Kevin Harvick delivered a moving tribute after the passing of Rick ‘Otis’ Hodges, a longtime hauler driver for Stewart-Haas Racing who played a vital role in Harvick’s 2014 championship team. The loss deeply affected both Harvick and his former crew chief, Rodney Childers, as they reflected on their years working with Otis in NASCAR.
Rick Hodges, affectionately known as Otis, contributed more than two decades to the racing community. His career began in the concrete business, but his path soon led to professional motorsports when he joined Dale Earnhardt Inc. Later, he worked with Stewart-Haas Racing, reuniting with Harvick after their time at Richard Childress Racing. Otis was widely respected and valued for his dedication and personality within the racing garage.
Rodney Childers, who collaborated closely with Harvick and Otis, shared his grief and admiration for Hodges on social media:
“Otis, you meant the world to me and everyone on the 4 team. We made lots of trips to victory lane and sprayed a lot of beer over the years. You were such a special part of that. My boys loved you so much. Thank you buddy! We are going to miss you every day. 💔🙏🏼” – Rodney Childers, Crew Chief
Kevin Harvick added his own public acknowledgment shortly afterward, reflecting on the shared journey and the strong bonds formed over years of competition:
“I am grateful for the years spent together, from my first to my final season with SHR. Otis, this toast is for to you. 🍻” – Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver
Following his time at Stewart-Haas Racing, Rodney Childers recently transitioned to the CARS Tour, continuing to collaborate with Harvick’s team on Late Models. This move came after Childers’ previous tenure at Spire Motorsports concluded unexpectedly after nine races. He has since taken on a new challenge as crew chief for Connor Zilisch and Carson Kvapil at JR Motorsports, marking another significant chapter in his career.
Celebrating a New Generation: Keelan Harvick’s Historic Win
The Harvick legacy took center stage again when Kevin Harvick’s son, Keelan Harvick, achieved a milestone in racing by becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Snowflake 150 at just 13 years old. Keelan triumphed over 15-year-old Tristan McKee on December 9, driving from a 15th-place start, overcoming an early restart issue, and reclaiming the lead with 25 laps remaining to secure the landmark victory.
Rodney Childers praised Keelan’s remarkable maturity and competitiveness following the race. Keelan himself expressed deep gratitude for the sacrifices and mentorship that paved the way for his breakthrough:
“It’s just really cool. [I’m thankful for] everything that everybody has sacrificed for me to get to this point. My dad took me to Italy when I was 10 to get the experience with all the other kids who are so much better. That helped me understand the value of racing and helped me get to this point,” Harvick said via NASCAR’s official website. – Keelan Harvick, Driver
Adding to his impressive resume, Keelan recently secured his first CARS Tour win at Hickory Motor Speedway. This year, he has frequently raced alongside his father, with family competition intensifying in what fans call the Harvick Cup. In five head-to-head races this season, the younger Harvick has consistently prevailed, highlighting a new era of promise for the family in motorsport.
The Enduring Legacy of Community and Family in Racing
The passing of Rick ‘Otis’ Hodges has underscored the deep sense of camaraderie and family that defines NASCAR teams like Stewart-Haas Racing, JR Motorsports, and others. For veterans such as Kevin Harvick and Rodney Childers, Otis was much more than a colleague—he was a cherished part of their racing family. Simultaneously, the next generation, exemplified by Keelan Harvick, is carrying forward that spirit of dedication, mentorship, and passion, ensuring that the values upheld by figures like Otis continue to shape the sport’s future.
Otis, you meant the world to me and everyone on the 4 team. We made lots of trips to victory lane and sprayed a lot of beer over the years. You were such a special part of that. My boys loved you so much. Thank you buddy! We are going to miss you every day. 💔🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/fLHo3eMTck
— Rodney Childers (@RodneyChilders4) December 8, 2025
