Stewart-Haas Racing Crew Chief Rodney Childers Is the First and Only Recipient of This Trophy

In a typical NASCAR race, the format is such that the race is broken up into three stages. Normally, a stage win is worth a few points on the scoreboard. However, once upon a time, there was a trophy handed out for winning the first stage. Interestingly, that has been the only stage trophy given out. That honor went to Stewart-Haas Racing driver Kevin Harvick’s crew chief Rodney Childers.

This occurred all the way back in 2017 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway when Harvick won the first stage. It is also worth noting that Harvick snatched the win when the second stage concluded. Unfortunately, he could not sustain it and finished ninth at the chequered flag. Meanwhile, Team Penske driver Brad Keselowski won the race after finishing 2nd and 7th in the first two stages.

READ MORE: Kevin Harvick Explains His “Biggest F*king Bunch of W**kers” Rant at Sonoma Raceway 

What is Stewart-Haas Racing driver Kevin Harvick up to now?

Currently, the veteran driver is in the midst of the 2022 Cup Series championship battle. Admittedly, he is under a little bit of pressure because his teammate Chase Briscoe has already booked his berth. With just a handful of spots left, and only 10 races remaining, the battle will be fierce. Harvick may also have his hands full if he keeps encountering pit lane issues. Last weekend, he was furious with his team after a 20-second pit stop.

For a pit stop, 20 seconds is an eternity. Kevin Harvick would have been relieved that he was able to salvage a fine fourth place at Sonoma. On the other end of the scale, he has to wonder what would have happened if he had not had the lengthy pit stop. Maybe he could have been in a position to win the race and join Briscoe in the Playoffs. In the end, he will simply have to move on and try and focus on the next race at Nashville.

WATCH STORY: Kevin Harvick Team Photo Validates Concerns of Crew Chief Rodney Childers Just Days Before Daytona