History of Kevin Harvick in Timeline
Kevin Harvick is an American semi-retired professional stock car racing driver. He is also a commentator for NASCAR on Fox. Known for a successful career in NASCAR, Harvick has achieved significant wins and championships before transitioning to a broadcast role.
1971: First Driver Since Richard Petty in 1971
In 2020, Kevin Harvick became the first driver to win Cup races on back-to-back days since Richard Petty in 1971 after sweeping the Michigan doubleheader.
December 8, 1975: Kevin Harvick's Birth
On December 8, 1975, Kevin Michael Harvick was born. He is an American semi-retired professional stock car racing driver and commentator for NASCAR on Fox.
1975: Born in Bakersfield, California
In 1975, Kevin Harvick was born in Bakersfield, California, to parents Mike and JoNell (Walker) Harvick.
1992: Racing Late Models and Wrestling
In 1992, while in high school, Harvick began racing late models part-time in the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series, and competed on the North High School wrestling team.
1993: Electronic scoring started at Daytona 500
In 1993, electronic scoring started at Daytona 500, making it possible to measure closest margin in races. In 2007 Kevin Harvick won Daytona 500 with a dramatic final lap pass, beating Mark Martin by .020 seconds, the closest margin since 1993.
1995: Craftsman Truck Series Debut
In 1995, Harvick made his Craftsman Truck Series debut at the Mesa Marin Raceway, in his hometown of Bakersfield, where he started and finished 27th in his family-owned No. 72.
1997: Signed with Spears Motorsports
In 1997, Harvick signed to drive the No. 75 for Spears Motorsports mid-season, posting two eighth-place finishes. He also moved up to the NASCAR Grand National Division, AutoZone West Series.
1997: First Driver to Win Five of the First 13 Races Since Jeff Gordon in 1997
In 2018, Kevin Harvick was the first driver to win five of the first 13 races since Jeff Gordon in 1997.
1998: Winston West Series Championship
In 1998 Harvick won five races on his way to the Winston West Series championship while driving for Spears.
1998: Kevin Harvick - NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Champion
In 1998, Kevin Harvick won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Championship.
October 23, 1999: First NASCAR Busch Series Start
On October 23, 1999, Harvick made his first NASCAR Busch Series start in the Kmart 200 at the Rockingham Speedway in the No. 2 Chevrolet, starting 24th and finishing 42nd due to engine failure.
1999: Drove for Liberty Racing
In 1999, Harvick drove the No. 98 Porter Cable Ford for Liberty Racing, finishing twelfth in points with six top-fives.
1999: ARCA Bondo/Mar-Hyde Series Starts
In 1999, Kevin Harvick made two starts in the ARCA Bondo/Mar-Hyde Series for Childress in the No. 20 Invinca-Shields/Realtree Chevrolet, finishing in the top-five both times.
2000: Signed with Richard Childress Racing
In 2000, Harvick signed with Richard Childress Racing to drive the No. 2 Chevrolet for his first full Busch Series season. He won the NASCAR Busch Series Rookie of the Year award with three wins, eight top-five finishes, and sixteen top-tens as well as garnering a third-place points finish.
February 28, 2001: Marriage to DeLana Linville
On February 28, 2001, Kevin Harvick married DeLana (Linville) Harvick in Las Vegas, Nevada, shortly after his Cup Series debut. They had met the previous year at Michigan International Speedway.
March 11, 2001: First Winston Cup Race Win
On March 11, 2001, Harvick won his first career Winston Cup race in just his third start, the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, narrowly edging Jeff Gordon. He paid tribute to Dale Earnhardt after the win.
2001: Joining Winston Cup Series
In 2001, Childress planned to run Harvick in the No. 2 ACDelco Chevy in the Busch Series full-time, while developing him into the Winston Cup Series with up to seven races in the No. 30 AOL Chevy. Harvick began his first Cup race the following week in the Dura Lube 400 at Rockingham, filling the seat vacated by Dale Earnhardt's passing in the renumbered No. 29 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet.
