"The bar is so low; There are no consequences" - Kevin Harvick puts NASCAR under fire after Austin Dillon incident

Former NASCAR champion Kevin Harvick recently reviewed the controversial finish to the Richmond Cup race, where Austin Dillon wrecked Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin to take the checkered flag. Harvick critiqued various aspects of the series that paved the way for what happened at the 0.750-mile oval.

Harvick emphasized that the playoff format, with its "win and you're in" system, directly contributes to such chaotic finishes. He explained that when drivers are presented with a chance to win, they don't think about the consequences and will do whatever it takes to secure the victory and advance to the playoffs.

The 48-year-old also pointed out that many drivers have escaped punishment for aggressive maneuvers, setting a precedent for what is deemed acceptable on the track. Harvick elaborated that the lack of consequences and the playoff system incentivize drivers to win at any cost.

Speaking on his Happy Hour podcast, the Fox Sports analyst said:

"The system makes you do things that are so far outside right and wrong, that you have to be able to set all that aside, worry about consequences another day. You have to do what you have to do to put yourself in the victory lane because the bar is so low on what's ok, that you can do whatever you want." [at 3:40]

Harvick added that numerous drivers have strategically utilized the playoff format in the past to secure advancement to subsequent rounds. He added that NASCAR needs to draw a line in the sand to prevent drivers from wrecking others for victories.

"What we have to decide as an industry is what's right and what's wrong, how do we officiate it and who's gonna officiate it, because I don't think that's how everybody wants to race. But it's the position that you're in this scenario, with the points and playoff system, knowing that there are no consequences." [at 9:34]

Commenting on the final lap wrecks, the 2014 Cup champion suggested that while Dillon's contact with Logano was aggressive, the right-rear hook on Hamlin was more egregious. He acknowledged that NASCAR finds itself in a tough spot to penalize the race winner for the right rear hook.

---

Kevin Harvick on NASCAR's influence on junior categories

Former Stewart-Haas Racing driver Kevin Harvick commented on the precedent set by the NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway, expressing concern about its negative influence on junior categories of stock car racing.

Harvick mentioned that his son, Keelan, who is racing in the grassroots level, was curious to know if he could wreck others to win the race. Speaking on the influence of such incidents, the former #4 Ford driver expressed his concern by adding:

"Here is the hard part, 15 seconds after this race ended and the cars crossed the start-finish line, my phone is ringing. The first question from Keelan was, 'Dad is that ok for me to do, what would you tell me?'" [at 9:03]

Kevin Harvick mentioned that the CARS Tour series had recently dealt with a similar situation, ultimately dishing out penalties.

NASCAR SVP Elton Sawyer stated after the race that the last lap incidents would be reviewed and the verdict announced on Tuesday, August 13.