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via Getty
AVONDALE, AZ – MARCH 09: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Jimmy John’s Ford, stands in the garage area during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series TicketGuardian 500 at ISM Raceway on March 9, 2019 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
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via Getty
AVONDALE, AZ – MARCH 09: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Jimmy John’s Ford, stands in the garage area during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series TicketGuardian 500 at ISM Raceway on March 9, 2019 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
Rodney Childers and Kevin Harvick really had a special connection. Together, they racked up over 30 race wins, not to mention clinching the 2014 championship. So, when Harvick hung up his racing gloves, there was a buzz that Childers might follow suit. But, the decision to bring in Josh Berry as Harvick’s successor was what convinced Rodney to stick around.
Even though Harvick and Childers are now branched off in different directions, the bond between the driver and his former crew chief remains rock-solid. Harvick, in a move reminiscent of his gesture to Dale Earnhardt Jr, gifted Rodney Childers something truly unique. It’s clear that these relationships built on the racetrack are about more than just winning – they’re about lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.
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Childers revealed how Kevin Harvick drove with a new steering wheel in every single 2023 Cup race
Kevin Harvick’s farewell season was one for the books, and truth be told, nobody really wanted to see it end. A lot of folks probably still aren’t ready to accept his retirement. He’s been honored in various ways throughout the period, but this year, he did something truly special for those he holds in high esteem in his life.
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In every single one of his races, Harvick used a different steering wheel. Dale Earnhardt Jr recently revealed in a post that he received one of these wheels from Harvick’s Talladega race. Echoing that, Rodney Childers took to Twitter, sharing that he also got his hands on the steering wheel from Harvick’s final Daytona 500.
Childers’ tweet read, “It was amazing for @maxpapis and @MPI_INNOVATIONS to supply a new steering wheel for all 38 races last year.. Every week before the car left the shop the wheel was labeled with stickers. I was fortunate to receive the wheel from our last Daytona 500 together.” He added in another tweet, “It was one steering wheel per race. They only ran the one race each wheel. And all 38 were labeled going into each weekend.”
It was amazing for @maxpapis and @MPI_INNOVATIONS to supply a new steering wheel for all 38 races last year.. Every week before the car left the shop the wheel was labeled with stickers.
I was fortunate to receive the wheel from our last Daytona 500 together. 👊🏻😍 https://t.co/mOVgntu8EV
Fans too seemed pretty taken with the idea of these steering wheels as keepsakes. It’s a pretty cool way to remember a season, don’t you think?
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NASCAR fans are totally blown away by Kevin Harvick’s thoughtful and unique tribute
Harvick’s always had this mantra: “If I’m remembered, that’s good enough for me.” True to his words, he went above and beyond to leave a lasting memory. One can bet he was thrilled to offer such an unforgettable gift to his fellow racers. Now, his fans, who were already head over heels for him, are even more enamored, tipping their hats to him for such a brilliant gesture.
A fan gushed over Rodney Childers’ post, saying, “That’s an awesome tribute! #4ever.” Another fan was all about the steering wheel designs: “His steering wheel design is cutting edge I love this I support his efforts completely 🔥🔥🔥”
One enthusiast shared how treasured such a gift would be for them, noting, “That’s Awesome! It would be as special as a trophy to me.” Opening up, another fan expressed, “This was a very cool idea. I’m so impressed with how he was honored and gave respect to others in his final year. As a long time, diehard fan I was concerned that he wouldn’t be given the send-off he deserved. Everything exceeded my expectations. ❤️ #4EVER.” And another fan summed it up perfectly, “What a gift. 👏 🥹 💪”
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So, what are your thoughts about Harvick’s unique way of marking his farewell by gifting these steering wheels?
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