During a recent episode of the Happy Hour podcast, former NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick openly criticized Kaulig Racing’s Ty Dillon for his trash talk, despite Dillon’s low seeding in the current NASCAR in-season tournament. Dillon has advanced to the third round after unexpectedly eliminating two top-tier Cup Series drivers, raising questions about his performance relative to his outspoken remarks.
The controversy intensified following a significant incident involving Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin, who was caught in a major crash at Atlanta Motor Speedway resulting in a DNF and elimination from the tournament. This incident allowed Dillon, driving the #10 Chevy Camaro ZL1, to move forward by default. Dillon’s luck continued at the Chicago Street Race, where he managed to avoid a large wreck, advancing to round three while Brad Keselowski finished with a DNF.
Harvick did not hold back in responding to Dillon’s post-race trash talk, stating:
“I just don’t know how you talk that much trash when you run that bad, though. I mean, because it’s talk about the best, just be I would just be more humble about it. I mean, if you were up there running first or second, third, fifth, something and you’re knocking people out of the bracket, but you’re knocking the guys out that are crashing. Let’s not be cocky about it.”
“I think there’s a I think there’s a I I think there’s a there’s a I don’t know. I just think there’s a better way to go about it when you’re not just like beating people,” he concluded.
Despite the criticism, Dillon is scheduled to compete in the third round at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on July 13, 2025. He will face Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman for a chance to advance to the next stage. The event will be broadcast live on TNT Sports, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Ty Dillon Reflects on His Season with Kaulig Racing and Team Impact
This season, Ty Dillon joined Kaulig Racing as a full-time driver, taking the wheel of the #10 Chevy Camaro ZL1. In an interview with Big Play Sports Network, Dillon shared insights about his experience with Kaulig Racing compared to previous teams he has raced with.
“This one has had the most positive impact on me outside the car and inside the car. First of all, the speed has been really good. The best speed of any race car I’ve ever driven in my career in the Cup Series. But the support from Matt [Kaulig] himself, the drive to win, and just the way he treats his people is second to none, and that makes the difference,” Ty Dillon said.
Originally from Welcome, North Carolina, Dillon currently sits 32nd in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings with 291 points. Over 19 starts this year, he has earned one top-ten finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway, highlighting the challenges and potential within his ongoing tenure at Kaulig Racing.
Upcoming Challenges at Sonoma Raceway Mark Critical Tournament Stage
The third round of the in-season tournament at Sonoma Raceway presents a pivotal moment for Ty Dillon as he contends with Alex Bowman for a spot in the fourth round. Dillon’s advancement despite not having the strongest race finishes has stirred debate among drivers and fans, especially with his verbal taunts prompting a response from veterans like Harvick.
The intensity surrounding Dillon’s performance and remarks reflects the unpredictable nature of the tournament and the pressure faced by rising drivers. How Dillon performs at Sonoma could either validate his assertive approach or further fuel criticism.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Ty Dillon’s wife?
A. Channel 4’s soap opera revealed last week that Dillon is the dad of Leah Barnes’s new baby boy, James. In the first episodes after the one-year skip, Leah had her baby. Many townspeople thought Charlie Dean, who hasn’t appeared lately, was the baby’s father.
Q. Who is older, Austin Dillon or Ty Dillon?
A. The older Dillon brother, who is 27, almost chose a career outside of racing, unlike his younger brother Ty, who is 25.