A fundamental question regarding motorsports recognition was debated recently by FOX Sports personalities Kevin Harvick and Will Buxton. The core issue centers on whether the recipient of the "Driver of the Week" honor must secure a race win.

The Contending Selections for Driver of the Week

The disagreement manifested in their choices following NASCAR's Cook Out 400 and INDYCAR's Children's of Alabama INDY Grand Prix. Harvick strongly advocated for the NASCAR victor, while Buxton selected an INDYCAR driver who performed exceptionally without reaching the top step of the podium.

NASCAR's Cook Out 400 Winner

Chase Elliott claimed his inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory of the 2026 season at Martinsville. This win marked the first for a Chevrolet team that year, ending a drought.

Elliott's success was partially attributed to a strategic, early pit stop advised by his crew chief, Alan Gustafson, which ultimately paid off following a timely caution period. Harvick noted the significance of this result, stating, "All the talk about Chevrolet and everybody not being in Victory Lane, they squashed all that really quickly."

Buxton's INDYCAR Pick

Buxton challenged Harvick's focus on the win itself, suggesting Gustafson's crucial call was as vital, if not more so, than Elliott's driving. Harvick maintained that finishing first carries substantial weight in the award criteria.

Disagreeing with the necessity of victory, Buxton chose Christian Lundgaard from INDYCAR's Children's of Alabama INDY Grand Prix, where Lundgaard finished second to Alex Palou. Lundgaard delivered an impressive drive, advancing from 10th on the starting grid to secure the runner-up position.

The Case for Merit Over Victory

Buxton argued that Lundgaard's performance warranted the recognition, even without a win. "I thought he was utterly phenomenal this weekend," Buxton commented. He praised Lundgaard for executing necessary maneuvers decisively and driving with confidence.

Lundgaard's result was contrasted with Elliott's, as Lundgaard's chance at victory was reportedly hampered by a slow pit stop, despite having the fastest car on track that day. Buxton lamented, "Should have won the race... Certainly should have been in the fight in the final stages of the race."

Fan Opinion and Future Outlook

Despite not meeting Harvick's win requirement, Lundgaard received praise from Harvick regarding the overall competitive spirit of his team. Buxton observed that other teams are eager to break Palou's dominance, predicting Lundgaard's group will secure wins soon.

The viewing public sided with Harvick's perspective, choosing Elliott as their Driver of the Week. Kimi Antonelli of Formula 1 placed second in the fan poll.

Harvick acknowledged the fan support, saying, "The power of the most popular driver on the NASCAR circuit overcomes the F1 crowd this week." Buxton conceded defeat but challenged Harvick to select a non-winner next week, setting up anticipation for the following episode.