2001: Busch Championship
In 2001, Harvick teamed with crew chief Todd Berrier in the Cup Series, with whom he had won the Busch championship.
2001: Rookie of the Year and Busch Series Champion
In 2001, Harvick was awarded the NASCAR Rookie of the Year Award and secured a ninth-place finish in the points standings. He also won the Busch Series championship, becoming the first driver to win the Busch Series championship while also driving full-time in the Winston Cup Series with a top-ten finish.
2001: Xfinity Series Championship
In 2001, Harvick won the Xfinity Series championship.
2001: Kevin Harvick Incorporated
In 2001, Kevin Harvick founded Kevin Harvick Incorporated, a race team that fielded cars in the Truck Series.
2001: Celebration Similar to 2001 Victory
In 2020, Kevin Harvick won the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta, where he celebrated in a similar manner to his 2001 victory there.
2002: Full Schedule
In 2002, Childress planned to race Harvick for a full schedule in the Winston Cup Series.
2002: Turbulent 2002 Season
In 2002, Harvick's season included triggering an eighteen-car crash at the Daytona 500, a fine for a post-race incident with Greg Biffle, and a suspension for rough driving in a Truck race at Martinsville. He was banned from the Cup Series race the next day, with Kenny Wallace replacing him; he was also fined $35,000 and placed into another probation. Despite the controversies, he secured his first Cup pole position at Daytona and won at Chicagoland Speedway, finishing 21st in points and becoming the 2002 IROC Champion. In Trucks, Harvick won at Phoenix.
2003: Brickyard 400 Win and Busch Series Owners' Championship
In 2003, Harvick won the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis and finished fifth in the Cup Series point standings. In the Busch Series, Harvick and Johnny Sauter teamed up to win the NASCAR Busch Series owners' championship, with Harvick posting three wins.
2003: Featured on NASCAR Racing 2003 Season Cover
In early 2003, Kevin Harvick was featured on the cover of NASCAR Racing 2003 Season alongside Jimmie Johnson.
2004: Bizarre Sequence of Events and Missed Chase
In 2004, Harvick experienced a bizarre sequence of events at Bristol where his arm went numb, leading to a temporary driver change. He missed the inaugural Chase for the Cup. Despite conflicts and being winless, he placed third in the voting for Most Popular Driver and partnered with Clint Bowyer in the Busch Series, ultimately winning the final race at Homestead–Miami Speedway.
2004: Kevin Harvick Incorporated Founded
In 2004, Kevin Harvick founded Kevin Harvick Incorporated, a race team that fielded cars in the Xfinity Series.
2004: NASCAR Special on Family Feud
In 2004, Kevin Harvick participated in a NASCAR special of the game show Family Feud, facing off against Jeremy Mayfield and playing on behalf of the Kevin Harvick Foundation. Harvick's team scored 276 points, winning $276 for their charity.
2005: Food City 500 Win and Bristol Sweep
In 2005, Harvick's only Cup win came at the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. He achieved his first "sweep" at Bristol, winning both the Sharpie Professional 250 Busch race and the Food City 500 Cup race. He finished fourteenth in the Cup series standings.
2005: Made the Chase for the first time
In 2005, Kevin Harvick made the Chase for the first time in his career. In 2009, he missed the chase for the first time since 2005.
September 2006: Won pole position for Hollywood Casino 400
In 2013, Kevin Harvick won his first pole position since September 2006 in qualifying for the Hollywood Casino 400.
October 13, 2006: Clinched the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series championship
On October 13, 2006, Harvick clinched the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series championship at Lowe's Motor Speedway in the Dollar General 300. It was the earliest clinch of the championship ever in the Busch Series, locking up the title with four races to go.
2006: Tied highest points position at the end of the season
In 2006 Kevin Harvick finished fourth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, tying his highest points position at the end of the season. In 2008, he also achieved a fourth-place ranking.
