Kevin Harvick came into the Cup Series under difficult circumstances, possibly the most difficult for any driver. But he didn’t let that burden stop him from achieving the things he did. As he moves into the twilight of his two-decade-long career, it’s time NASCAR celebrates him in the way he deserves.
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Harvick was supposed to burst onto the Cup Series scene sooner or later, courtesy of his performances in the Xfinity Series. He finished 3rd in the 2000 season, which convinced Richard Childress Racing of his abilities. If things went to plan, he was supposed to run a few races in the 2001 Cup season.
But things didn’t go as planned. Everyone remembers what happened on that fateful day at Daytona in 2001. Harvick was brought in as a replacement for Dale Earnhardt for the season, and what happened since is history.
Fast forward to 2023, Harvick was on course to take the Iron Man crown from Jeff Gordon had he not decided to retire at the end of 2023. His other stats are quite exceptional too. Harvick has one Cup title to his name, which he won in 2014. He came close on other occasions as well, most famously in 2015. In what ended up being one of the best title races, Harvick lost the closely-contested title to Kyle Busch at Homestead-Miami in the finale. Busch ended the season one point higher than Harvick.
Unfortunately, 2023 will be the last we see of Harvick in the competition. Maybe he can deliver a final season of wonderful driving and get his hands on a second title.
Fans want NASCAR to honor Kevin Harvick properly
The Hall of Fame is where legends are immortalized. From Dale Earnhardt to Jeff Gordon, all legends tend to find themselves there in the end. NASCAR on NBC recently asked the following question on Twitter, “Who most deserves to be in the NASCAR Hall of Fame?”
With the @NASCARHall induction ceremony coming up… pic.twitter.com/5PbYGPtPa5
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) January 14, 2023
Fans were sure who they wanted to see on the list now that his retirement is coming soon.
Edwards and Harvick
— John Scates (@JScates97_) January 14, 2023
— Brandon Tramper (@Tramper21) January 15, 2023
Harvick
— Lou (@FrankTucker0) January 14, 2023
2023 Class: Jimmie Johnson/Chad Knaus
2024 Class: Carl Edwards/Ricky Rudd
2025 Class: Kurt Busch/Harry Gant
2026 Class: Kevin Harvick/ Jeff Burton— Exorcist of Stupidity (@JamieExorcistof) January 15, 2023
Kevin Harvick and Carl Edwards
— Kevin Cao (@KevinCaoCN) January 15, 2023
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Kevin Harvick
— Marc (@marc04win29) January 15, 2023
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Harvick has done enough to find himself on the top of that list of contenders. NASCAR should not waste time celebrating a career like his. He deserves it fully.