Tag: Kevin Harvick

Which NASCAR driver has the most wins at Phoenix?

Which NASCAR driver has the most wins at Phoenix Raceway? Check out who tops the list at Phoenix!

NASCAR doesn’t have a very long history with Phoenix Raceway, but it has produced great moments dating back to the 1988 season. Since that point, the NASCAR Cup Series has competed in 56 races. However, which NASCAR driver has the most wins at Phoenix? Well, the answer won’t surprise you due to their previous success in the sport.

[autotag]Kevin Harvick[/autotag] has nine victories at Phoenix, which makes him by far the most successful driver at the track in NASCAR history. Harvick holds a five-win lead over Jimmie Johnson as the two drivers are the only ones over three victories. Overall, the 2014 NASCAR champion has no threat of losing this record anytime soon.

As for the next active NASCAR drivers with the most wins at Phoenix, Joey Logano and Kyle Busch hold the lead spot with three victories. Now, Logano will fight to become the sole leader of the active winner’s list as he battles Ryan Blaney, William Byron, and Tyler Reddick for his third Cup Series title this weekend.

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Harvick partners with Rackley W.A.R. in Truck Series

Kevin Harvick Inc. and Rackley W.A.R. have announced a partnership that will include former NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick being a consultant for the team’s Craftsman Truck Series entry. The partnership begins in 2025 and will focus on the …

Kevin Harvick Inc. and Rackley W.A.R. have announced a partnership that will include former NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick being a consultant for the team’s Craftsman Truck Series entry.

The partnership begins in 2025 and will focus on the Craftsman Truck Series and Late Model program. Harvick and his son, Keelan, will join the driver line-up for the Super Late Model and Pro Late Model programs. Dawson Sutton, an 18-year-old rookie who has made four starts this season, will be the full-time driver of the Truck Series team.

“Although KHI had some success this year in the Late Model Stock world, the Pros and Supers are different animals,” Harvick said. “We still plan to have a presence in the CARS Tour next year, but Rackley W.A.R. has a solid and proven track record that will drastically improve the learning curve for Keelan and I in the Super and Pro Late Models.

“In return, I hope that my years of owning and operating a championship-winning truck program will help shorten Dawson’s learning curve in his rookie truck season and positively impact their truck program. We look forward to working with Willie and the Sutton family in 2025.”

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The late model schedule for Kevin and Keelan Harvick will be announced at a later date.

“Teaming up with Kevin Harvick is a game-changer for us at Rackley W.A.R.,” said co-owner Willie Allen. “His experience as a champion driver and owner brings an incredible amount of knowledge that will help elevate our truck program to the next level. Having Keelan and Kevin join our Late Model team next season is just as exciting. We’re not just building a partnership — we’re building a future. There’s no doubt this collaboration will drive success, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”

“It’s exciting to have this opportunity present itself,” said co-owner Curtis Sutton. “In our fifth year as an organization, Rackley W.A.R. is taking strategic steps for a successful 2025 and beyond. Kevin is the first link of many more to come. He will help Willie and I guide the Late Model and NASCAR Truck Series team for long-term success.

“As you strive to grow any business, you have to surround yourself with exceptional people and winners. Kevin and his family have both traits. Kevin has been a winner in everything he has done. I know this is going to be a great partnership for Rackley W.A.R. and KHI’s employees, drivers, vendors, sponsors, and all of our fans.”

Kevin Harvick addresses Hailie Deegan’s future in NASCAR beyond 2024

Kevin Harvick addresses Hailie Deegan’s future in NASCAR beyond 2024. What did Harvick say about Deegan’s chances in NASCAR?

[autotag]Hailie Deegan[/autotag] is no longer a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series driver. Following the Xfinity Series race at the Chicago Street Course, AM Racing and Deegan parted ways. The partnership only lasted 17 Xfinity Series races, despite the 22-year-old driver signing a multi-year contract. So, what is next for Deegan as she pushes to become a driver at the highest level?

[autotag]Kevin Harvick[/autotag] discussed Deegan’s biggest mistake in her NASCAR career on his podcast, Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, and gave his thoughts on her future. Harvick believes it will be difficult for her to get another great shot in NASCAR.

“The big mistake here was getting out of the Toyota development system,” Harvick said. “I think Ford has the worst development program as far as their drivers go. I think Toyota has the best, and I think Chevy is somewhere in the middle. Getting out of that Toyota development program with all the resources, and they’re willing to give time. I think that [Hailie Deegan] needed more time in the [NASCAR Truck Series], getting that guidance and mentorship that she needed in order to develop into what she needed to be a NASCAR race-car driver.”

“I think the moment that she stepped outside of that Toyota development system was a bad move…I think it’s going to be tough to get another chance. That’s going to be the hard part.”

