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via Getty

via Getty

While the Cup Series schedule is nearing its finale as it reaches Michigan International Speedway, an aging lion is looking to make a last stand. Stewart-Haas Racing‘s veteran and consummate legend of the sport, Kevin Harvick, is standing tall as he eyes one last win before his retirement after this season. With the #4 SHR driver all geared up for high-speed action at the 2-mile Irish Hills track, though the numbers stack up to the veteran’s sides, giving him the edge, there is more than meets the naked eye. Coming off his back-to-back wins in SRX, NASCAR’s “bad boy” Kyle Busch is also looking to pull off an upset, trumping the 47-year-old and returning to his winning ways.

Speaking on Dirty Mo Dough, legendary crew chief and former Hendrick Motorsports teammate Steve Letarte gives Harvick the edge over the 2-time champion, picking him to come out on top.

Kevin Harvick or Kyle Busch? Who did HMS Legend pick?

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Sunday’s Cup Series race at the iconic Michigan Superspeedway is about to go down as one of the biggest draws of this year. With fans all locked and loaded for the action. Many have already camped at the track, anticipating a dramatic and exhilarating race.

This one’s going to be a numbers game with SHR driver Kevin Harvick looking to continue his dominance at the 2-mile track, acing it one last time before he bows out of the sport after this season. Though his last win came at the same track last year, earning him his 60th victory and his 6th (most by any driver) at the track, his 2023 season so far hasn’t been the best. While he is perched high at 6th in the rankings, a win has eluded him this year. But will the veteran end his drought here in Michigan and sail into the sunset?

Steve Letarte is a firm believer in Harvick, as he picks the veteran over the 2-time champion, Kyle Busch, in a head-to-head battle. Speaking on the Dirty Mo Dough podcast, Letarte said, “Harvick and Busch? Well, we know Harvick’s numbers here, so if you believe it’s gonna continue and you believe it’s a Ford, this is a no-brainer, Harvick over Busch. Harvick’s the dog, now I hate going against Busch but you got like you got to either believe the numbers or you’re not.” 

READ MORE: NASCAR Legend Kevin Harvick Hands Out Career Advice as He Gives a Sneak Peek Into His Retirement Plan

While the SHR Fords have been struggling with rampant inconsistency issues, the #4 driver’s ability to gain momentum and blitz his way is second to none. Even the starting lineup has the veteran on the ropes on this one, as he could only manage a 22nd-best qualifying position, whereas the Richard Childress Racing driver starts 8th, just behind William Byron.

Will the veteran repeat last year’s success, or will NASCAR’s new villain snatch away another win? Let’s find out.

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While Kevin Harvick may return to Michigan next year as a commentator and analyst, one thing’s certain: this is the last time we will see the 47-year-old put on the helmet and pilot the #4 car. And will he cross the finish line, extending his dominant streak at the 2-mile track? That is the biggest question NASCAR fans have in the back of their minds.

Ever since his win here last year, Harvick hasn’t been able to repeat that so far, and to make things worse for him, NASCAR now has a new villain in the form of Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin. Hamlin, on the other hand, has been super consistent, picking up 10 top-10 finishes, including top-5s, and 2 wins, making him 2nd in the rankings.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Bubba Wallace exposes boss Denny Hamlin’s black lie in Pocono feud

The scene is set with an exciting backstory as the NASCAR nation braces for the action at MIS. While Hamlin’s 2023 resume is perfect, his on-track antics have earned him quite the hate, and halting the outgoing veteran’s advance at Michigan is certain to rile up the crowd. But Hamlin, being Hamlin, is not the type of guy to go by the book. What do you think? Who will ace the 2-mile track? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.