“I’m Definitely Old and Retired”: Kevin Harvick Gets Overwhelmed at North Wilkesboro as He Came to Rick Hendrick's Rescue

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“I’m Definitely Old and Retired”: Kevin Harvick Gets Overwhelmed at North Wilkesboro as He Came to Rick Hendrick’s Rescue

ByRamanujam Vedavalli

May 18, 2024 | 1:49 AM EDT

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It hasn’t always been a bed of roses between Rick Hendrick and Kevin Harvick. In earlier days, clash enmities were experienced by both. Harvick’s aggressive style of racing was at constant odds with Hendrick’s team, as was evident in the 2021 feud with Chase Elliott.

Nonetheless, Kevin Harvick and Mr. H seem to have been on good terms after all or is it Rick Hendrick’s positive attitude to lend a hand to everyone whenever required? Whatever the reason, it looks like it worked in favor of Kyle Lrason as he makes his Indy 500 debut, and looks forward to racing the All-Star Race as well. This surprising partnership represents a critical point in their association as it demonstrates that professional respect can supersede previous animosities.

Mr. H’s been always good to Kevin Harvick?

Currently, Kevin Harvick is aiming at a good practice session and Qualifying for the HMS driver. And to everyone’s surprise, he didn’t even think twice before saying yes to Mr. H when he asked him the favor.

The forty-eight-year-old veteran recently jokingly remarked on X, “I’m old and retired”. Kevin Harvick has regained the spotlight at North Wilkesboro. This choice of hiring Harvick as a reserve driver by Rick Hendrick is an embodiment of his strategic shrewdness and perspicacity. While Larson is focused on the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600, Hendrick needed a dependable and veteran speedster who could replace him. After retiring from full-time racing in 2023, Harvick had the best qualifications due to long experience in high-stakes games.

When Mr. H called and said, ‘Hey, I need a favor,’ I knew it was serious,” Harvick recounted. This collaboration underscores Hendrick’s foresight in ensuring his team’s performance remains top-notch despite Larson’s rigorous schedule. “We’ve managed to keep the car rolling. So that is the first objective,” Harvick continued, emphasizing the meticulous preparation involved. He said, “Cliff went and ran through 5,000 things on his checklist,” highlighting the comprehensive efforts that have been made to ensure the car’s readiness.

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Special message from @KevinHarvick! pic.twitter.com/3zAieFSBHz
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) May 17, 2024

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Hendrick’s faith in Harvick’s ability to keep the car competitive is not misplaced. “So, Kyle, good luck in any of this weekend. Everything has gone well here. And hopefully, you’re in the ballpark,” Harvick added, reflecting the team’s optimism.

This strategic move also showcases Hendrick’s talent for recognizing and harnessing veteran talent at critical moments. Such a skill is crucial for maintaining team morale and a competitive edge. But going back to Kevin Harvick’s statement about him getting old, it certainly demands extensive scrutiny.

Kevin Harvick’s life after retirement

Since leaving full-time racing in 2023, Kevin Harvick has kept himself busy with various projects, most notably his podcast, “Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour.” NASCAR on FOX hosts this show. This show helps Kevin Harvick stay connected to a sport he loves. The show is full of insights for fans and behind-the-scenes stories about NASCAR. Together with Kaitlyn Vincie and Mamba Smith as co-hosts, Harvick engages in race analyses, shares personal experiences, and interviews famous personalities from the world of sports and entertainment.

Harvick’s move to media was seamless because he has so much knowledge and is quite charismatic. In one of his episodes, Harvick said, “It’s been great to reconnect with the fans and share a different side of the sport.” His candid commentary and unique perspectives have attracted many followers.

Besides his podcasting career, Harvick has also taken up a position as a race analyst for NASCAR on FOX, where he provides expert commentary during Cup Series races. His ability to break down racing strategies and dynamics has proven invaluable during race broadcasts.

In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures in media, Kevin has also expanded into business through Kevin Harvick Incorporated (KHI). KHI returned to full-time competition in 2024, focusing on Late Model Stock and Super Late Model events. Rising star Brent Crews led the Late Model Stock category. Harvick explored eSports by letting his two cars into the 2024 eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series. This clearly shows his commitment to innovation and the future of racing. Kevin can be said to be retired on paper, but the reality is far from that.