{
  "id": 19590440,
  "title": "Kevin Harvick: NASCAR needs a Gen 7.5 car and 'some hard conversations'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/kevin-harvick-nascar-needs-a-gen-7-5-car-and-some-hard-conversations",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-12T02:54:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Motorsport.com",
    "slug": "motorsport-com",
    "url": "https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/kevin-harvick-nascar-needs-a-gen-75-car-and-some-hard-conversations/10873996/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NASCAR superstar Kevin Harvick has repeatedly advocated for improvements to the current Cup Series car, suggesting it should adopt a Gen 7.5 configuration with enhanced horsepower and underbody modifications. On Wednesday, Harvick reiterated his stance after NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell dismissed the idea of another new car. He argues that the car needs more power and a redesign of certain components, such as the bottom of the vehicle and its underbody, which are currently not being adequately addressed. Harvick believes that some changes, while potentially expensive and requiring hard decisions, are necessary to elevate the racing experience. He emphasizes the importance of not merely tweaking the current platform like the O’Reilly structure, but instead focusing on making significant changes that will truly enhance the sport. Harvick also criticizes the idea of making the Cup car's performance more similar to Saturday's races, stating that the Cup Series should maintain its distinct identity. He further suggests that the improvements should trickle down to other series like the Truck and ARCA to create a more cohesive ecosystem, rather than merely adjusting the O’Reilly platform or other lower-tier cars.",
  "summary": "Kevin Harvick has said this all along but he reiterated it on Wednesday in the aftermath of NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell dismissing the notion of another new car for the Cup Series in the coming seasons. Harvick, the 2014 champion and a NASCAR on FOX analyst, says the current car just needs a lot more horsepower and some modifications to the underbody and single source supplier system ... Keep…",
  "key_points": [
    "Kevin Harvick advocates for Gen 7.5 car with more power.",
    "NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell dismisses idea of new car.",
    "Harvick stresses need for hard conversations and changes."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Harvick's push for a mid-generation redesign signals a growing rift between drivers seeking enhanced performance and leadership focused on maintaining the current vehicle platform.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}