Kevin Harvick gives Justin Marks blunt advice amid tough NASCAR season

Kevin Harvick has stepped into the spotlight for Stewart-Haas Racing teammate Justin Marks, offering blunt advice as the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season hits its toughest stretch.

What happened?

On July 15, 2025, Kevin Harvick: a 19-time Cup Series race winner and 2014 series champion: publicly urged Justin Marks to make a key adjustment amid a slumping campaign. The advice came during a candid moment captured on social media, where Harvick stressed the need for Marks to refocus and tighten his approach. Marks, in his second full Cup season with SHR, has struggled with consistency, sitting outside the top 20 in points with six races left in the regular season.

Why it matters for Kevin Harvick

Harvick’s intervention carries weight beyond mere teammate support. As the de facto leader of SHR’s veteran core, his words signal internal urgency over the team’s direction. Marks, 28, has yet to secure a top-five finish in 2025 and has been outpaced by multiple rookies. Harvick’s call for a reset reflects broader concerns about SHR’s ability to compete in a league now dominated by younger, more aggressive drivers.

What comes next?

Marks will look to rebound this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where he’ll need a strong run to keep his playoff hopes alive. Harvick, meanwhile, remains focused on his own playoff push, sitting 12th in points with a win at Atlanta in March. The dynamic between the two teammates could shape SHR’s late-season strategy: and Marks’ long-term trajectory in the Cup Series.

SHR has not commented publicly on Harvick’s remarks, but the team’s recent struggles have drawn scrutiny. Marks’ contract situation remains unresolved beyond 2025, adding pressure to his performance. For Harvick, the advice underscores his role as both a competitor and an informal mentor within the organization.