Kevin Harvick is considering a Kevin Harvick NASCAR comeback after Tony Stewart confirmed he would return to a NASCAR event for the first time since 2016. Stewart, an icon in the sport and a three-time Cup Series champion, is set to drive Kaulig Racing’s No. 25 RAM at the season-opening Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona, which has energized conversations about other veteran drivers stepping back onto the track.
Stewart’s return is notable after several years competing in the National Hot Rod Association, marking a new phase in his celebrated racing career. The announcement that he would run the Truck Series season opener at Daytona came as a surprise to fans and industry insiders alike, particularly because Stewart is the first to utilize Kaulig Racing’s new Free Agent Program. This initiative allows the team to rotate top-tier drivers in the No. 25 truck while solidifying its roster through a reality television series.
Free Agent Program Brings New Dynamics to the Track
The Free Agent Program’s debut with Stewart at the wheel is a significant test for Kaulig Racing. Alongside the partial-seat scheme, the team maintains a robust lineup with Brenden Queen, Justin Haley, and Daniel Dye as full-time drivers. The team’s fourth full-time seat remains a suspenseful reveal, unfolding on a reality show that follows the competition and driver selection process.
Stewart’s participation in the event at Daytona will be his seventh in the Craftsman Truck Series and his first since 2005 at Dover Motor Speedway. Last time, he missed the opportunity to start after failing to qualify at Richmond Raceway. Stewart will now be back to compete against established Cup Series drivers like Michael McDowell, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Carson Hocevar, as well as X Games legend Travis Pastrana, who will be piloting the No. 42 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet.
Veteran Drivers Rekindle Racing Ambitions
The buzz around Stewart’s return comes amid other big names re-engaging with the sport. Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time Cup Series champion, is set to drive for his Legacy Motor Club team in both the Daytona 500 and additional Cup and Truck Series races, including events at the Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. Such high-profile comebacks appear to have inspired Harvick, another former champion, to consider a similar move.
On his ‘Harvick’s Happy Hour’ podcast, Harvick openly discussed his interest in a return, influenced by his peers’ decisions to get back on the track.
“I might just make a comeback. Why not,”
Harvick remarked, questioning the boundaries of retirement and competition. Later in the conversation, he further expressed,
“Tony Stewart’s gonna drive the truck race at Daytona. Why not? What should we race? I’m starting to get the bug again, I think.”
During the podcast, which he co-hosts with Kaitlyn Vincie and Mamba Smith, Harvick made it clear that while the Cup Series remains “too much work,” he is contemplating a possible entry in the Truck Series. The discussion included the possibility of Harvick competing at Phoenix Raceway—his last Truck Series entry was in 2021, and his final NASCAR competition took place in 2023.
Challenges and Hesitations Remain
Despite his enthusiasm, Harvick also acknowledged the hurdles involved in mounting a return, especially regarding sponsorship and logistics. As the conversation continued, Harvick shared his uncertainty, explaining,
“It seems like we’re just, we’re going back to what’s old is new again. Why not?”
He further commented on the practical challenges of a comeback, stating,
“I don’t know. Sounds like a lot of work…Late model racing is pretty fun.”
Harvick’s career in the Craftsman Truck Series has included 124 starts between 1995 and 2021, yielding 14 victories and 62 top-ten finishes. Much of his success came driving for his self-owned team, Kevin Harvick Inc., which was active in the series from 2001 to 2011. Although he stepped away from full-time competition, his consistent success and reputation have kept him a central figure in discussions about veteran drivers returning to the sport.
What Stewart and Harvick’s Moves Could Mean for NASCAR
The potential of both Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick returning to NASCAR competition has captured the attention of fans and the motorsports media. Their decisions could signal a wider trend of Cup Series legends seeking fresh challenges or rekindling their passion for racing through limited or part-time stints. The Free Agent Program at Kaulig Racing may also set a new precedent, giving teams creative ways to bring experienced names back to the grid while engaging fans through innovative storylines and reality television integrations.
If Harvick does decide to follow Stewart’s lead, his re-entry could further energize upcoming Truck Series events, particularly if he returns at iconic venues like Phoenix Raceway. Whether these comebacks inspire additional veteran drivers to race again remains to be seen, but their presence promises to make 2024 an unforgettable season for NASCAR enthusiasts.
