“I’m at a Loss for Words”- Heavyhearted Fans Stand as Mere Spectators as SHR Prepares for Kevin Harvick’s Last Hurrah

The grand finale on Phoenix Raceway will be the last time SHR veteran, Kevin Harvick puts his helmet on to enter his #4 Ford and chase for a win. While the 2023 season is coming to an epic showdown at the mile-long speedway in Arizona, the 2014 Cup Series champion will bid farewell to the sport, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy as he takes a high road into the commentary booths.

Amidst the miserable 2023 season where he was evicted without a win from the playoffs in the very first eliminator, fans say goodbye to their favorite driver as they stand powerless with a lump in their throats.

Kevin Harvick breaks the fandom into tears as he prepares for a final walkout

Now, Kevin “Happy” Harvick is one of the best drivers NASCAR has produced over the years. His accolades and achievements are something that will certainly stand the test of time. Imagine coming into the sport as the late great Dale Earnhardt’s replacement. After the 7-time champion’s tragic demise in 2001, RCR had to find a driver for the vacant #3 Chevy.

Kevin Harvick was the man roped in, given the gigantic role of filling in the late driver’s role, something that’s pretty much impossible. Surprisingly just after 3 races in the “Intimidator’s” car, re-badged to #29 and painted white, the No. 4 Ford Mustang driver did the impossible, defending the great’s legacy as he trumped Earnhardt‘s last rival Jeff Gordon a 0.006 second finish.

The 47-year-old who was 25 at that time paid tribute to the late driver, doing a reverse victory lap with 3 fingers extended into the air – a scene that will forever be in NASCAR nation’s memory. From that point on, Kevin Harvick became a household name, turning himself into the Intimidator’s successor with a close resemblance to the late driver’s racing style.

Sadly enough, his time in NASCAR’s top-tier division is coming to an end as the 47-year-old looks to hang up his gloves after a final race in Phoenix next week. In his 23-season-long career in the sport, the SHR driver has had over 60 wins including 3 Brickyard 400s, two Coca-Cola 600s, and a pair of Southern 500 wins.

WATCH THIS STORY: A tearful farewell: Kevin Harvick’s NASCAR journey 

The driver then went on to win his first title with SHR in 2014 where found success with Rodney Childers who shared an emotional tweet as a tribute to the veteran’s crowning achievements in the sport. Fans quickly dived into discussions, reflecting on the #4 driver’s illustrious career, mentioning how time flew so fast, “This year has gone by too fast, one of those seasons you hoped dragged on knowing what the final race would bring.“

Fans break down in tears as Childers put up an emotional farewell for the No. 4 driver

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On the positive side, Harvick’s exit from the sport leaves a legacy that will shine bright in NASCAR history but on the flip side, his farewell season was devoid of a win, leaving the veteran on a sour note. 2023 wasn’t the season SHR or its fans hoped to see. Except for Kevin Harvick none of its drivers got past the regular season and to make matters worse for Tony Stewart and co, their lone warrior got knocked out in the very first eliminator, ruining the veteran’s farewell season.

But the team did its best to send off its champion, rolling out a couple of iconic racing liveries to commemorate the driver’s achievements in the sport. With his long-time crew chief, Childers also paying an emotional farewell to the driver, fans got teary-eyed as they got reminiscent of the driver’s glory.

Redditers took the #4 crew chief’s tweet, tagging it to start off a sentimental discussion, “Will miss you Kevin. Thank you for an amazing career. Thank you for stepping into a car, and into a situation that no one should ever have to. And thank you for doing it with grace. #4Ever.”

Another fan wrote, “Man I’m not ready for Sunday lol” while another commented,  “I’m in no way ok with this.”

“I’m at a loss for words. Fu**ing time, always a bi*ch”

READ MORE: NASCAR Veteran Names Kevin Harvick’s Successor at Ford After the Legend Leaves Big Shoes to Fill