Harvick: Ready to walk? |
Smith cites “Multiple NASCAR industry sources” in saying
that Harvick will honor the final season of his contract with RCR, before jumping
to a fourth SHR Chevrolet the following year, joining team co-owner Tony
Stewart, Ryan Newman and Danica Patrick in the team’s Sprint Cup Series stable.
Harvick declined to comment directly on the report today,
telling Smith, "I'm looking forward to finishing out this season on a
strong note with RCR and continuing to build our program going into the 2013
season with the ultimate goal of winning a championship. Anything beyond that,
once I know what my future plans are set, I'll let you know."
Stewart has said repeatedly in recent seasons that his
ultimate goal is to expand his Sprint Cup operation to the NASCAR-mandated
maximum of four cars. He and partner Gene Haas have been prevented from doing
so in the past by lack of sponsorship.
Harvick has never driven for a team other than RCR at the
uppermost level of NASCAR. In 2001, he replaced the late Dale Earnhardt, Sr. in
a newly numbered #29 Chevrolet; the cars earmarked for Earnhardt’s possible
eighth championship run. He claimed an emotional victory in only his third
start with the team, and has 18 career Sprint Cup wins; all with Childress.
He spoke critically of the team near the end of his
previous contract in 2010, but ultimately chose to remain with RCR after
receiving assurances of improved performance. This season, his Budweiser-sponsored
Chevrolet qualified for the 10-race Chase, but has struggled badly, currently
standing 11th in points, 101 behind leader Jimmie Johnson. Only Dale
Earnhardt, Jr., has amassed fewer points in the Chase, after missing two races
with a concussion.
SHR spokesman Mike Arning told Smith, “if Kevin Harvick
is available (in 2014), that's something the team would have to look at. Any
team in this garage would do the same. They have the infrastructure to
accommodate a fourth team, and if everything aligns properly, it's something
they'll do.
“If a driver the caliber of Kevin Harvick is available,
it's something they would pursue."
While not commenting
directly on the report, Stewart told SBNation’s Jeff Gluck, “When we have something to tell you guys, we'll tell you. I've
always said that. So you (media) guys can throw darts and when we've got
something to tell you that's different than what we've got going on, we'll
obviously tell you."
Wow...I've been a Harvick fan since 2001. I always felt that if Kevin should ever leave RCR it would be to drive with Tony, since they are such good friends.
ReplyDeleteI guess, if it is true, we will be seeing what sponsorship he is bringing with him and what number he will be changing to.
Just wow ,i guess Bowyer is not the only one seeing whats gonna happen when Dillon boys going cup . All money going to them and any driver not named Dillon will be a lame duck
ReplyDeleteBoy people are leaving RCR like rats from a sinking ship. First the investment firm,Sadler,Coulter,EGR,Financial One and now Harvick. Even Mr Myers was spotted two weeks ago over at KBM. Of coarse we don't know if Mr Myers was looking for a job or trying to scarf MM's for trick or treat candy
ReplyDelete