Can Denny Hamlin Fill the Shoes Left by Kevin Harvick Or Will the RFK Leader Take the Mantle for NASCAR’s Guru

The retirement of Kevin Harvick was in a way, the end of an era. Not only was Harvick the last active driver from the time of the Winston Cup, but he also belonged to a generation that believed in passing on the symbolic baton through mentorship and guidance. The former Stewart-Haas Racing driver emulated those practices by lending his ear and expertise to the young guns of NASCAR.

In his absence, the racing grid would require a new leader to stand for their rights and be outspoken on their behalf. PRN experts narrowed it down to a contest between Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski.

Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin fought against Next Gen safety concerns together

It is no secret that Kevin Harvick had his Cup debut under unconventional circumstances. Replacing Dale Earnhardt after the Intimidator’s tragic death was no mean feat. The pressure and burden of expectations would have been crushing for any other rookie racer. Harvick credited the racing stalwarts of that time, Jeff Gordon and Dale Jarrett, who took him under their wing and helped him learn the ropes of the sport. Harvick felt the greatest way to pay back their generosity would be to carry on that tradition for the coming generations.

Whether it was the formation of the driver’s council in 2015, or taking up the cause of drivers’ safety in the Next Gen cars, Harvick never shied away from taking leadership responsibilities. The Performance Racing Network analyzed candidates from the current racers who could now take charge in the 2014 champion’s place. Pit reporter Holly Cain pointed out, “Well, I think that we’re already seeing to a certain extent Denny Hamlin be that person who is willing to be upfront, to be out front and to speak.”

Cain continued, “I think there are times where he’s very vocal and honest. That he might have opposite ideas from what may be something that NASCAR wants to do, but I think he is definitely trying to do that.” Hamlin was also a member of the original Driver Advisory Council and supported Harvick’s safety stand last year. Apart from the #11 Toyota driver, Cain saw the respect and authority commandeered by the team owner of RFK Racing, Brad Keselowski.

Watch this story: Dale Earnhardt Jr & Kevin Harvick Call for Stricter Officiating from NASCAR

She further suggested, “The other person I see, though, that I think you could make good arguments for is Brad Keselowski, and he is a veteran. He’s a former champion. He’s won big races. He also is somebody I think that will really step up, and he brings that unique perspective as an owner, as a driver, as a veteran, as someone that’s done a lot.” But perhaps Keselowski’s recent aversion to controversy could hinder his ability to go against the tide if so required.

The behind-the-scenes leadership of RFK Racing’s Brad Keselowski

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Brad Keselowski has achieved wonders with RFK Racing in such a short span of time. The #6 driver’s efficiency and determination transformed the workings of the racing team. And the results were clearly visible this season. But in this process, the formerly outspoken racer took a backseat to the revered team owner, who focused on actions rather than words. 

On the other hand, despite being co-owner of 23XI Racing, Denny Hamlin chose to be more vocal in calling out the authorities this year. Especially during the playoff season, Hamlin repeatedly disapproved of the one-race-win scenario produced by the playoff system. The #11 driver also registered his frustrations with next year’s racing schedule. Both of the drivers had their own strengths and limitations.

In order to solve this dilemma, Holly Cain proposed a reasonable solution. “I think that when you speak with Brad, he has very well-thought-out ideas. He’s not going to just overreact or even react spontaneously without thinking it through. So I think perhaps somebody like Brad Keselowski. I think obviously Denny Hamlin kind of already accepted and said I’ll be the guy if you like, so I think maybe a combination of the two of them.”

Who said there cannot be more than one leader? Kevin Harvick would certainly appreciate it if more than one experienced driver stepped in to shine a guiding light for future racing stars.

Read More: “I Just Need a Goal”: Kevin Harvick Desperately Looks for a Chequered Flag After Retiring From Racing