Kevin Harvick NASCAR Legacy: Under the Arizona sun on a sizzling November afternoon, the NASCAR Cup Series concluded its 2023 season at Phoenix Raceway, with Ryan Blaney securing the series’ coveted championship hardware after a second-place finish to Ross Chastain. However, amidst the high-octane action, a compelling narrative unfolded a few positions behind them, as the legendary Kevin Harvick, nine-time Phoenix winner and 2014 series champion, concluded his illustrious NASCAR career with a seventh-place finish.
The race marked Harvick’s 826th Cup start, a journey spanning 23 seasons that featured an impressive track record: 60 wins, 251 top fives, 444 top 10s, and a 2014 title, cementing his place as a likely first-ballot NASCAR Hall of Famer.
In 2001, Harvick emerged as the Californian sensation tasked with filling the void left by the untimely passing of the iconic Dale Earnhardt. His first win in the 2001 Cracker Barrell 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, a hair-raising finish against Jeff Gordon, swiftly etched Harvick into NASCAR’s lore. That historic victory, secured in just his third start, stamped a modern-era record for the fastest win to kick off a Cup career.
From Darrell Waltrip’s electrifying “Harvick by inches!” call to his poignant three-finger salute out the window, the photo finish resonated deeply, crystallizing one of NASCAR’s most emotionally charged moments after Earnhardt’s nail-biting triumph at Atlanta in 2000.
The journey continued with notable wins at Chicagoland Speedway and the Brickyard 400, but it was the 2007 Daytona 500 triumph that elevated Harvick’s status. Termed “The Closer,” he orchestrated breathtaking last-lap passes, etching indelible moments at Daytona and Talladega.
Transitioning from Richard Childress Racing to Stewart-Haas Racing in 2014 catapulted Harvick’s career to new heights. His partnership with crew chief Rodney Childers yielded a championship in their debut season, along with a string of dominant performances, amassing 35 victories and establishing himself as a formidable force.
Harvick’s competitive spirit surged with age, notching 46 wins after turning 35 and rewriting the record books with 25 victories post-SHR’s shift to Ford in 2017. Although 2020 marked a zenith with nine wins, subsequent seasons saw a slight decline in his winning momentum, culminating in a winless 2021.
As Harvick bid farewell to his racing career in 2023, several near-misses showcased his enduring competitiveness. His final race at Phoenix underscored his enduring skill at 47, asserting his place among the sport’s elite.
The NASCAR community rallied behind Harvick during his farewell season, honoring his legacy with heartfelt tributes. His 60 wins, ranking among the top 10 all-time, and an illustrious career spanning the early 2000s to the introduction of the playoff system, cement his iconic status.
Transitioning into his next chapter, Harvick will join FOX’s NASCAR coverage as a color commentator in 2024, nurturing the racing aspirations of his children, supporting series like the CARS Tour, and leaving an indelible legacy beyond his steering wheel days.
ALSO READ: Kevin Harvick Farewell Journey: Tony Stewart’s Advice and Heartfelt Tributes
Our Reader’s Queries
Who is the oldest NASCAR driver still racing?
Norm Benning, born on January 16, 1952, has been a NASCAR driver since 1989. He holds the title of the oldest active driver in the sport as of 2022. Benning has an impressive racing history, having previously competed in the NASCAR Busch Series and Winston Cup Series. Currently, he is participating in the Camping World Truck Series.
Is Kevin Harvick a good NASCAR driver?
With 60 wins under his belt, the 2014 Cup Series champion has made a name for himself as one of the top drivers in NASCAR history. Taking over the No. 3 car after the tragic loss of Dale Earnhardt in 2001, he has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with on the track. While he may have been known for his brash attitude in the past, Harvick has since become a respected voice for the next generation of NASCAR drivers.
What house did Kevin Harvick buy?
Harvick and his wife, DeLana Harvick, recently purchased the Cornelius mansion for $6.75 million. The luxurious property is located in the 17200 block of Connor Quay Court and was previously owned by Dan and Judith Moore. The sale was first reported by the Charlotte Business Journal.
Has Kevin Harvick ever won a NASCAR championship?
In 1992, Harvick embarked on his NASCAR journey. He stands out as one of only six drivers to have clinched a championship in both the Cup Series and the Xfinity Series. Additionally, he is among the 36 drivers who have won a race in each of NASCAR’s three national series, a feat achieved by only a select few.
