The dominance of the young drivers to start the Next Gen era of NASCAR Cup Series racing could lead to multiple playoff regulars missing out on the postseason for the first time in a long time.
Six different drivers, all under the age of 30, have won one of the first six races of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season to open up the Gen 7 era.
While none of them are officially locked into the playoffs yet, three of them are drivers who entered the year winless and had never previously qualified for the playoffs. So their victories have effectively guaranteed that a few of the usual playoff drivers will be left on the outside looking in.
Here are three veterans who could very well fall short of the postseason this year.
NASCAR veterans at risk: No. 1 – Kevin Harvick
Following a nine-win 2020 season, Kevin Harvick went winless in 2021 and started the playoffs as the lowest seeded driver. So his struggles didn’t start with the introduction of the Next Gen car.
However, things appear to have gotten worse. He still managed to finish the 2021 season with an average finish of 10.9. Through six races this year, his average finish is 14.5, and he hasn’t done himself any favors in qualifying. His average starting position of 20.2 is his lowest since the 2010 season.
Sitting in 14th place in the point standings probably isn’t where Harvick needs to be to get into the playoffs. While 16 drivers get in, the fact that so many different drivers have already won likely means that, unless he wins a race, he will need to finish higher.
Last year’s final playoff spot went to a winless Tyler Reddick, who finished the regular season in 11th in points. A winless Harvick finished in ninth and almost didn’t make it; he was the 15th of 16 drivers to qualify for the postseason.
He has led just 12 laps and hasn’t finished a race inside the top five. Following his first winless season since 2009 last year, he could very well be headed toward his first season without a spot in the playoffs since 2009 just one year later.