Kevin Harvick has delivered a heartfelt emotional tribute to Rick ‘Otis’ Hodges, a longtime and cherished member of the Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) family, following the news of Hodges’ death. The NASCAR community finds itself in mourning yet again after recently losing former driver Michael Annett, and Harvick’s words reflect the deep loss felt by those who knew and worked alongside Hodges over decades within the sport.
Rick Otis Hodges dedicated more than twenty years of his career to NASCAR, playing a pivotal behind-the-scenes role with numerous high-profile teams. Even though he was not a driver, Hodges was widely respected for his work as a hauler, ensuring race cars and equipment arrived safely at every event, and fostering camaraderie within the teams he served. He began working with Dale Earnhardt Inc. before joining Stewart-Haas Racing coinciding with Kevin Harvick’s arrival in 2014, a partnership that would last nearly a decade.
Rick Otis Hodges: The Unsung Hero Behind SHR’s 2014 Cup Championship
When Harvick joined SHR, Rick Hodges became an essential part of his championship campaign, giving support and expertise that helped the #4 team secure the NASCAR Cup Series title in 2014. Hodges’ influence was felt far beyond logistical duties, as he formed strong relationships with drivers, crew members, and their families, earning their deep trust and affection. The news of his passing stunned many, further highlighted by an outpouring of tributes and stories from those in the racing community with whom he had shared countless races and experiences.
While the precise cause of Hodges’ death remains undisclosed, the impact of his loss is evident from the reactions online and among SHR’s past and present roster. Harvick, who spent his entire SHR tenure with Hodges—from 2014 until the team’s final race in 2023—shared his gratitude and fond memories, publicly honoring Otis for his unwavering support and friendship. The span of their partnership coincided with both triumph and challenge, making the loss particularly profound for Harvick and those closely associated with SHR.
“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
Rodney Childers Remembers Otis’s Lasting Contributions to the Team
Rodney Childers, Stewart-Haas Racing’s celebrated crew chief, also expressed his sorrow over Hodges’ passing, honoring his role both on and off the track. Childers, who steered Harvick to his 2014 championship, described Hodges as integral to the spirit of the #4 team—a valued presence at every race, and an enthusiastic participant in their many celebrations. The special rapport between Childers, Hodges, and the rest of the team played a significant role in their shared successes.
Childers recounted how celebrating victories with Otis became a tradition, with his own children growing close to Hodges and appreciating his warmth and humor. The message from Childers resonated with many team members who saw Hodges not just as a colleague but as family, exemplifying the familial atmosphere that often defines NASCAR operations.
“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
The Powerful Legacy of Rick Otis Hodges in the NASCAR Community
Within NASCAR, the efforts and spirit of every individual contribute to the performance and character of a team, and Rick Hodges exemplified this ethos. He was revered not only for his reliability in logistics, but also for his ability to unite those around him, making work feel like family. His dedication became legendary, especially among those who celebrated the team’s highest moments and endured the sport’s most trying times together.
The news of Otis’s passing reinforces just how much a dedicated individual like Hodges can mean to a high-profile team such as SHR. Tributes came flooding in across social media from drivers, crew members, and others who had the privilege of working with him, further solidifying his legacy in the sport. Whether supporting Kevin Harvick during his Cup Series championship campaign, or creating memories with crew chief Rodney Childers and their families, Hodges leaves behind a lasting imprint on those who shared the journey with him.
As Stewart-Haas Racing and the broader NASCAR community reflect on this loss, the stories and memories shared by figures like Harvick and Childers remind all of the importance of camaraderie, support, and genuine friendship in the pursuit of racing excellence. The gratitude expressed for Hodges’ role ensures that his influence will continue to be felt, and his memory will endure within the hearts of those he touched.
I am grateful for the years spent together, from my first to my final season with SHR.
Otis, this toast is for to you. 🍻 pic.twitter.com/9enaOyT7y5
— Kevin Harvick (@KevinHarvick) December 8, 2025
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