2006: Xfinity Series Championship
In 2006, Harvick won the Xfinity Series championship.
2007: Wins K&N Pro Series West event at Sonoma Raceway and All-Star Race
In 2007, Kevin Harvick raced in the K&N Pro Series West event at Sonoma Raceway, marking his first race in the series since Iowa Speedway in 2007. Driving the No. 4 for Jefferson Pitts Racing, Harvick took the lead on lap 42 to win the race. Later, Harvick won the All-Star Race driving the No. 29 car for RCR.
2007: Won Daytona 500 with dramatic final lap pass
In 2007, Kevin Harvick won the Daytona 500 with a dramatic final lap pass, beating Mark Martin by .020 seconds, the closest margin since electronic scoring started in 1993. He became the fourth NASCAR driver to sweep both the Nationwide and Cup races at Daytona's opening weekend. He became the sixth of eight drivers to win both the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400.
2007: Won Orbitz 300, Camping World 200, and NAPA Auto Parts 200
In 2007, Kevin Harvick won the Orbitz 300 at Daytona, his first restrictor-plate race win and the first for AutoZone in NASCAR's Nationwide Series. He also won the Camping World 200 presented by RVs.com at New Hampshire International Speedway and the inaugural NAPA Auto Parts 200 at Montreal, after Robby Gordon was black-flagged.
2007: Wins All-Star Race for First Time Since 2007
In 2018, Kevin Harvick continued his winning streak yet again, winning stages 1 and 3 and holding off Daniel Suárez to win the All-Star Race for the first time in eleven years after winning it in 2007, driving the No. 29 car for RCR.
2008: Finished fourth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup
In 2008, Kevin Harvick went winless but finished fourth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, tying his highest points position from 2006. He also completed the season without a DNF for the second straight year. He ran twenty-two races in the Nationwide Series for his team, sponsored by Camping World, Rheem, and RoadLoans, but did not win. He won a Truck race at Phoenix.
2008: First Driver to Win at Least Nine Times in a Season Since Carl Edwards in 2008
In 2020, after a twentieth place finish at Daytona, Kevin Harvick opened the first round of the playoffs on a high note by holding off Austin Dillon to win his second Southern 500 and outdueled Kyle Busch two weeks later to win the Bristol Night Race for the second time in his career, becoming the first driver to win at least nine times in a season since Carl Edwards in 2008.
2009: Won Budweiser Shootout and finished second in Daytona 500
In 2009, Kevin Harvick started the season by winning the Budweiser Shootout with a last-lap pass on Jamie McMurray. After damaging his primary car for the Daytona 500, he switched to his Shootout car and finished second when the race was declared official early due to rain.
2009: Won the Budweiser Shootout
In 2009, Kevin Harvick won the Budweiser Shootout. He repeated this achievement in 2010.
2009: Won first Nationwide Series race at Bristol and Camping World Truck Series race at Martinsville Speedway
In 2009, despite not winning in the Cup Series, Kevin Harvick won the first Nationwide Series race at Bristol, his first win in his car, and the Camping World Truck Series race at Martinsville Speedway. Gil Martin became his new crew chief. He finished second at the Pep Boys Auto 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He missed the chase for the first time since 2005 and finished nineteenth in the standings.
2009: Winless Season and Playoff Elimination
In 2021, Kevin Harvick tangled with Chase Elliott at the Bristol Night Race, leading to a confrontation. He was eliminated from the Round of 12 after a crash at the Charlotte Roval. Despite a winless season, for the first time since 2009, he finished fifth in the standings.
2009: No Wins For the First Time Since 2009
In 2021, despite scoring no wins for the first time since 2009, Kevin Harvick managed to make the playoffs with his consistency.
2009: Lowest Points Finish Since 2009
In 2022, Kevin Harvick finished the season 15th in the points standings, his first points finish outside the top 10 since 2009.
