“The flagship of SHR- single-handedly, without a doubt, the greatest racer we ever had”, Tony Stewart will remember these words for a long time after the lights go out at the championship race in Phoenix this weekend. And the Hall of Famer will not be the only one gripped with that sentiment. 

The 4EVER 400 might have been the race dedicated in honor of Stewart-Haas Racing’s retiring driver Kevin Harvick. Stewart’s #4 driver will bid his true adieu with the upcoming last race of the season. Harvick’s friend and team owner paid a touching tribute through these powerful words. 

Tony Stewart wants Kevin Harvick to infuse his entire racing career into his last Phoenix ride

“Consistent, calculated, family-oriented, and fierce”, Tony Stewart could not have chosen a more accurate description of the 2014 Cup Series champion. Despite a litany of nostalgic memories spread across SHR’s social media pages, it was still difficult to imagine NASCAR without Kevin Harvick. Driving the intimidator’s car after Dale Earnhardt’s tragic demise, Harvick proved early that he was a driver to behold. After 9 wins and 1699 laps led, it was fitting that the prolific racer would conclude his racing journey at the Phoenix Raceway. But before Harvick starts his engine on Sunday, his team owner has a final set of instructions for him.

Tony Stewart simply wants his star driver to “savor every lap”. In a video message shared by NBC, Stewart suggested, “I know you’ll do the same thing you’ll do for 22 years- race like h*ll. But take it all in. Take a deep breath and realize the little things are actually the big things. A hug from Keelan and Piper, a click of the horn, the snap of putting on your steering wheel, the firing of the engine, the roar of the crowd, and your Busch Light with your team. Enjoy these moments because they don’t last forever.” Stewart also reminded Harvick that his 2014 championship was not the defining moment of their years together.

Stewart insisted, “Your legacy at SHR will not be defined by trophies or by how you elevated our race team. You brought a mentality, a my way or the highway approach. One that insists we never settle for second best- a voice of reason for those around you. You speak up when others stay silent. You have a desire, a dedication, and a passion that’s hard to tame. And your mark will stay with us long after you’ve hung up your helmet.” More than anything, the 4 x champion driver wanted Harvick to know, “No matter what, you’ve made me 4EVER proud.” Tony Stewart also went down memory lane to recall his first impression of the outgoing racer.

Tony Stewart thought his No. 4 racer was “just another punk” when he first met Kevin Harvick

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Kevin Harvick has built a reputation for consistent performances, a deadpan sense of humor, and a no-holds-bar aggressiveness on the racetrack. Now the veteran driver was revered for it but for a young racer, it was easy to assume a cavalier disregard for the sport and its deep-rooted legacy. Tony Stewart too fell for that initial facade before getting to know the strength of his passion and determination as a driver. 

Read More: “Just Trying to Make Me Cry”- Kevin Harvick Turns Emotional as SHR Unlocks “Coolest” Memory

Stewart revealed, “Kevin, I remember my first impression of you. Just another punk racer with a fiery reputation. And d*mn! I have never been happier to be wrong. Like myself, I think you’re often misunderstood. You’ve done things your way and never apologized for it. When others misunderstood us, we understood each other. That mutual respect as a competitor grew into a friendship. And that friendship allowed me to get to know the man behind the visor.” And that man not only became Stewart’s friend but also his family.

He continued, “Your family is my family. And behind the pranks and the cheeky moments, it’s been a joy to see your dedication- DeLana, Keelan, and Piper. Hopefully, they know, I’ll always be Uncle Smoke. And as a friend, there is no one who cares more about the people in his life. You always want what’s best for them. You’ve given me advice when I didn’t need it and now I get to return the favor.” 

As Kevin Harvick heeds Tony Stewart’s advice to cherish the last laps of his career, his team, his fans, and the entire racing community will breathlessly await one last victory in Phoenix before he walks out of this track 4EVER.

Watch This Story: A Tearful Farewell: Kevin Harvick’s NASCAR Journey