Darrell Waltrip is a certified NASCAR legend. With three Cup Series champions, 84 victory lane visits, and an intense rivalry against Dale Earnhardt, it depicts the highs he had on the racetrack. However, he was more than just a race car driver. After taking off his helmet, he picked up the mic in the FOX broadcast booth. 2001 was a milestone year for NASCAR as a whole, as they had landed the biggest TV deal in the sport’s history with FOX, and this is the race where Darrell would make his debut.

Now we know that the 2001 Daytona 500 race is one of the darkest chapters in NASCAR’s history. But this was the race where Darrell saw his younger brother, Michael, notch his first NASCAR win. He couldn’t hold back his emotions, “You got it, Mikey, you got it, man. Mikey, come on!” This feeling of elation and excitement would soon take a drastic turn as DW took a look outside of his booth an saw Dale Earnhardt’s car crashing. “I just hope Dale’s okay.”

What made Waltrip’s voice in the FOX booth so unique was that he kept it real, unfiltered, and the best part, he was himself. Although the 2001 Daytona 500 was one of the most memorable moments for Waltrip in the booth, it is also a burden he has to bear. But, this moment wouldn’t stop him from entertaining the NASCAR fans with his colorful personality in the booth, a voice that resonated with the NASCAR fanbase for 19 years, until 2017. But despite his retirement from the booth, his iconic catchphrase, “Boogity, boogity boogity, Let’s go racing, boys”, has been etched in NASCAR folklore, and another veteran driver is now looking to cement his place as best in the broadcasting business.

Kevin Harvick, much like Darrell Waltrip, brings a ton of experience and expertise to the FOX booth. After signing off from a Hall of Fame-worthy NASCAR career, Harvick joined Mike Joy and his friend Clint Bowyer in the booth in 2024. The first year was a huge learning curve for the former SHR driver, but he wasn’t under the pressure to perform like he did while driving for championships. In the second year, his opinion and command over his craft are more polished, and he seems to have settled into this new role. But does he envision calling races and sharing stories from the booth like Waltrip did?

Well, the veteran driver isn’t thinking about that for now. “Well, the good news is I don’t really have to think about that vision because it’s just, I guess, one segment of time at a time with whatever deal you’re currently under. It’s something that I enjoy. I enjoy being around the racetrack, and being around the racetrack in a non-pressure situation. And I like racing. I like the people. I like the sport. I like everything about it.” He said this in an interview with Jordan Bianchi from Athletic.

FOX has been a major partner for NASCAR ever since it entered into the sport in 2001. They are part of the mega $7.7 billion media rights deals that stretch until 2031, and knowing that Mike Joy’s days in the booth are numbered, they turned towards Kevin Harvick. It’s not just the lap-by-lap commentary on the FOX both, Harvick also has his own podcast show – Happy Hour. And that just goes to show that FOX has roped him in for the long run.

However, the former SHR driver is still learning the tricks of the trade and trying his best not to overdo things in his new role. And although, he stands out as a star, he feels that veteran announcer, Mike Joy should call out the last laps of the race. “I’m of the opinion that Mike Joy should call the last lap of every race because I like listening to his voice. So … you have to know when to stand down, though there are moments that you could definitely put in on something that happened, but you have to do it quickly.”

Interestingly, Harvick wasn’t sold on the idea of the podcast when he started with his broadcasting journey. But, it’s become an extension of his opinion and proven to be a platform to share his views on the state of the sport.

Kevin Harvick doesn’t mind ruffling some feathers

Be it NASCAR’s sketchy officiating practices or Stewart-Haas Racing’s untimely exit, Harvick hasn’t held back on what he truly felt about the events in that moment. The Happy Hour podcast, a weekly show, has allowed the veteran driver to dwell on hot topics in-depth and at the same time serves as an exclusive medium through which he connects with the drivers. The post-race interviews by the drivers and the race winners are short and sweet, but they truly open when they talk to Harvick on his show.

Fortunately, Harvick was sold on the idea after initial hesitation, “I thought that podcast was a terrible idea when we started, but it has evolved into exactly (that sort of outlet). It’s great to be able to dive into some of the more critical things, whether it’s NASCAR, driver, track, whatever that scenario is, to be able to have those conversations that are tough.” He explained.

How well do you think Kevin Harvick has been working on his new role as a broadcaster?