Boxing
“For ‘my kids” Kevin Harvick leaves mark as…
“For ‘my kids” Kevin Harvick leaves a mark as…
The longtime persona of Kevin Harvick was a NASCAR champion who made a career of making his opponents miserable.
There are endless examples of destabilization by the former high school wrestler from Bakersfield who devilishly played withering mind games during title battles, gleefully shoved the competition into brawls, and ruthlessly put himself and his team first at all costs.
But as the 47-year-old nicknamed “Happy” (a moniker with sarcastic origins) enters his final season in the Cup Series, the next generation of drivers is happy to destroy the façade of Harvick as a selfish superstar.
The Stewart-Haas Racing driver they know has been a fount of good advice and emotional support. A veteran who proactively has offered a hand even when many were unaware they needed it. An available and wizened ear to bend on virtually any topic – and with virtually any driver, regardless of their history with the mercurial star.
Though Chase Elliott and Harvick engaged in one of NASCAR’s most memorable recent feuds in 2021, the Hendrick Motorsports driver said he and Harvick still “have a good relationship” that dates back nearly a decade. When Elliott was entering his rookie Xfinity Series season with JR Motorsports in 2014, it was Harvick (who was running his first part-time year with JRM) who became his biggest sounding board.
“For ‘my kids” Kevin Harvick leaves a mark as…
“Kevin was the veteran there in the building that was willing to help me and willing to allow me to ask questions, and I asked a ton of questions,” Elliott told NBC Sports. “We talked quite a lot there early on, and I’m grateful for that. It’s not often you have a veteran guy who is willing to lend a hand to a young racer who had very little experience, especially coming to a lot of these tracks for the first time. And he recognized that and was willing to help. So I’ve always had a lot of respect for him in many regards. He’s a very good driver, but just that period and him being willing to help me, I’ll always really appreciate that. Those are important moments in a young driver’s career.”
Bubba Wallace recalls getting an unsolicited dinner invitation from Harvick just as he was making his first Cup starts several years ago. Wallace shared the meal with Harvick and his wife, DeLana, and “just was able to chat and talk about life.
“I’ll always remember that moment of him just wanting to help,” Wallace told NBC Sports. “Just knowing that ‘Happy’ has an actual nice side to him was pretty cool to see, and from the moments that we’ve had our run-ins on track, we still race each other with respect and treat each other with respect. So I’ll always remember that moment.”
Harvick wants to leave that impression but would prefer “to keep it as private as possible because I don’t want them to ever think it’s so that I can talk to (the media) about it.” Notably, the details of these meetings emerged years later (and only by prompting the younger set).
“When they speak about it, I’m OK with it, but I just have a real interest in trying to share the things that I’ve been able to experience and make mistakes,” Harvick said. “There are so few guys that drive these cars, that you can have more conversations with them and just reach out. Some of them reach out to and don’t hear much from them. Some of them you reach out to and wind up at dinner with you or at your house having dinner.
“They need to know that you’re there. Some of them can’t believe that you reached out because they’re trying to figure out why you reached out to them. Or understand why you’re taking an interest in things that they’re doing. And really, “For ‘my kids” Kevin Harvick leaves a mark as…just trying to set an example, because in the generation before me, those guys all communicated and helped each other and knew each other and I think it’s important for our group of drivers. We’ve kind of gotten away from that. Some of that may be my fault for not trying to tie that together a little bit better, but we’ve worked hard on that over the last year and a half with all the safety stuff and things that we’ve had going on and trying to have everybody sit down a little bit more.”
“For ‘my kids” Kevin Harvick leaves a mark as…
Harvick left the first iteration of the Drivers Council five years ago after growing frustrated with its lack of impact. But with the safety issues raised by the Next Gen debut last year, he re-emerged as an outspoken force who was adamant about advocating for his younger peers. Before the 2022 season finale at Phoenix, the father of two explained why he had been leading more publicly.
“I want to keep my colleagues informed and educated, and I’m good with doing that,” he said. “It’s just an interesting time and something that worked out that way. I feel like most of (the younger drivers) are my kids. I don’t feel obligated, but I think the timing of it is just what it is. You do the things you think will help everybody. And try to do the right thing and balance that with what’s right for the sport.”
After being thrust into a virtually untenable situation in filling the ride vacated by the death of seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt, Harvick got sideways with NASCAR and other stars often in his early years. He was parked for a Cup race after several incidents in a 2002 truck race at Martinsville Speedway (where he also had been in a spat with Bobby Hamilton in 2001).
