At the Bristol Motor Speedway, Kevin Harvick cut a fuming figure after the race. He had a coming together with Chase Elliott, and the fallout was spectacular. And while Harvick was enraged, NASCAR analyst Steve Letarte believes that the incident could be a boon for the Stewart-Haas Racing driver. To be precise, it could act as a perfect motivator to perform better at the coming races.
He said, “What I love, is that Chase Elliott acted, drove, and stood up like a champion, forget his age. And Kevin Harvick did all those three things the same, which is funny because he is the older guy in this battle. But he didn’t look like it, he was fired up, you see him slamming his helmet off the roof.
“That’s the Kevin Harvick I’d love to watch. And I’m gonna tell you, that’s the Kevin Harvick I’d be worried about as the Playoff continue.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What does this mean for Kevin Harvick?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What Letarte likely means is that whatever anger Harvick will be feeling from the incident, will only fuel him. In other words, the rage will serve as a fantastic motivator. To be perfectly honest, Harvick definitely needs that kind of fire and motivation to fuel his championship hopes.
Meanwhile, Chase Elliott will also be similarly motivated. This is because both drivers believe that they were the aggrieved party. However, it would be wise for the two drivers to bury the hatchet, as dwelling on it would adversely affect them; if they tried to seek retribution, it would potentially spark an even worse squabble between them.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In the worst-case scenario, they could hinder themselves to a point where it compromises their Playoff bid. So, they would be wise to avoid letting their vendetta bleed into the coming races. Chase Elliott will definitely want to grab a second consecutive title, and Harvick will want to redeem himself for his poor 2021 campaign.
READ MORE: “I’m Going to Stand Up for Myself” – Chase Elliott on His Spat With Kevin Harvick