Kevin Harvick’s harsh Take on Martin Truex Jr.’s NASCAR Return: A Cautionary Perspective

 

Kevin Harvick, the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion, has shared his honest thoughts on Martin Truex Jr.’s potential return to full-time stock car racing. While Harvick’s comments aren’t born from any personal conflict, they carry a warning based on his observations of drivers who have attempted to return to the sport after stepping away.

Truex, a 2017 Cup Series champion, recently raced in what could be his penultimate full-time NASCAR event at Phoenix Raceway. As rumors swirl about his future, including possible links to 23XI Racing for the 2025 Daytona 500, Truex’s next move remains unclear. He could race part-time, but Harvick expressed concerns about the challenges of reentering the sport at a competitive level after stepping away.

Harvick pointed to the return of seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson, who made a comeback in the 2023 Daytona 500 after retiring from full-time competition in 2020.

Since returning, Johnson has struggled to recapture his previous form, with his best finish being 26th place in the most recent Phoenix race. Harvick noted that Johnson, once known for dominating races, now finds it difficult to stay at the front.

“I hope Martin doesn’t come back and race,” Harvick said in his interview. “When we see Jimmie Johnson come back, it’s not the Jimmie Johnson that we’re used to seeing—competitive and up front. It’s tough to replicate that level of performance after stepping away.”

Harvick’s concerns reflect the physical and mental challenges of returning to full-time NASCAR after a break. The demands of the sport, coupled with the life outside racing that many drivers develop after years in the series, make it difficult to maintain the same level of commitment and focus.

“For drivers like Truex, when you have a life outside of racing, it becomes much harder to balance everything,” Harvick explained. “He was at a point where he was done with it. I just hope he doesn’t come back.”

Ultimately, Harvick’s advice to Truex is clear: Racing full-time again might not be the best decision, especially when considering the toll it takes on a driver’s body and mind. While the future of Truex’s career remains uncertain, Harvick’s perspective highlights the challenges of returning to NASCAR after a lengthy career.