Richard Childress claims no racers could’ve ‘pulled off’ Kevin Harvick’s 2001 season as late Dale Sr.’s replacement

Despite not winning a title, Kevin Harvick is the second most successful RCR driver behind Dale Sr.

Richard Childress claims no racers could’ve ‘pulled off’ Kevin Harvick’s 2001 season as late Dale Sr.’s replacement

Kevin Harvick and Richard Childress (Credits: IMAGO)

The 2001 season marked one of the darkest chapters in NASCAR history as the fans witnessed the demise of legendary driver Dale Earnhardt. He passed away following an accident on the final lap of the season opener Daytona 500, breaking the heart of the NASCAR nation. His team, Richard Childress Racing, found themselves in a tough situation.

They had to find a suitable replacement, someone who could expand the legacy of Dale Sr. Richard Childress, and his team identified their Xfinity (then Busch Series) driver, Kevin Harvick, as the proper replacement, and the rest is history. Since Dale Earnhardt, Harvick has become one of the most successful and accomplished RCR drivers.  

Recently, while talking about Harvick’s NASCAR legacy, Childress pointed out that he can’t see any other driver who could do what he has done in the No:29 car as Dale Sr.’s replacement. He admitted that RCR wouldn’t have been in the position they are in now if not for Kevin Harvick.

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Kevin Harvick, when he stepped into 29…doing the things that he did with that car that year, only Kevin Harvick could have pulled off what he did. I could not imagine where RCR would be today without what Kevin Harvick did for us.
Childress told SHR.

SHR co-owner reveals Kevin Harvick’s NASCAR legacy

Harvick raced for Richard Childress Racing from 2001 till the 2013 season. He then signed for Tony Stewart and Gene Haas’ Stewart Haas Racing. Harvick won the title on his debut season with the team and has since been the best driver of the team in every year till this season.

Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick
Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick (Via IMAGO)

While discussing Harvick’s NASCAR legacy, Stewart highlighted their friendship and how much the ex-champion cares about people in his close circle. Stewart sees it as one of Harvick’s defining characteristics.  

If you’re in his inner circle and you’re one of his friends, he truly cares about you and your well-being and what’s gonna make you happy and successful.

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