Harvick believes Deegan leaving Toyota Racing for Ford Performance was the biggest mistake of her career to this point. It’s a reasonable take, as Toyota’s involvement in the lower ranks of NASCAR is high compared to Ford’s overall. It might be tough for Deegan to get another shot in NASCAR, but she should have other options available if needed.

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Which NASCAR driver has the most wins at New Hampshire?

Which NASCAR driver has the most wins at New Hampshire Motor Speedway? Check out who tops the list at The Magic Mile!

NASCAR has a storied history with New Hampshire Motor Speedway dating back to the 1993 season. Since that point, the NASCAR Cup Series has competed in 52 races, but the pace has slowed down after going to one event per year. However, which NASCAR driver has the most wins in New Hampshire? Two names top the list at The Magic Mile.

[autotag]Kevin Harvick[/autotag] and [autotag]Jeff Burton[/autotag] have four victories at New Hampshire, making them the most successful drivers at the track in NASCAR history. New Hampshire hasn’t produced one driver with a lot of victories, as seen by Harvick and Burton in the past. Burton’s last win at New Hampshire was in September 2000 while Harvick’s came in July 2019.

As for the active NASCAR drivers with the most wins at New Hampshire, Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin hold the lead with three victories. The next two closest drivers are Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano, with two wins, so the top spot of the current winners at New Hampshire is up for grabs. NASCAR only comes to New Hampshire once per year, so victories at the race track are always special.

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Larson ends ‘memorable day’ with All-Star top five

Everything went according to plan on Sunday for Kyle Larson and the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team. Larson landed at North Wilkesboro Speedway by helicopter at 7:15 p.m. ET outside Turns 3 and 4 to compete in the NASCAR All-Star Race, an arrival …

Everything went according to plan on Sunday for Kyle Larson and the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team.

Larson landed at North Wilkesboro Speedway by helicopter at 7:15 p.m. ET outside Turns 3 and 4 to compete in the NASCAR All-Star Race, an arrival that was met by a cheering crowd, which continued when the golf kart crossed over the backstretch to bring Larson into the infield.

The arrival was less than two hours after Larson qualified fifth for the Indianapolis 500 with Arrow McLaren and was one hour and 15 minutes before the green flag in the All-Star Race, which NASCAR had pushed back by 15 minutes to provide more of a buffer to the traveling Larson.

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By night’s end, Larson had a fourth-place finish after starting at the rear of a 20-car field. Larson had not run a lap in his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet before the green flag as the car was practiced and qualified by Kevin Harvick.

“Today was fun,” Larson said. “It was just a memorable day (to) make the fast six and then get to fly here and compete in the All-Star Race. I know we raced here last year, but that was a totally different racetrack, so it feels like I just raced at a track I’ve never been at. I’m happy to finish fourth with no practice laps, so thanks to Kevin Harvick and everybody at Hendrick Motorsports for getting that all put together smoothly and getting our car balance worked out to where we could compete at a decent level today.”

Larson charged in the final 42 laps after pitting for fresh tires. But after quickly moving into third place and looking like he was in a good spot to run down the two leaders, Larson had trouble passing Denny Hamlin. Joey Logano drove away, Hamlin finished second and Larson faded to fourth.

“Honestly, I felt like I could take care of my tires better down low,” Larson said of where he made up the most ground early in the final run. “I was worried about building tight all race and whenever I would move up top, you’re tugging on the wheel more, and you’re on the throttle, so I feel like that actually abuses the tires more.

“So, I thought I was doing what I (needed) to maintain the balance of my car, but I think we just pumped the air up a lot, and I just built really free really quickly that run.

“Then I moved up and slowly got tight after that. I thought we were in a great position to win – I thought for sure we would win – but it just didn’t work out. So, we’ll do our homework and try to get our car better for next year.”

Cliff Daniels and the No. 5 team prepared the car for Larson’s arrival, and Harvick drove the car in practice on Friday and in qualifying on Saturday morning.

The only plan for Sunday was to wait for Larson’s arrival. Harvick was not eligible to run the All-Star Race, and the team would not put someone else in the car. If, for some reason, Larson didn’t make it to North Wilkesboro, the team wouldn’t compete.

“The team did an amazing job preparing the car and getting everything ready for Kevin,” Daniels said. “(We’re) very, very grateful to Kevin for coming in and what he did to be engaged for our preparation this week on what we wanted to do for our practice plan and qualifying and all those things. We really, really appreciate what he did for us and what the team did to engage in all that and just be prepared.”

The car was fitted for Harvick early in the weekend. Rodney Childers, Harvick’s former crew chief, and Stewart-Haas Racing worked with Hendrick Motorsports to provide Harvick’s old seat and seat rails. After qualifying, the car was converted to Larson’s setup and comfort.

