Last week at Talladega, the world got to watch as Michael Jordan made his first in-person trip to NASCAR victory lane. It was a moment that put NASCAR into the pop culture spotlight, with mentions on network sports shows, ESPN, and elsewhere in the media.
Kevin Harvick says that MJ in victory lane is the best thing he’s seen all year. Harvick knows what NASCAR can be when the enthusiasm is behind it. Having someone like Jordan as a visible face in the sport can only lead to good things.
On his Happy Hour podcast, Harvick explained what it meant to have Jordan there at Talladega. He also had a little to say about Tyler Reddick.
“The best thing that I’ve seen this year is Michael Jordan in victory lane, and being able to see his own car win,” Harvick said. “I think as much effort and time that he has put in to be able to actually physically be there in victory lane was a win for everybody on his team, everybody involved, everybody in this sport. Because Michael Jordan, you could hear the passion and enthusiasm that he has for this sport when Jamie Little interviewed him afterwards.
“Aside from Michael being there, Tyler Reddick, he knows that he should be winning. He knows that he has the speed to win. He knows that he has had a couple of opportunities to be in position to win this year and they haven’t won, and this time they’re in position to win and win a race that they probably didn’t think they were going to win until 100, 200 yards to go.
“So, you can feel the emotion from Tyler Reddick and just the relief to get that car into victory lane, and I like that. I love the fire and the passion and enthusiasm. Week before I didn’t think he did a very good job. Closing that race out at Texas he got frustrated on a couple of restarts, made three or four mistakes and lost several positions, came back with a decent finish. But he’s driving and acting like he expects to win every single week. That pressure that comes with that is tough to navigate until you’ve been in the middle of it. When you are in the middle of that and win, it is a huge relief.”
Kevin Harvick understands pressure. Michael Jordan understands pressure. During his driving career, Harvick withstood all kinds of pressure. From Dale Earnhardt’s death to his winless streak at RCR and of course, winning the 2014 Cup championship. Harvick has an interest in Reddick, too.
Both Harvick and Reddick are California guys. They both have a passion for the sport that you rarely see in other drivers. I think Harvick sees the potential in Reddick and wants to see it shine.
That is the best part about Harvick being retired. He can enjoy the sport. He doesn’t have to worry about racing Reddick, so he can enjoy his talents. Harvick can also enjoy his wins. Especially when Michael Jordan is there to celebrate.
More must-reads: