Has Kevin Harvick Driven for Hendrick Motorsports Before?

Kevin Harvick will be coming out of his retirement and teaming up with Hendrick Motorsports for the All-Star race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. The 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion is roped in as the backup driver for Kyle Larson and the No. 5 team. Larson is attempting to complete “the double” and during the All-Star weekend, he is scheduled to run the practice runs and prepare for the historic day.

This scenario could very much favour Harvick, who just might be able to race for Hendrick Motorsports for the first time. In his illustrious NASCAR racing career, he has never raced for Rick Hendrick’s racing team. However, he did come close to signing a deal with HMS back in 2016 to drive the No. 5 car, but in the end, it was all just a rumor.

Kevin Harvick cleared the air about the speculation of joining Hendrick Motorsports

Having won the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series season, and finished runner-up in 2015, Harvick was among the most sought-after driver. But he hit a slump in 2016 and had a tough time competing for the wins, and rumors started floating that he had been offered a contract by Hendrick Motorsports.

At the time, Kasey Kahne drove the No. 5 HMS car, but Harvick already had a clause in his contract at SHR that could further extend his contract. The speculations were just getting out of hand, prompting Harvick to clear the air regarding his future. He even talked to Kahne, assuring him that he had no intentions of replacing him at Hendrick Motorsports.

“It got so out of control. I actually went to Kassey Kahne and said, ‘Look man, here’s what’s going on’. I told him, there’s not been one person to call me from your organization. I want you to have the trust in your team, I want you to believe in your team, and I want you to keep working on the things you’re working at. Here’s what I’m going, here’s what I see, here’s how it is going to go.” Harvick said via NBC Sports.

Almost a decade later, having called quits from competing in NASCAR, he finds himself linked with Mr. Hendrick’s team in 2024. Fortunately, this time around his association with HMS was official and confirmed by both parties.

Here’s how Mr. H roped in Harvick for the All-Star weekend

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There were very few options for Mr. H to choose in having a backup for his No. 5 car for the All-Star race. The new and upcoming drivers have little to no experience running the Next Gen car; therefore, they needed someone experienced, who knows the way around the new car. Harvick, who has previously won two All-Star races in 2007 and 2018, was available and seemed like the best backup option for Larson.

All it took was a phone call by Mr. H to bring Harvick back from retirement inside the Cup car for the All-Star weekend. “When Rick called a couple of days ago, he said, ‘Hey I need a favor’, and I know when the conversation starts like that, that usually, you have to say yes,” Harvick explained. Confirming his position as the backup driver for the Larson, he responded, “So I appreciate you guys calling, it’s going to be fun.”

Well, it’s hard to blame Kevin Harvick for accepting an offer to drive the Hendrick Motorsports car. What better way to come out of retirement and race for NASCAR’s most winningest teams? Especially after a tough few years at Stewart-Haas Racing.