“We came here and tried to execute the best practice that we could,” Daniels continued. “Obviously, a lot of challenges getting the cockpit switched back over from Harvick to Larson, but we knew that if we were prepared the right way, we could get it done in a timely manner. NASCAR worked with us tremendously the whole time, so a very big thank you to everyone at NASCAR for helping us with that.”

Larson was not surprised by the effort, calling Hendrick Motorsports the best. It was a seamless process, as far as Larson was concerned.

“I had a lot of fun,” Larson said. “I felt like I was able to get up to speed right away. I didn’t feel like it took any time – maybe that caution in the first lap or two helped. But I felt like I got right up to speed, and I was passing cars immediately. So, I was happy with that, and the car had good grip.”

Overall, the performance wasn’t where it needed to be for the team, according to Daniels. It didn’t matter if it was Harvick or Larson driving the car, Daniels admitted they need more on the short tacks. Larson dominated and won at North Wilkesboro last year on the original surface.

“Looking back, there are things that I want to say I could have done different or not, I don’t really know,” Daniels said. “But all in all, the team was really rough this weekend. The road crew did an amazing job. The pit crew hung tough today. Kyle did Kyle things and it’s so much fun to watch him move around and go drive hard and be exciting on restarts.

“Super, super proud of his effort and all in all, I think we have a lot to be proud of as a team. We’re going to keep our nose down. We’re going to keep digging because the next two weeks are still going to be very action-packed for us. But I think we’re built for it and we’ll keep marching forward.”

Harvick ‘peeking behind the curtain’ at Hendrick Motorsports

Kevin Harvick turned heads when he entered the North Wilkesboro Speedway media center Friday afternoon. Harvick, who retired at the end of the 2023 season from Stewart-Haas Racing, was not only back in a NASCAR Cup Series fire suit, but one he’d …

Kevin Harvick turned heads when he entered the North Wilkesboro Speedway media center Friday afternoon.

Harvick, who retired at the end of the 2023 season from Stewart-Haas Racing, was not only back in a NASCAR Cup Series fire suit, but one he’d never been seen in before.

Blue and white, with a touch of red, it was an outfit that displayed HendrickCars.com and other logos for the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team.

In a one-off, Harvick is practicing and qualifying Kyle Larson’s car for the NASCAR All-Star Race. Larson is in Indianapolis, preparing to attempt to qualify for the Indianapolis 500.

“It’s definitely not the attire that I thought I would be wearing this year,” Harvick quipped. “But it’s been a fun process.”

Harvick’s fill-in role was announced last month, and he’s been fully involved with the preparations for the race weekend. The former series champion has gone through a seat fitting, made easier by Stewart-Haas Racing, which provided Hendrick Motorsports with the seats and seat rails that Harvick used to use. Harvick has also been in the simulator and all necessary team meetings.

“I heard from the [team] owner twice in two weeks,” Harvick said, laughing about what has struck him the most working with a new organization. “That’s different. It’s interesting to see…the race shop and the structure and the way that everybody goes about it differently. There are a million different ways you can do things, but I think the thing that sticks out for me about Hendrick Motorsports, in general, is it’s truly run like a business that’s part of an actual structure of how things flow and who you talk to.

“There’s the depth of the business side and the racing side. It’s deep. I think that is pretty eye-opening… I like structure, so I think that’s something that has been good to see.”

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Now an analyst with Fox Sports in the broadcast booth each weekend, Harvick’s time on the track is admittedly priceless. Acknowledging how quickly the sport evolves, the former series champion is glad he’ll be able to relate to viewers what the car is currently doing, how the two tire options felt during practice and the way the track felt on new asphalt.

Plus, Harvick is getting firsthand insight into how one of the best teams in the Cup Series garage operates. By working with Cliff Daniels and hearing a different team, Harvick can also share how the group processes.

“The more detail we have, the more we have to talk about and relay to the people and you guys to understand,” Harvick said. “I really look at it as we want to teach people what our sport is, as well, and the things that are happening. There are a number of things that go into that to make the car go around the racetrack that people just have no idea [about].”

Harvick has been impressed by how methodically Daniels and his team have approached the weekend, not only in getting Harvick ready for his Friday assignment, but also for when Larson gets into the car for Sunday night’s race. The team is going for back-to-back wins in the NASCAR All-Star Race.

It’s also been fascinating to have the opportunity to see how another organization operates.

“I was very fortunate to have a very, very good race team at Stewart-Haas,” Harvick said. “To walk into another very, very good race team and see the things that go on and happen, it’s fun to get a peek behind the curtain. I think that Kyle is very good at whatever he races, but Cliff is also very understanding of the fact that he’s off racing other things. How they talk about things and when they go through things with Kyle is very interesting. It seems like they want him to keep being Kyle and to be able to talk about the things they need in their car and how they structure things with Kyle and when they meet with him and why they do that – that part to me is very insightful because we all tick a little bit different.

