Kevin Harvick to Retire After Michigan Race, Fulfills Last Chance for Victory
Kevin Harvick, a prominent figure in NASCAR, has announced his retirement from racing after the Michigan race. The 47-year-old driver has had a successful career, and Michigan International Speedway holds a special place in his heart as he won there for the sixth time last summer.
Harvick, however, is not sentimental about the track as he gears up for his final run on Sunday in the FireKeepers Casino 400. He firmly stated that he has no plans to race on the two-mile oval again. While he may return to the area as a TV analyst or for his managing and marketing company, he will not be behind the wheel as a racer.
He admitted that if he had it his way, he would have retired last year. But Harvick acknowledges that his decision is not just about him. It’s about the people on his team who rely on him for their careers and the countless fans who have supported him over the years.
Harvick currently sits at number six in the Cup standings, but he hasn’t tasted victory since his win at Michigan last year, which ended a 65-race winless streak. With only four races remaining in the regular season, he may need to secure one more victory in order to secure a spot in the playoffs for the 14th consecutive year.
Despite the stakes, Harvick claims he feels no pressure. He has faced significant pressure throughout his career, especially when he emerged as Dale Earnhardt’s replacement shortly after the legendary driver’s tragic accident in 2001.
Harvick, a native of Bakersfield, California, made the most of his opportunity back then by winning his third start. He went on to achieve much more success with notable wins at prestigious races like the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, Brickyard 400, and Southern 500.
Fellow drivers and team owners, such as Brad Keselowski, recognize the mark Harvick has left on the sport. Keselowski admires Harvick’s extensive list of accomplishments and the fact that he took over Earnhardt’s iconic ride, which came with immense pressure.
The Michigan race will see Christopher Bell start from pole position in the No. 20 Toyota. Bell is aiming for a strong finish after a series of disappointing results in recent races. Ross Chastain and rookie Ty Gibbs will start second and third, respectively.
In other news, Noah Gragson, a driver for Legacy Motor Club, has been suspended indefinitely by NASCAR and his team for liking an insensitive meme on social media featuring George Floyd’s face. Josh Berry will replace Gragson in the No. 42 Chevrolet.
Additionally, Martin Truex Jr., the points leader, has signed a deal to continue racing for Joe Gibbs Racing next year. The 43-year-old driver shows no signs of slowing down, having already achieved three wins this season.
Lastly, Ford Motor Co. has been dominant at Michigan, winning the last eight races at the track. The streak began after Kyle Larson’s three consecutive victories in a Chevrolet in 2017.
As Harvick prepares for his final race at Michigan International Speedway, fans and fellow drivers recognize his legacy in the sport and eagerly await the outcome of the FireKeepers Casino 400.
