When Rick Hendrick called Kevin Harvick, asking for a favor, the former SHR and RCR star agreed before he even knew what the request was. Fast-forward to this weekend and Harvick abandoned the FOX booth to step in for Kyle Larson for practice and qualifying for the All-Star Race. Revving up the #5 Camaro ZL1 in front of adoring fans, Harvick was back in the fire suit one more time.

That being said, the veteran feels the lack of seat time has certainly gotten the better of him. Despite his best efforts, Harvick was left with no choice but to reveal a major disadvantage over the competition.

Kevin Harvick comes to a startling realization while subbing for Kyle Larson

As Kyle Larson complains of boredom at Indy 500 practice, this weekend at North Wilkesboro has been bittersweet for Kevin Harvick. From throwing shade at Tony Stewart by commending Rick Hendrick for staying in contact to finishing practice in P25, the veteran faced some hurdles while getting back up to speed in the Next-Gen car. Speaking of which, it looked like Harvick was close to locking up during pit-stop practice.

Despite these issues, Harvick was still able to finish ahead of ‘resident villager’ Alex Bowman. Taking to Instagram, the veteran shared an update with fans of the #5 HMS garage; “Hey everybody! We’ve managed to keep the car rolling…We hope we have a lot more things that we can run through for Kyle to come in here and have a chance to win the race on Sunday.”

While Kevin Harvick has transitioned from the booth to the driver’s seat of the #5 Camaro, Kyle Larson is in Indianapolis to test out the Arrow McLaren ahead of the Indy 500. As things stand, Larson is set to fly back right in time for the All-Star Race on Sunday, with Harvick handing over the duties of the #5 post-qualifying.

Despite the weather causing major issues in both Indycar and NASCAR, Harvick believes that Larson might just have a better time than him on Sunday with the All-Star Race. The FOX Analyst concluded, “So Kyle, good luck at Indy this weekend, everything has gone well here and hopefully, you’re in the ballpark, and you’ll drive it faster than I did. I’m definitely old and retired for sure.”

With that ending statement, Harvick may have been a little too harsh on himself. Compared to other Cup Series drivers, Harvick’s Happy Hour host wasn’t getting nearly enough seat time. With that being said, Harvick’s revelation about his retirement left the NASCAR community stunned.

Despite feeling ‘weird’, fans chime in with support for Kevin Harvick

Trending

Denny Hamlin Remains Conflicted on “Strong Accusations” as He Uncovers Truth Behind Failing to Challenge Kyle Larson

Justin Marks Breaks Silence on Trackhouse Racing President’s Sudden Kaulig Racing Departure

Kyle Petty Warns Entire NASCAR Garage Against “Dangerous” Denny Hamlin’s Championship Fixation

“He Was Caught Red-Handed”- Fans Insinuate Joe Gibbs & Co. Cheating NASCAR After Bizarre Bristol Find

Richard Childress’ Grandson Could Land Major Cup Series Ticket Despite Losing Truck Series Duties

As Kevin Harvick gets to grips with the Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1, the former SHR and RCR veteran certainly wouldn’t be too pleased if he repeated his practice lap times in qualifying. Sharing that finding the extra tenth of a second was extremely difficult compared to drivers who ran regularly, Harvick believes Larson will definitely be faster than him.

That being said, the NASCAR community made sure Harvick was his toughest critic. Reflecting on Harvick’s comments about his driving, Kyle Larson reshared the Instagram post on his story with a laughing emoji. While some fans found his partnership with Hendrick Motorsports odd; “So weird seeing him in an HMS firesuit” Others were quick to defend the Cup veteran from his own criticism; “Don’t beat yourself down, Kevin, you still got it!!”

As for others, Harvick pulling a favor for Hendrick gave rise to regretful feelings. A Harvick fan shared, “Can you imagine if Harvick was on Hendrick, that lineup would have been nuts” This also triggered other fans to look back on the past and share – “I still wish we could’ve seen him and Jimmie Johnson be teammates”

After Kevin Harvick recently threw shade at Stewart-Haas Racing for their communication with him, fans felt the veteran was back where he belonged. One user highlighted; “Kevin back in a Chevy. As it should be.” The notion largely remained that Harvick in a Hendrick car would have been the ultimate dream.

A passionate HMS fan concluded, “Hendrick has had the best names in NASCAR: Gordon, Earnhardt, LaBonte, Johnson, Elliot, Harvick…..LEGENDS”

With that being said, can Kevin Harvick put in a stellar stint in qualifying as a gift to Kyle Larson?