Elliott and his struggles in the Cup Series. Gibbs might be on a similar path.

It is so much fun to have Kevin Harvick in the booth. His insight is great being so fresh and newly retired from racing. He will be on the call tomorrow afternoon at COTA.

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

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