2025 Happy Hour Awards Show: Driver of the Year, Biggest Story, Best Burnout, Craziest Finish, Best Word of the Week, and Best Viral Moment
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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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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47:32
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47:32
Kyle Larson Wins Cup Championship, Denny Hamlin Heartbreak, Xfinity & Truck Champions Crowned, and the Future of the Playoff Format
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).
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.
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1:21:07
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1:21:07
Kyle Larson Interview
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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19:24
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19:24
Burt Myers Interview
Kevin Harvick sits down with short track legend Burt Myers for a conversation packed with stories, rivalries, and reflections from one of the most recognizable names in grassroots racing. Myers shares how he got his start in racing, the family legacy that shaped his career, and what still drives him to compete today. He and Kevin dive into the rivalries with Tim Brown and Justin Miller, reliving unforgettable Bowman Gray Stadium moments that have made the track a fan favorite for generations. The two also talk about Myers’ interest in other racing series, what keeps him motivated behind the wheel, and how watching his son, Slate, begin his own racing journey has changed his perspective on the sport.
LINK TO SUBMIT PICKS FOR PHOENIX: https://forms.gle/VRyHMpj8cGTBsWCK8
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40:13
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40:13
William Byron Advances to the Championship 4! Martinsville Recap & NASCAR Playoff Debate Heats Up
Kevin Harvick, Kaitlyn Vincie, and Mamba Smith break down an unforgettable weekend at Martinsville Speedway, where William Byron’s thrilling victory clinched his spot in the Championship 4. The crew dissects Byron’s pass on Ryan Blaney, the engine issues for Joe Gibbs Racing, and what it all means heading into the title race in Phoenix. They preview the Championship 4 battle between Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Chase Briscoe, and Kyle Larson, discussing the pressure, momentum, and what’s truly at stake for each contender. Then, things get lively as the team debates whether NASCAR should overhaul its playoff format following another wild postseason. Mamba delivers the week’s best social moments in Social Sips, and the show wraps up with burnout grades for Byron and Championship predictions in Last Call.
LINK TO SUBMIT PICKS FOR PHOENIX: https://forms.gle/VRyHMpj8cGTBsWCK8
0:00 - Intro
1:42 - Martinsville Recap
29:51 - Playoff Standings Debate
40:25 - Championship 4 Preview
49:30 - Mamba’s Social Sips
53:47 - Last Call!
57:07 - Submit Picks For Phoenix
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
About Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour presented by NASCAR on FOX
Former Cup Series Champion and NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick gives his expert opinion on the top NASCAR storylines weekly alongside FOX Sports’ Kaitlyn Vincie and NASCAR’s Chief Hype Officer, Mamba Smith. Plus, Kevin brings some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment, and pop culture into the racing world with weekly interviews.
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