Kevin Harvick Finally Gets His Big Complaint Off His Chest, More Than 20 Years After Replacing the Deceased Dale Earnhardt

Kevin Harvick got his Cup Series debut driving for the #3 team right after Dale Earnhardt passed away tragically. Filling in the shoes of the Intimidator came with a lot of pressure and expectations. At just 25 years old, Harvick was suddenly forced onto the highest tier of NASCAR following the tragic death of Dale Earnhardt. Talking about those days, Harvick shared his experience working with the Richard Childress Racing team.

Harvick had already raced a full season for RCR in the Xfinity Series. He had also been a part of a few pre-season testing sessions with the #3 team but was having challenges building chemistry with the team.

The 2014 Cup Series champion revealed his big complaint on the Stacking Pennies podcast with Corey LaJoie, “Having to race that car with those guys, they weren’t a bad group of guys but they were built for Earnhardt,” Harvick said. “They were his age. They were his mentality and all the guys that I had in the Xfinity Series weren’t a part of it.”

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NASCAR veteran recalls Kevin Harvick’s first proper race in the #3 car as his best moment

Harvick being put into the No. 3 car, which was renumbered to #29, got everyone’s attention—and for a very good reason. Despite the pressure, he proved his caliber as won a race at the Bristol Motor Speedway soon after being put in the car.

Bristol was the weekend after Harvick was put in the RCR Cup Series car, and the driver went on to win the race. Considering it to be his favorite moment of Harvick’s career, NASCAR Veteran Kenny Wallace said, “One of the most memorable moments of all time was his very first race. I mean, not very first race, but I mean, are you kidding me! Harvick jumps in Dale Earnhardt Sr’s car and wins right away. Atlanta. That told us right there he was gonna be great.”

Wallace further added, “That’s like being a rookie and, you know, winning at all right away and the World series. He did it. He put all the doubters to rest.”

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Wallace was not wrong in saying that Harvick put all the doubters to rest. However, other people might have chosen other highlights from his career as their favorite. Which is your favorite Kevin Harvick moment? Do let us know in the comments.