“Kyle likes to race all the time. Some guys don’t like to race at all, they just want to race the Cup car and show up on the weekend and do that. Some guys like to race in the Xfinity car. There’s a balance for everybody that gets the most out of them, and it seems like they’ve leaned into letting Kyle be Kyle and that’s not always the case with everybody that drives in the Cup Series.”

Harvick to qualify Indy-bound Larson’s No. 5 at North Wilkesboro

Kevin Harvick will practice and qualify the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports at North Wilkesboro Speedway next month for the NASCAR All-Star Race. Harvick, who retired at the end of last season from Stewart-Haas Racing and is an analyst for …

Kevin Harvick will practice and qualify the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports at North Wilkesboro Speedway next month for the NASCAR All-Star Race.

Harvick, who retired at the end of last season from Stewart-Haas Racing and is an analyst for Fox Sports, will substitute for Kyle Larson. Larson will be in Indianapolis attempting to qualify for the Indianapolis 500.

“We’ve been trying to find drivers and stuff to replace me in the seat for practice and looked at lots of resumes, and unfortunately Clint’s [Bowyer] didn’t make the cut so we decided to go with Kevin Harvick,” Larson said Sunday during the Fox Sports pre-race show at Dover Motor Speedway. “He’s going to practice the No. 5. The whole team’s excited, honestly.”

Larson confirmed Friday at Dover that he would miss both practice and qualifying, scheduled for Friday, May 17, at North Wilkesboro. The hope is for the 2021 Cup Series champ to return on Saturday in time to compete in his heat race, but that timing remains uncertain. The NASCAR All-Star Race is on Sunday, May 19.

“The good thing is because I won’t be able – I don’t think – to get there for the heat race, they’ll have all day on Saturday to change everything back to me,” Larson said. “That factored into it a lot.”

Kevin Harvick to replace Kyle Larson during NASCAR All-Star Weekend

Kevin Harvick will shockingly replace Kyle Larson in the No. 5 car during NASCAR All-Star Weekend for practice and qualifying.

Ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway, [autotag]Kyle Larson[/autotag] made a significant announcement regarding the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Larson announced that [autotag]Kevin Harvick[/autotag] would replace him in practice and qualify for North Wilkesboro. This comes as Larson will be at Indianapolis for practice and qualifying.

Harvick recently retired from full-time racing in the Cup Series and moved to the FOX Sports booth. Now, the 2014 Cup Series champion will return to the NextGen car. It will be Harvick’s first time driving for Hendrick Motorsports at the top level as he competes in the No. 5 car with sponsorship from Hendrickcars.com. Out of all the options, this is the most surprising.

The FOX Sports commentator will be at North Wilkesboro to call the NASCAR All-Star Race, but he will have an opportunity to compete beforehand. Harvick didn’t say he was retired from NASCAR and has left the door open to start moving forward. While it may not be an official start, Harvick in the No. 5 car will be a sight.

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Q&A: Kevin Harvick on wanting to be the John Madden of NASCAR broadcasts and reuniting with Clint Bowyer

“It’s as relaxed as I’ve ever been coming into the first race of the season,” Kevin Harvick told For The Win.

LOS ANGELES — Kevin Harvick retired from NASCAR at the end of the 2023 Cup Series season after 23 years at the sport’s highest level. But he didn’t go far.

After gaining some on-and-off broadcasting experience with Fox Sports since 2015, the 48-year-old former driver of the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford joined Fox’s booth full time as an analyst, working alongside Mike Joy and fellow former NASCAR driver and teammate Clint Bowyer. And he’s pumped about his new day job.

“I’m super happy with the way that everything has worked out,” Harvick — a future NASCAR Hall of Famer with the 2014 Cup championship, the 2007 Daytona 500 trophy and 60 Cup wins — recently told For The Win. “And for me, it’s as relaxed as I’ve ever been coming into the first race of the season and not having to worry about that competitive mindset.”

For the first time in more than two decades, he doesn’t have to worry about how fast his car is or being collateral damage in someone else’s wreck. And with his new gig, he’s at ease with a 24-year Fox veteran like Joy alongside him and running the booth.

“It’s hard to have somebody talking in your ear, talking about what you’re talking about on the screen and make sure everything’s going in the in the right direction,” Harvick said. “So having Mike be able to steer the ship and keep us all under control definitely takes a lot of pressure off.”

Ahead of NASCAR’s 2024 season-opening Daytona 500 — which is set for Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET on Fox — For The Win caught up with Harvick to discuss how he’ll approach broadcasting, Trackhouse Racing driver Ross Chastain taking over his iconic Busch Light paint scheme and why he’ll still always be a vocal advocate for drivers.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.