Kevin Harvick headlines the 2027 NASCAR Hall of Fame modern era nominees.
Veteran NASCAR champion Kevin Harvick has proposed a new idea that could change how pit crews are built in the NASCAR Cup Series. Speaking on his podcast, Harvick suggested creating an NFL-style draft system for pit crew members.
He said the current structure in the NASCAR Cup Series allows top teams to keep the best talent, which can create a gap between organizations. Pit stops remain a key part of race results, and even small delays can affect track position.
Harvick’s comments come as pit crew performance has become a talking point during the NASCAR Cup Series season. His proposal has sparked discussion about how teams manage talent and whether changes could improve competition.
Kevin Harvick Explains the Pit Crew Draft Idea
Harvick said he has supported the concept for years. “I would love the pit crew draft,” he said. “I’ve been preaching this for several years.”
He outlined how the system could work. Teams would place most of their pit crew members into a draft pool each season. Only a small number of key members would be protected, while the rest would be available for selection by other teams.
Harvick said this could change competition in the NASCAR Cup Series. “The teams are going to be pissed because they put all the money into going to try to find their own people. But I think you should have to put them in the system, and let’s have this NFL-style pit crew draft every year.”
He added that the idea could bring a different element to the sport. “In theory, it’s a great idea, and it would be a lot of fun.” He also noted that pit crew members may not support the plan.
Pit Crew Performance Draws Attention in the NASCAR Cup Series
The discussion comes during a period where pit crew results have been under focus in the NASCAR Cup Series. Ryan Blaney and his Team Penske crew have faced challenges on pit road this season.
Blaney addressed the situation and defended his team. “I’m not going to call out Landon.” referring to Jackman Landon Honeycutt. “I think there’s been some other things that have contributed to maybe it looking like he’s struggled a little bit.”
He said the team continues to work on improvements. “He is green, and he is a little new, so there are some things he’s got to clean up.”
Blaney also pointed to other areas for improvement. “I do think from an equipment and choreography side, that can improve too. We’re going to let him keep growing and learning, and hopefully we can find better ways to do things.”
Idea Adds to Ongoing NASCAR Discussion
Harvick’s proposal adds to a wider conversation about competition in the NASCAR Cup Series. Pit crews play a major role in race outcomes, and teams invest in training and equipment to gain an advantage.
The idea of a draft would change how teams build their crews in the NASCAR Cup Series. It could affect how talent is developed and shared across organizations. At the same time, it raises questions about team structure and long-term planning.
Harvick has shared this idea before, but his latest comments bring it back into focus. His suggestion ties into current performance discussions and highlights that pit stops remain a key part of the sport.
No changes have been announced regarding the pit crew structure. However, the topic remains active as teams and officials continue to evaluate different aspects of competition in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Dogli Wilberforce is a writer covering NASCAR, Formula 1, and the IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. He has also written for Sportsnaut, FanSided, Total Apex Sports, and Last Word on Sports. Wilberforce focuses on the NASCAR Cup Series, breaking down news, driver stories, and key moments with a clear, fast, and engaging style. His work connects headlines to context, helping readers understand what matters most in the sport. More about Dogli Wilberforce
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