Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Harvick gives final toast with his Stewart-Haas Racing team after Phoenix race

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Jonathan Howard | Last updated 11/5/23

One last hoorah. Kevin Harvick walks away from his final NASCAR Cup Series race with a P7 finish and a lot of emotions. Harvick and his No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing team are hanging it up. There’s a lot that will change as he steps away from the spot as a driver.

Of course, Kevin Harvick will be in the broadcast booth for Fox. However, that’s not the same as being on the track. There will be times where he is itching to get back in the car. But it’s done. It’s all over.

Before he stepped off pit road, Harvick was joined by his family and team and was admittedly emotional. Fellow SHR drivers came over to celebrate and send off their veteran leader.

One last toast with Busch Light held high in the air.

An emotional @KevinHarvick raises a toast with his family alongside him after a hall of fame career. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/Meg9Qcto4h
— Noah Lewis (@Noah_Lewis1) November 5, 2023

With his finish today, Kevin Harvick now has 21 straight finishes in the top-10 at Phoenix. Just unheard of in the sport of stock car racing. He’s avoided DNFs, wrecks, mechanical issues, and more.

Harvick is one of the greats. He has done so much for the sport by just being himself and driving his car each week. The Closer finally closes out his career.

Dale Jr. emotional over Kevin Harvick’s retirement

Now, Kevin Harvick isn’t the only one who is emotional. As I said, he has had a hell of an impact on the sport. That includes on his current and former competitors as well. Among them is Dale Earnhardt Jr.

After the race, Dale Jr. reflected on his own emotions. Watching Harvick retire, the man who replaced his father. It was a true reflection point for the team owner and broadcaster.

“This was an emotional day,” Earnhardt tweeted. “Watching Kevin Harvick finish his career drives home just how far into this life I find myself. So many years and memories in the past. And Blaney, who I remember talking to on the grid of his first [Cup] start. I brought the beer to the post race party after the first [Cup] win. It’s been fun to watch his career. He’s one of the good guys and does what he can to push the sport forward.

“Man this sport can be frustrating at times, but it still to this day means the world to me and gets to me like nothing else in my professional life does. Now, time to go home and be with my girls.”

Kevin Harvick. Always a champion. Always a legend. 4EVER in our hearts.

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

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