August 2010: Announcement of Budweiser sponsorship for 2011
In August 2010, it was announced that Budweiser would be the primary sponsor for Kevin Harvick's No. 29 car for twenty races in 2011, following the departure of Royal Dutch Shell.
2010: Rumors of joining Stewart-Haas Racing
In 2009, reports surfaced that Kevin Harvick had asked for a release of his contract at the end of the 2009 season to join Stewart–Haas Racing for the 2010 season. He refused to comment publicly on his plans for 2010.
2010: Establishment of Kevin Harvick Foundation
In 2010, Kevin Harvick and his wife, DeLana, established the Kevin Harvick Foundation (KHF) to support programs that enrich the lives of children throughout the United States.
2010: Intentionally wrecked Kyle Busch at Ford 400
In 2010, Kevin Harvick intentionally wrecked Kyle Busch at the Ford 400 at Homestead, leading to a feud between the two drivers. In May 2011, NASCAR put both drivers on probation and fine them $25,000 after a post-race incident at Darlington.
2010: Won Budweiser Shootout, Aaron's 499, Coke Zero 400, and Carfax 400
In 2010, Kevin Harvick won the Budweiser Shootout and the Aaron's 499, setting a new NASCAR record with 88 lead changes. He also won the Coke Zero 400 and the Carfax 400 at Michigan. He finished the regular season in first place but started the Chase in third. Harvick finished third overall in the Chase.
2010: Wins Michigan for the First Time Since 2010
In 2018, Kevin Harvick had finished second six times since winning at Michigan in 2010. He won both stages and led 108 laps en route to his seventh win of the season.
January 25, 2011: Jimmy John's sponsorship agreement
On January 25, 2011, Jimmy John's and Richard Childress Racing reached a multi-year agreement to sponsor Kevin Harvick's No. 29 Sprint Cup team for six races in 2011.
February 19, 2011: "The Roast of Kevin Harvick"
On February 19, 2011, Kevin Harvick's sponsor, Budweiser, hosted "The Roast of Kevin Harvick," where his opponents and teammates shared their thoughts and opinions on the Sprint Cup driver.
May 2011: Probation and fine after post-race incident at Darlington
In May 2011, Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch were placed on probation and fined $25,000 by NASCAR after a post-race incident at Darlington. This occurred after Harvick intentionally wrecked Busch at the 2010 Ford 400 at Homestead and they tangled several times during the 2011 season.
August 10, 2011: Ceremonial First Pitch at Yankee Stadium
On August 10, 2011, Kevin Harvick threw out the ceremonial first pitch between the Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium.
2011: Kevin Harvick Incorporated Ends
In 2011, Kevin Harvick Incorporated ended, a race team that fielded cars in the Xfinity Series and the Truck Series.
2011: Won Auto Club Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, Coca-Cola 600, and Richmond
In 2011, Kevin Harvick won his fifteenth career Cup race at Auto Club Speedway. He also won at Martinsville Speedway and the Coca-Cola 600. He later won at Richmond.
2011: First Season Since 2011 Without a Win at Phoenix
In 2011, Kevin Harvick's fifth-place finish at Phoenix marked the first season since 2011 in which Harvick didn't win a race at Phoenix.
July 8, 2012: Birth of Son Keelan Harvick
On July 8, 2012, Kevin and DeLana Harvick's son, Keelan Harvick, was born. Keelan competes in kart racing and legend car racing.
2012: Won at Phoenix and finished eighth in points
In 2012, Kevin Harvick made the Chase through consistency despite being winless in the regular season. He won at Phoenix and finished eighth in points.
January 22, 2013: Confirmed switch to Stewart–Haas Racing for 2014
On January 22, 2013, it was officially confirmed that Kevin Harvick would switch teams and join Stewart–Haas Racing for the 2014 season.