But Harvick managed to stick around through the guidance of some NASCAR veterans (along with late PR rep Jim Hunter). He credits Hamilton, Rusty Wallace, and Dale Jarrett as “guys that reached out when I was in trouble and always give you advice.” Later in his career, it became his teammate Tony Stewart, who would “compare notes” on his past missteps and how he handled them.
READ MORE: Martin Truex Jr Shocked NASCAR World with… as Auto Club Speedway roars to life for the last time
In guiding his son Keelan’s burgeoning career, Harvick has seen how young stars need “somebody outside of their circle that they can trust and ask questions to and talk to about certain situations and know that it’s not going to go anywhere but between the two of you.
“I guess being a father has given (me) some sort of idea of what is happening with some of the kids and what they’re up against and trying to understand that. So I think as you try to understand the kids – because they are kids, and they are young – there are so many sharks in the water in this particular sport that a lot of them just don’t understand how to manage their time and all the things that are asked of them. You can’t say yes to everything at this particular level, but they’ll try for a while until they’re in trouble from their job perspective because they’re not focused on the racing side of it. But the safety stuff brought all this into play as far as being closer to understanding who all the competitors are and the drivers.”
The bridges have gotten firmer with some younger but established drivers, too. Joey Logano’s history with Harvick is well-documented, but the two-time Cup champion said they get along well now.
“Yeah, we didn’t take off on the best note — some of my doings, some of maybe his doings — we’ve had the conversations, and honestly, now I probably have a better relationship with Kevin than I do 90% of the drivers out there,” Logano told NBC Sports. “I think we can relate on a lot of different levels.
READ MORE: “Escaped Horrific Death” Fan-Favorite NASCAR Legend Dale Earnhardt Jr and His Family are…
“I think one of my favorite moments for Kevin is we were flying back from Vegas (after a race) last year. We were just BS-ing and back and forth. And we were talking about kids and the mistakes that we made and how they all live on YouTube. In a lot of those videos, we’re laughing about it, which is great we can laugh about it. You know that that part’s pretty cool. Now that we have a friendship, it’s kind of funny because, gosh, if you said to me 10 years ago that I would get along with Kevin Harvick, I’d say you’re nuts. No way.
“But I think now as we both have changed so much that we get along well.”
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Zeekr 001 Electrifies with a Power Boost: Zhou Guanyu and Kimi Räikkönen Lead the Charge
Experience the silent power of the Zeekr 001 electric vehicle, with upgraded performance, visual enhancements, and support from racing icons. Embrace the future of sustainable driving.
Imagine a world where the roar of an engine is replaced by the silent surge of electricity, propelling vehicles forward with the press of a pedal. This vision is becoming a reality with the introduction of the updated Zeekr 001 electric vehicle (EV), which has recently been certified for sale in China. With its blend of power, innovation, and the endorsement of racing legends, the Zeekr 001 is setting a new benchmark in the EV market.
The Power Within: A Leap in Performance
The latest iteration of the Zeekr 001 brings to the table a new 95 kWh LFP battery pack and an enhanced entry-level powertrain that boasts 415 hp, a significant leap from the previous 272 hp. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant now commands an impressive 778 hp, marking a 234 hp increase. This power upgrade is not just about numbers; it represents a leap towards efficiency, sustainability, and the sheer joy of driving an electric powerhouse. The Zeekr 001’s ability to balance performance with environmental responsibility highlights the evolving landscape of the automotive industry
While the performance upgrades are substantial, the Zeekr 001 also sports minor visual enhancements that signify its evolution. New front and rear bumpers and fresh color options give the vehicle a contemporary edge, appealing to a broader audience. Yet, it’s the optional LiDAR that points to the future, hinting at advanced driving assistance systems and a commitment to safety. These updates, coupled with the anticipated improvements in charging capabilities and multimedia systems, underscore Zeekr’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Champions Behind the Wheel
The announcement of Zhou Guanyu as the ambassador and Chief Driving Officer, alongside Kimi Räikkönen’s continued role as Chief Performance Advisor, adds a layer of credibility and excitement to the Zeekr 001. Guanyu, celebrated as the first Chinese Formula 1 driver, brings a unique perspective and expertise to the brand, bridging the gap between racing technology and everyday driving. Räikkönen, with his storied career and championship pedigree, ensures that performance remains at the heart of Zeekr’s philosophy. Their involvement speaks volumes about the brand’s aspirations and commitment to excellence.
