NASCAR Driver Set to Join Hendrick Motorsports Legend Jeff Gordon and his Ex Rival Dale Earnhardt in Rare List on Sunday

This weekend at the Phoenix Raceway, there are a lot of things to look forward to. First and foremost, a new champion will be crowned, and it could be a maiden champion. However, there is another big milestone awaiting the NASCAR history books. Over here, Kevin Harvick will become the seventh NASCAR driver to compete in every Cup race for 20 consecutive years. In the process, he will join the likes of Hendrick Motorsports legend Jeff Gordon and the late great Dale Earnhardt.

Back in 2001, Harvick was just a rookie, and even missed that year’s Daytona 500. In addition to that, he received a one-race suspension in Martinsville during the 2002 season. That was when he intentionally wrecked Coy Gibbs, which prompted his team to run Kenny Wallace in his place. Since then, Harvick has been on a heck of a hot streak, appearing in every race since then. The other drivers on the list are Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Rusty Wallace, Ricky Rudd, and Terry and Bobby Labonte.

READ MORE: As Ross Chastain Grabbed All the Eyeballs For Daredevilry, Kevin Harvick Became Victim of Prank by Daughter in Martinsville

What else to know about this stat about Jeff Gordon and Kevin Harvick?

It is also worth noting that the other 6 drivers’ streaks overlapped with each other. Apparently, this lasted for around 7 seasons, and included Gordon’s & Bobby Labonte’s rookie season in 1993 all the way through 1999. Unfortunately, it was soon interrupted when Terry missed 2 races owing to an injury in early 2000.

The best part for Kevin Harvick is that he will more than likely return next season. This gives him every opportunity to extend his streak even further. Another interesting statistic is that Harvick is on the verge of creating a track record at the Phoenix Raceway. To be precise, he has amassed a grand total of 18 consecutive Top 10s and could grab his 19th Top 10 this weekend. Richard Petty and the late great Dale Earnhardt managed to achieve 18 consecutive Top 10s at the North Wilkesboro Speedway.

WATCH THIS STORY: After Issuing a Suspension, NASCAR President is Put on the Spot to Answer Claims of a Personal Attack Against Kevin Harvick