Harvick, 45, was just 25 years old when he was tabbed by Richard Childress Racing to replace the late Dale Earnhardt, the seven-time Cup Series champion who was killed on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. Harvick was entering his second season in the Xfinity Series when he was suddenly called up to the big leagues to replace the sport’s biggest star in one of NASCAR’s most iconic cars.
Also read: Dale Earnhardt Jr. ‘at peace’ with fact father lost life at Daytona
As Dale Earnhardt’s tragic death gripped the nation and stunned the racing world, a young Kevin Harvick was charged with replacing a racing icon for a team that was a perennial championship contender. He made the most of it, scoring a thrilling and emotional victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway in NASCAR’s third race following Dale Earnhardt’s death. His photo-finish victory over Jeff Gordon is still one of the most memorable moments of the 2001 season and provided RCR with the emotional lift it needed to get through a devastating tragedy and difficult season.
Also read: Austin Dillon honors Dale Earnhardt Sr. after 2018 Daytona 500 win
Harvick won again later that year at Chicagoland Speedway and wound up finishing ninth in points despite not running the season-opening race at Daytona.
Also Read: NASCAR remembering Dale Earnhardt’s death 20 years later
Still, everywhere he went, and in everything he did, Harvick was haunted by the shadow of Dale Earnhardt, which loomed over the sport for a decade after his death. Harvick admits it was difficult and that he didn’t always handle it well.
Harvick struggled in 2002, winning just once and getting suspended for a race for an altercation on the track in a NASCAR Truck Series race. He finished a career-low 21st in points in his second season behind the wheel of Dale Earnhardt’s car. He rallied to finish fifth in points in 2003 before falling on hard times again, slumping to 14th in the series each of the next two seasons.
Also read: Kevin Harvick talks about career extension, his inspiration and his son Keelan
How did Kevin Harvick escape the shadow of Dale Earnhardt?
Harvick gradually became comfortable in what was essentially the famous No. 3 Chevrolet of Dale Earnhardt in all but number and wound up winning 23 races and finishing in the top five in points six times for RCR. As Dale Earnhardt’s shadow lifted, he came into his own, putting together four multi-win seasons and carving his own path and identity.
Also read: NASCAR drivers approaching milestones in 2021 Cup season
In 2014, Harvick moved to Tony Stewart’s Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) squad and immediately won his first NASCAR Cup Series championship, bagging five races and the 2014 playoffs.
With SHR, he has emerged as one of NASCAR’s most dominant and consistent drivers. His nine wins led the series last year and he has 35 wins and six top-five points finishes in seven seasons with SHR. He has competed in the NASCAR Cup Series championship race five times in the last seven years.
Also read: One year later, Ryan Newman returns to track where he cheated death
Though Dale Earnhardt’s legacy is still alive and being celebrated again 20 years after his death, Harvick has stepped out from under that shadow to become his own man.
Kevin Harvick explains the legacy of Dale Earnhardt
Harvick’s says Dale Earnhardt’s legacy and impact on the sport will always remain. From his relationship with NASCAR to his incredible marketing prowess, Earnhardt paved the way for many younger drivers to succeed. And the impact of his death is still being realized with the numerous safety improvements that came from that horrible 2001 season.
Also read: NASCAR - 5 drivers to watch out for in road-course races in 2021
With 76 career wins and seven championships, Dale Earnhardt was a first-ballot hall-of-famer. But perhaps more importantly, it was the way he raced and his influence on and off the track that is still felt today.
Also read: Jeffrey Earnhardt bags primary sponsor for bulk of 2021 Xfinity season
0 votes
