WATCH: NASCAR Cup drivers gave Kevin Harvick a standing ovation before the Cup finale at Phoenix
Kevin Harvick’s retirement marks an end of an era as he was the last active legacy driver of the sport.
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Kevin Harvick (Via IMAGO) and Cup drivers gave Harvick a standing ovation (SS Via NASCAR on NBC)
2014 NASCAR Cup champion Kevin Harvick marked his final career race at the premier stock car racing champion on Sunday at Phoenix. He finished his final race P7, following a solid performance in the season where his team, Stewart Haas Racing, failed to give him a Ford Mustang capable of winning races.
Ahead of the race, his 35 Cup rivals showcased their love and respect for him. They gave the Man who replaced Dale Earnhardt a standing ovation ahead of the race during the general meeting. He responded to them by tipping his hat. It was a beautiful moment, considering a lot of drivers in the current grid grew up watching him.
Harvick announced his retirement ahead of the season, and every other Track that hosted races this year has given him different tributes. He used the iconic No:29 car and livery at the North Wilkesboro All-Star race, where Richard Childress drove the Pace car, which was also his original RCR car.
Homestead Miami named the race 4Ever 400 in his honor, partnering with Mobile. Miami was where he won the championship in 2014. Phoenix also Offered him their tribute that included a special 4Ever marking on his grid position. He drove the car with his surname, ‘Harvick’ In place of his sponsor, Busch Light.
Kevin Harvick was relieved as the race came to an end at Phoenix
Talking after securing his 21st consecutive top-10 finish at Phoenix admitted that he was relieved it is finally over. He was hinting that everything before the race was overwhelming. Harvick is also happy with the fact that he was able to lead 23 laps in his final race and said he is proud of everyone who has worked with him over the years.
Just kind of a relief, to be honest with you, there with just so much going on before the race and this week. It was pretty cool to lead some laps there in the last race, though. I’m just proud of everybody at Stewart-Haas Racing, everybody that works on this car and has worked on this car for a long time.Harvick said, as reported by RACER.
The Cup drivers and other crew members crowded over the driver after the race, and he spent time with them on the pit road for over an hour. 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick, SHR’s Chase Briscoe and Ryan Preece came to spend some time with. So did his close friend and team owner, Tony Stewart.
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Justin P Joy
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