Kevin Harvick, a veteran NASCAR driver, recently addressed the Ty Gibbs pit road incident that occurred during the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway. The incident involved close contact between Gibbs and the pit crew of Brad Keselowski, raising questions about pit road safety and crew responsibilities.
During the Sonoma event, Ty Gibbs entered his pit stall, located directly in front of Brad Keselowski’s pit area, and came perilously close to the RFK Racing crew members. This forced Keselowski’s tire carrier to quickly move out of the way, resulting in some minor injuries. The tense moment triggered a brief confrontation between the two teams, but NASCAR officials intervened promptly to prevent escalation. After reviewing the situation, NASCAR ruled that Gibbs remained within regulations, affirming the lead car’s right of way when entering a pit stall and issuing no penalties.
Kevin Harvick’s Perspective on the Pit Road Close Call
Speaking on his podcast, Harvick Happy Hour, Kevin Harvick emphasized the importance of pit crew members maintaining awareness during stops. He stated that tire carriers should proactively move their equipment to avoid interference with incoming drivers. Harvick expressed a candid view about the need for clear space around drivers during stops, saying he would not hesitate to “brush” a tire mechanic if they compromised his entry into the pit stall.
“Ty didn’t do anything wrong right here, and you know NASCAR said that as well and my advice to the guy carrying the tires right there is move your tires. You don’t want to get hit by the car move your tires. That’s your responsibility not the drivers, and they give you that luxury of not having to be up you know not having to jump off the off the wall anymore, but you know if if I’m when I was the driver and I felt like your tire changer or your tire carrier was swinging around too wide and it was affecting the way that I was getting in a wall, I’d brush him for sure I mean there’s no doubt in my mind I would but that that one’s simple…,” Kevin Harvick said on Harvick Happy Hour.
Harvick’s comments reflect his experience and a practical mindset on the split-second risks faced during pit stops, underscoring the challenge of balancing crew safety and driver precision.
Context on Kevin Harvick’s Career and Influence
Kevin Harvick is one of NASCAR’s most accomplished drivers with a career spanning 23 full seasons. Over his career in the Cup Series—known as the “Big Leagues” of stock car racing—he claimed 60 victories, including major wins at the Daytona 500 and multiple Brickyard 400 races. His extensive racing background bolsters his authority when discussing competitive situations like the Ty Gibbs pit road incident.
Harvick’s Insights on the 2025 Dover NASCAR Cup Race Favorites
Aside from discussing the pit road incident, Harvick also shared his predictions for the upcoming 2025 AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Dover Motor Speedway. On Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, he selected Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson as his top pick for winning at Dover, citing Larson’s speed and driving skill demonstrated last season.
“Kyle Larson. I just, you know, he was fast last year. Yeah. And I like the speed. I like that you have to drive the crap out of it. And I think they know that they got to get their stuff together,” Harvick said while picking the driver to win the Dover race [54:08].
Harvick’s co-hosts offered alternative selections for the race winner. Kaitlyn Vincie favored the defending champion Joey Logano to capture a second victory this season, while Mamba Smith highlighted Bubba Wallace as a contender motivated to reach victory lane at one of his strongest tracks.
Significance and Outlook Following the Pit Road Incident
The Ty Gibbs pit road incident spotlighted the fine line pit crews and drivers walk during intense NASCAR races, where fractions of a second and inches can create critical moments. Harvick’s perspective reinforces the view that while drivers must navigate their stalls carefully, the pit crew’s responsibility to remain alert and mobile is equally crucial for safety. NASCAR’s decision to clear Gibbs of wrongdoing reflects established rules but also encourages ongoing dialogue about improving pit road protocols.
As the 2025 season progresses, similar incidents may drive enhanced safety training and procedural adjustments. Fans and teams alike will watch how drivers such as Gibbs adapt to these challenges and how veterans like Harvick use their experience to influence evolving standards within the sport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Ty Gibbs drive the 54?
A. In 2022, Gibbs participated full-time in the Xfinity Series, driving the No. 54 Toyota for his grandfather, Joe Gibbs’ team.
That year, Gibbs gained attention by winning seven races and earning a spot in the playoffs. He also competed in the Cup Series at Pocono Raceway.
Q. Is Ty Gibbs any good?
A. Racing Insights shows that Gibbs is among the top 10 in passing, defense, and restarts on road courses this year. He holds fourth place in average running position, with a score of 10.92.
Q. Has Ty Gibbs ever won?
A. Ty Gibbs, the grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs, made a strong debut in NASCAR in 2021. He won his first race in the Xfinity Series at the Daytona Road Course. In 2022, Gibbs began competing full-time in the Xfinity Series and secured the championship in his first season.
Q. Has Ty Gibbs won?
A. In 2022, Gibbs began competing full-time in the Xfinity Series and won the championship during his debut season.