via Getty
DAYTONA, FL – FEBRUARY 16: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Busch Light #BUSCHRACETEAM Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Mustang, fields questions from the media during Daytona 500 Media Day on February 16, 2022 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
via Getty
DAYTONA, FL – FEBRUARY 16: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Busch Light #BUSCHRACETEAM Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Mustang, fields questions from the media during Daytona 500 Media Day on February 16, 2022 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
While to some it may sound apophenic, there seems to be a strong connection between the Earnhardt family and Kevin Harvick. Harvick’s career in the Cup Series began under problematic conditions, being forced into the limelight as he had to replace the legendary Dale Earnhardt.
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A few days ago, Harvick and Dale Earnhardt Jr (along with Jeff Burton and Justin Marks) announced their takeover of the CARSTour Series. For all the NASCAR family, this was a grand announcement.
Started by Dale Sr, ended with Dale Jr
It meant that Late Models will get the money and attention they need in order to survive. But with the announcement the Stewart-Haas Racing driver made yesterday, it was clear. After the 2023 season, there will be no Harvick in the race car, competing for wins.
The retirement announcement came through a video. “All I wanted to do was race. It started when I was 5, and unbelievably by the time I was 25, I was in a NASCAR Cup Series. I’ve called NASCAR’s premier series my home for the last 22 years. I’ve seen a lot and I’ve done a lot. And I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
“I’m always ready for a new season. It presents new challenges and enforces you to find new ways to outsmart and outrun the competition. But come November, when the checkered flag drops on the season finale in Phoenix, it will also by last race as a NASCAR Cup Series driver. It’s time to call time,” he said.
The retirement was inevitable, but fans would’ve wanted to see Harvick for longer in the race car. All those years of joy that he brought will be missed.
Kevin Harvick, a master of the craft, is to be missed
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The video that Harvick posted brought a rush of memories and feelings as he spoke about his 22-year journey in the sport. But he had his reasons to bow out, and he revealed all of those.
#4EVER pic.twitter.com/iH5dzpt4HY
— Kevin Harvick (@KevinHarvick) January 12, 2023
A bitter pill to swallow, the NASCAR community got wistful and let Harvick know how much he will be missed.
Incredible career for @KevinHarvick. His path to becoming a champion wasn’t an easy one. I always respected his talent and approach through the years. I predict absolutely ZFG in the final year. Imagine he will be fun to watch.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) January 12, 2023
I want Kevin to savor every lap this season, to compete like hell and to take it all in. He’s made all of us @StewartHaasRcng incredibly proud and we want to make his last season his best season. https://t.co/oWEKPbofng
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) January 12, 2023
Not gonna be the same after @KevinHarvick is gone next year. This guy has helped me so much on and off track and always believed in me and supported me. He is constantly raising the bar and the standard and teaching me about leadership along the way. Best teammate you could have. pic.twitter.com/sTckZaZS5z
— Chase Briscoe (@ChaseBriscoe_14) January 12, 2023
From teammates to friends, @KevinHarvick & I have been through it all together. He scratched his way into this sport & proved himself as a leader & champion. I’m looking forward to watching him in his final season & see where this next chapter takes him. Thank you for everything! pic.twitter.com/V7xRM0UOLT
— Jeff Burton (@JeffBurton) January 12, 2023
Thanks for the memories, @KevinHarvick.
We’ll never forget your first win. pic.twitter.com/20SrZMBTrx
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) January 12, 2023
The winningest active pairing.
Cheers to you, @KevinHarvick and @RodneyChilders4.
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) January 12, 2023
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🍻 to one last great season for the 2001 and 2006 Xfinity Series Champion, @KevinHarvick. pic.twitter.com/8S0xC2rtBI
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) January 12, 2023
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Staying beyond the 2023 season would’ve meant a chance to grab Jeff Gordon’s Iron Man record. But visibly, Harvick wasn’t chasing that one. He just wants to spend more time with his family. Best wishes to them, hope he enjoys his time off.