July 12, 2013: Confirmed to drive No. 4 Chevrolet with Budweiser sponsorship
On July 12, 2013, it was confirmed that Kevin Harvick would drive the No. 4 Chevrolet and retain Budweiser as his primary sponsor for 21 races, with Jimmy John's sponsoring the remaining races for the 2014 season.
2013: Wins in Clash/Shootout/Unlimited, Toyota Owners 400, Coca-Cola 600, Hollywood Casino 400, and Phoenix
In 2013, Kevin Harvick tied the record for wins in the Clash/Shootout/Unlimited, won his Budweiser Duel, and won the Toyota Owners 400, Coca-Cola 600, Hollywood Casino 400, and Phoenix race. He finished third in points for the season.
2014: Cup Series Championship
In 2014, Harvick won the NASCAR Cup Series championship.
2014: Partial schedule in Nationwide Series for JR Motorsports
In 2014, Kevin Harvick ran a partial schedule in the Nationwide Series, competing in a minimum of twelve races for JR Motorsports. He also finished thirteenth at the Daytona 500.
2014: Won at Phoenix and transferred to final round of Chase
In 2014, Kevin Harvick won the race at Phoenix and swept both 2014 races at Phoenix, allowing him to transfer into the final round of the Chase at Homestead.
January 25, 2015: Xfinity Series Analyst Role
On January 25, 2015, it was reported that Kevin Harvick, along with Jeff Gordon, Brad Keselowski, and Danica Patrick, would serve as a rotating analyst for Xfinity Series races with NASCAR on Fox. Harvick started commentating at Daytona.
2015: Returns to Truck Series for the First Time Since 2015
In March 2021, Kevin Harvick returned to the Truck Series for the first time since 2015 when he joined David Gilliland Racing to drive their No. 17 in the Bristol dirt race.
2016: Finished 4th in Daytona 500 and Won at Phoenix
In 2016, Kevin Harvick finished 4th in the Daytona 500 and won at Phoenix, beating Carl Edwards in a photo finish. This was Harvick's eighth win at Phoenix.
2016: First Top-Five in Daytona 500 Since 2016
In 2020, despite sustaining minor damage, Kevin Harvick finished fifth at the Daytona 500, his first top-five in the race since 2016.
December 28, 2017: Birth of Daughter Piper Harvick
On December 28, 2017, Kevin and DeLana Harvick's daughter, Piper Harvick, was born.
2017: Move to Ford and Strong Performances
In 2017, Stewart-Haas Racing switched to Ford. Kevin Harvick won Stage 2 and led the most laps in the Daytona 500 but finished 22nd. At Atlanta, he captured the pole position and led 292 laps, but a pit road penalty hindered his chances of winning, resulting in a ninth-place finish. Despite this, he led the points standings due to his stage wins and consistency.
2018: Drivers Only Broadcast at Talladega
In 2018, Fox brought back the Drivers Only broadcast at Talladega, with Kevin Harvick reprising his role in the booth alongside Joey Logano and Clint Bowyer.
2018: Dominant Wins and Penalties
In 2018, Kevin Harvick started the season with a DNF at the Daytona 500, but earned back-to-back wins at Atlanta and Las Vegas. His win at Las Vegas was penalized, resulting in points deduction and fines. Despite the penalty, Harvick won at Phoenix, marking three consecutive wins for the first time. He continued with more wins at Dover, Kansas, and New Hampshire, securing a spot in the Championship 4 at Homestead.
2019: 2019 Season: Gander RV Duels Win, Consistent Finishes, and Playoff Run
In 2019, Kevin Harvick started by winning Duel 1 of the Gander RV Duels at Daytona. He then achieved six straight top-ten finishes. Despite some ups and downs, he secured wins at New Hampshire, Michigan, and Indianapolis, and made his fifth Championship 4 appearance, finishing third in the standings.
2019: First DNF Since 2019
In 2021, Kevin Harvick finished 37th at the inaugural Circuit of the Americas race after Bubba Wallace collided with him, sustaining his first DNF since the 2019 Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race.
