The NASCAR Pennzoil 400, held on March 16, 2025, at the renowned Las Vegas Motor Speedway, welcomed none other than the iconic Morgan Freeman as the Grand Marshal. The actor, known for his resonant voice, was expected to ignite the race's spirit with his renowned command, "Drivers, start your engines!" However, Freeman's performance did not resonate as strongly with everyone, notably catching the ire of former driver and current FOX broadcaster Kevin Harvick.
Harvick candidly expressed that Freeman's command left much to be desired. In a recent episode of his podcast, Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour, he commented sharply, “I thought his command was not very good. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t that exciting. Just kind of came across as ‘Eh, I don’t want to be here.’ That’s how it felt to me. If you’re going to be the grand marshal and you’re going to give the command, you better bring the heat.” Indeed, Harvick's judgment reflected a broader sentiment among some NASCAR fans, who echoed his mixed reviews.
Even before the event, Freeman had conveyed his excitement about being the Grand Marshal, stating, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be chosen as the grand marshal for this NASCAR race. It’s a true honor to be part of such an incredible tradition, and I can’t wait to see the energy, passion, and excitement that fills the track.” The fact that he was stepping into a role typically populated by larger-than-life figures only added weight to the expectations. Yet, many observed that his performance did not capture the essence of the event.
Complicating the narrative, Freeman's health challenges have been well-documented. After suffering serious injuries in a car accident back in 2008, he has dealt with chronic pain and nerve damage, which may have affected his delivery at the event, as he has been noted wearing a compression glove to manage his condition. Supporters argue that it would be unjust to critique him harshly without acknowledging these ongoing struggles.
As Freeman's command reverberated through the speedway, the atmosphere was electric for the race itself, which would soon see Josh Berry clinching his first Cup Series victory. Reflecting on his success, Berry remarked, “Oh, man, I don’t even know what to think. Just awesome. I love this track. Las Vegas has been so good to me. So many great moments here. We just battled and battled and battled. Man, it was our day. I just can’t believe it.”
While Berry celebrated his win, Harvick took the opportunity to not only criticize Freeman but also share his own critical view of NASCAR’s current trajectory. Harvick lamented the state of the sport, calling last week’s qualifying at Las Vegas “absolutely ridiculous” and advocated for a radical overhaul of the regulations. He boldly suggested, “I would deregulate everything. I’d throw away half the rulebook, let the teams figure it out, and we’d see who’s got the best ideas.”
In Harvick’s view, NASCAR needs to revitalize the racing experience, particularly by enhancing horsepower capabilities. “1000 horsepower on short tracks and road courses would bring back the thrill,” he asserted. This is not the first time Harvick has expressed such opinions; back in 2022, he even tweeted, “1000 hp would fix short track racing in 5 laps.” Despite hanging up his racing gloves, Harvick has remained vocal about the sport’s direction.
His passion for NASCAR is palpable – a deep connection that transcends official retirement. Harvick's irritation is personal; it reflects years of dedication and a longing for the racing world he once dominated. “What we saw yesterday” at the Pennzoil 400, he shared, isn’t just a reflection of missed opportunities. It feels like a betrayal to the sport which he credits with shaping his career.
As the dust settles from the race, one thing remains clear: Kevin Harvick is not going quietly into retirement. He is prepared to continue fighting for the NASCAR he believes in. “Will NASCAR hear him? Or will he be left howling alone?” It’s a query that lingers, even as the engines cool and the crowds disperse. Harvick's commitment to improvement and revitalization within NASCAR ensures that his voice will be heard, echoing through the sport he loves.
