Tony Stewart’s Mentee Becomes the Mentor as He Prepares to Take Kevin Harvick’s Mantle

It was incomprehensible to watch anyone else drive the iconic #3 car of Dale Earnhardt. But the seat was tragically vacated at the end of the Daytona 500 in 2001. A Busch Series racer became a Cup racer overnight in that very car renumbered to 29. Three weeks later, the Chevrolet flew past the checkered again with the new driver at its helm. Such is the legacy of Kevin Harvick.

In the last few weeks of Harvick’s racing career, Tony Stewart’s ship needs a new commander to steer its course. Could any of his remaining drivers fill such celebrated shoes?

As one sun sets, another rises to shine upon Tony Stewart and Stewart-Haas Racing

Two Xfinity championships, the 2014 Cup trophy, 60 race wins, and one remarkable career. In the past three decades, Stewart-Haas Racing’s #4 driver accumulated a life’s worth of incomparable experiences. It would be a privilege for any rookie racer to learn by his side. Kevin Harvick readily shared his wisdom and expertise with anyone who required it. And there was one team member who truly paid attention.

Chase Briscoe entered the SHR family in 2018 and earned a Cup ride two years later. He carefully studied the veteran’s every move and aspired to build a reputation of that stature. Briscoe knew the day would finally come when his team would be bereft of Harvick’s able guidance. Now that the time had come, the #14 driver would endeavor to mold his frame after Harvick’s accomplished image. Briscoe confirmed that in an interview with Eric Estepp.

“I think these last two-three years I’ve seen how Kevin has obviously led the company and taken charge and that leadership role. That’s something that I don’t think you raise your hands and say, ‘Hey, I’m going to be the leader’. I think it comes down to the results on the racetrack. There’s been a reason that Kevin has been a leader in this place. And it’s because he’s run the best every single week. That’s kind of what I’m striving to be. I want to be that lead car.”

He further hoped, “When people think of Stewart-Haas Racing, they think of the #14 car and how they’re always a class on the field. I think we are fully capable of doing that…I felt like it was always me or Kevin kind of leading the ship in a sense. Now, with Kevin gone, it obviously is going to take me stepping up and performing at a way higher level. But it’s something I’m excited for and ready for the challenge. Just a matter of trying to execute that.”

It appeared Kevin Harvick was leaving his team in capable hands. Yet, it would be impossible to fill the void he would leave behind. And Chase Briscoe agreed.

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Kevin Harvick leaves behind an unparalleled heritage for Stewart-Haas Racing’s heirs

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Chase Briscoe and the rest of his team have an action plan in place for the next season. But the thought of his absence in the Stewart-Haas Racing halls created a resounding sense of loss. The social media pages of the team are currently filled with his career-defining moments and astonishing statistics. But off track, his imposing presence, thoughtful advice, and endless pranks made him truly irreplaceable.

Tony Stewart’s #10 driver may also be at the extinguishing end of his career’s wick. Ryan Preece’s is fairly new to this esteemed organization And Josh Berry is still on the outside looking in. In these circumstances, Chase Briscoe particularly was uncertain about a Harvick-less station in the future. Despite his inspiring resolve to be more integral to the workings of SHR, it was evident he dreaded the impending absence of his revered mentor. He confessed,

“I’m the youngest by age, but I’m the oldest when it comes to how long I’ve been here, the company, since 2018. I’ll be in the Cup side since 2021. It’s weird truthfully to think about. I came into a really good spot where I was learning under Kevin Harvick, who is obviously…a Hall of Famer. Literally has the answer to every question you could ever ask…I bounced a ton of stuff off of him…It’s going to be weird now not having that guy I can call and go to.”

Some day, a new racer would pilot Kevin Harvick’s #4 Chevrolet on these tracks. But the memories of his performance, his suave charisma, and his unmatched sense of humor have been imprinted on that seat #4EVER.

Read More: NASCAR Insider Blames Distracted Tony Stewart for Kevin Harvick’s Disastrous Farewell Season Amid Other Concerns