2019: Drivers Only Broadcast at Charlotte
In May 2019, Kevin Harvick reprised his role in the booth alongside Joey Logano and Clint Bowyer for the Drivers Only broadcast at Charlotte.
2020: Fifth at Daytona 500 and Season Halt
In 2020, Kevin Harvick finished fourth in Duel 2 of the Bluegreen Vacations Duels at Daytona. Despite minor damage, he finished fifth at the Daytona 500, his first top-five in the race since 2016. The season was then halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Cancellation of Analyst Assignments
In 2020, Kevin Harvick was scheduled to be a guest analyst for Fox, but all assignments and "Drivers Only" broadcasts were canceled due to restrictions that prevented Fox from hosting on-site broadcasts after the March Phoenix round.
April 2021: eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series Race with Son
In April 2021, Keelan Harvick joined his father, Kevin Harvick, in an eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series race.
2021: Season Without Wins and Criticism of NASCAR
In 2021, Kevin Harvick started with three consecutive top-ten finishes but finished 37th at the Circuit of the Americas after a collision. He criticized NASCAR for proceeding with poor visibility. Despite no wins, he made the playoffs.
2021: Guest Analyst at Darlington
In 2021, Kevin Harvick was included in the lineup of guest analysts for Fox, and he served as a color commentator at Darlington in May.
2022: Victories at Michigan and Richmond, Playoff Elimination, and Penalties
In 2022, Kevin Harvick won at Michigan, breaking a 65-race drought, and then won at Richmond. He was eliminated in the Round of 16 after a DNF at the Southern 500. Childers was suspended and fined after the Talladega playoff race, and Harvick finished 15th in the points standings.
January 9, 2023: Purchase of CARS Tour
On January 9, 2023, a consortium including Kevin Harvick Incorporated, DEJ Management, Jeff Burton Autosports, Inc., and Trackhouse Racing Team purchased the CARS Tour.
January 12, 2023: Harvick Announces Retirement
On January 12, 2023, Kevin Harvick announced that he would retire at the end of the 2023 season.
February 5, 2023: Joining Fox NASCAR Broadcast Booth
On February 5, 2023, Fox Sports and Kevin Harvick announced that he would be joining the Fox NASCAR broadcast booth in 2024, joining Mike Joy and Clint Bowyer.
2023: Kern County Raceway Park Renamed
In 2023, Kern County Raceway Park was given new ownership to Tim and Lisa Huddleston, and the track was renamed Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway in his honor.
2023: Record Surpassed
In 2023, Shane van Gisbergen surpassed Harvick's record of earliest career start for a driver to win a race in the Modern Era, accomplishing the feat in his debut.
February 2024: "Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour" Podcast Launch
In February 2024, Kevin Harvick launched a new podcast-style series produced by Fox Sports titled "Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour," focused on NASCAR coverage, co-hosted by Kaitlyn Vincie and Mamba Smith.
April 28, 2024: Harvick Named Standby Driver
On April 28, 2024, it was announced that Kevin Harvick would be the standby driver for Kyle Larson at North Wilkesboro Speedway for the 2024 NASCAR All-Star race. Harvick participated in practice and qualifying.
2024: Fox NASCAR Broadcast Booth Role
In 2024, Kevin Harvick will be joining the Fox NASCAR broadcast booth, as well as serving as the Craftsman Truck Series' play-by-play commentator for Drivers Only.
2024: Cup Series Announcer
In 2024, after retiring from NASCAR Cup Series competition, Harvick began calling Cup Series races for Fox.
May 2025: Keelan Harvick Wins CARS Tour West Race
In May 2025, Keelan Harvick won his first CARS Tour West race at Kern Raceway.
February 2026: Motorsports Podcast Series with Fox Sports
In February 2026, Fox Sports announced that Kevin Harvick would co-host an additional motorsports-focused podcast series with Will Buxton, named after the former TV network Speed.
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