Kevin Harvick received a heartfelt salute from Richard Childress Racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway, marking a major moment in his final season as a full-time NASCAR driver. The emotional Kevin Harvick RCR tribute Atlanta featured the legendary No. 29 car, driven by Childress himself, in celebration of Harvick’s remarkable career.
Celebrating a Storied NASCAR Career at Atlanta
Known for his determination and fierce competitiveness, Kevin Harvick rose to prominence after joining Richard Childress Racing in the wake of Dale Earnhardt‘s passing at the 2001 Daytona 500. The driver from Bakersfield, California, quickly found his place in the sport, securing his first win at Atlanta Motor Speedway during only his third career start. This victory marked the beginning of Harvick’s trailblazing Cup Series journey, eventually amassing a total of 60 career wins.
Although Harvick parted ways with RCR at the end of the 2013 season, the bonds between driver and team remained strong. To honor these ties, Richard Childress took Harvick’s original race-winning No. 29 Chevrolet out from the RCR Museum in Welcome, North Carolina, giving fans a chance to witness a piece of history when the car made a tribute lap around Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Childress highlighted Harvick’s significance to the organization and the sport with his words:
“Kevin Harvick meant so much to RCR over the years and we want to congratulate him on a successful career in NASCAR. The No. 29 Chevrolet has a home at the RCR Museum in Welcome, North Carolina, but we know that this Chevy has history at Atlanta Motor Speedway and we’re looking forward to bringing it out to the track so that fans can see this historic car take one more lap around the track.”
—Richard Childress, Team Owner
Richard Childress‘ Enthusiasm and a Bittersweet Farewell
The energy surrounding the tribute was infectious, with Harvick acknowledging how the occasion fueled his own excitement. As Harvick prepared for his final Atlanta appearance, he shared insight into his emotions and Childress’ genuine joy during this milestone moment:
“I know how excited Richard is. I’m excited as well, but Richard’s been super excited to drive it, so that makes me happy, too.”
—Kevin Harvick, Driver
“I’ve been prepared for all of this as I’ve gone into this, so seeing the 29 car… lead the field to the green with Richard driving it and seeing the Hunt Brothers sign there in the middle of 1 and 2, it kind of adds a little bit to it.”
—Kevin Harvick, Driver
During the race, Harvick lined up in sixth place, but his last outing at the venue that launched his Cup Series success ended with a 30th place finish, a result that did little to dampen the warmth of the occasion or the admiration from fans and his former team.
The Legacy of the No. 29 Car and Harvick’s Transition
The ceremonial lap at Atlanta Motor Speedway also shone a spotlight on the historical significance of the No. 29 Chevrolet, a mainstay of both Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR’s heritage. The tribute run, which saw both Childress and the 2014 Cup Series champion on the track together, celebrated not just victories, but decades of dedication and partnership.
Since stepping away from full-time competition, Harvick has continued to contribute to the sport as a commentator for FOX Sports, lending his insights and experience to new generations of NASCAR fans and ensuring that his connection to the racing world endures.
This gesture by Richard Childress reflected not only on Harvick’s achievements and their shared journey but also on the bonds that tie teams and drivers long after the checkered flag falls. As the No. 29 car made its commemorative lap, it underscored the ongoing impact of figures like Harvick and Childress on the track, at the RCR Museum, and in the broader NASCAR community.