Since its launch in October 2021, the Zeekr 001 has found its way into the driveways of 152,064 customers, a testament to its appeal and the growing appetite for electric vehicles. With the refreshed model set to introduce on February 27, anticipation is building for what could be a pivotal moment in Zeekr’s journey and the broader EV landscape. The Zeekr 001, with its blend of power, innovation, and star power, is not just a vehicle; it’s a harbinger of an electrified future, promising a driving experience that’s as exhilarating as it is sustainable.
Boxing
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Law, charged with making trouble with two policemen
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Law, charged with making trouble with two policemen
NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. and 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney were recently on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and talked about the Netflix special NASCAR: Full Speed among other things. During their conversation, Dale Jr. opened up about his traffic violations and revealed the interesting encounters that he had with 4 different police officers.
He took a trip down memory lane to remember how he got his first speeding ticket and quipped that he had received not one, but four tickets between the ages of 16 and 18. He told Clarkson, “I had a few issues in the first two years of having my license, from 16 to 18. I got four tickets, and the funny thing about it is, is that it was four different officers who told me they all gave my dad his first ticket, so I don’t know how that is possible.”
Dale Jr.’s father Dale Earnhardt was one of the biggest names in stock car racing since its advent in the 20th century. While it is natural for anyone to be known as having interacted with the legend, Dale Jr. can’t quite put a finger on how four different officers could have given him his first ticket. However, he did have a more important lesson to take away from the tickets he got
“I learned my lesson,” he affirmed. “I haven’t had any problems since then.” Dale Jr. is one of the executive producers of Full Speed. The docuseries has been very well received by drivers and fans since its premiere last month.
READ: “He Actually Hated Me” – Dale Jr Defends His Late Father’s Legacy as He Publicly Trashes Geoff Bodine’s Shocking Accusation
The instantaneous impact that Full Speed has been having on NASCAR
During the last race weekend, several drivers voiced their support for the Netflix docuseries and said that it was helping the sport generate new fans. One of the series main characters, Denny Hamlin said, “I thought it was a very good introduction for new fans. Because they also were kind of teaching you some 101 stuff, like, here’s how this works.”
Xfinity Series racer and Live Fast Motorsports co-owner B.J. McLeod compared it to the Hollywood hit Days of Thunder and mentioned that it had the best potential since the movie to attract new fans. He said, “It’s something that people should see, and I think that it was an unbelievable opportunity for NASCAR to have that on Netflix.”
The docuseries chronicled the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series playoff run and featured others including Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Ross Chastain, and Dale Jr., himself.
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Chase Elliott’s Crew Chief Publicly Exposes Golden Boy’s Fatal Error
With 480 pts. and 19th rank in the 2023 Cup Series standings, Chase Elliott’s struggle to enter playoffs remains the same. However, in a jaw-dropping revelation from Hendrick Motorsports, a hilarious game of memory between Chase Elliott and Alan Gustafson has unveiled a side of the No. 9 Chevy that fans could never have imagined.
Picture this: Daytona’s sunny day and the racing enthusiasm are palpable. Amid the COVID-tinged atmosphere, in the fateful year of 2020, Chase Elliott finds himself facing a curious predicament. The stakes are high as he and Alan Gustafson gear up for a race day challenge. The challenge seems simple: “What must Chase have on race day?”
What must Chase have on race day, HMS crew chief indulges in a funny banter
During the HMS fun game, Driver and Crew Chief Challange between the Hendrick Motorsports crew chief and the NO. 9. Chevy, a question was raised: ‘What must Chase have on race day?’
To this, Alan throws the first stone with his answer: “His Helmet.” A confident yet spontaneous answer to the ambiguous question, given the no-brainer importance of a helmet for a high-speed sport like NASCAR.
The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, chimes in with exasperation and amusement, and said: “HANS. Where was it? Was it HANS? Should we tell that story?”, added amusingly. HANS device undoubtedly is a crucial device that keeps a driver’s head stable in high-speed crashes.
Chase Elliott’s Crew Chief Publicly Exposes Golden Boy’s Fatal Error
The Duo gave a flashback to Daytona, where Chase Elliott stood on the grid, with the weight of the race day excitement hanging in the air. Alan chips in, a mischievous grin hinting at the punchline, and revealed: “You didn’t have your bus and he’s on the grid to start the race like Daytona. He went straight to the car and I was like, hey, you got your helmet?” And then, the punchline that cracks open the story: “He just turned white.”
In a sequence that could rival any comedy script, the #9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 driver’s race day hit him like a ton of bricks just as the national anthem wraps up. “I think the anthem was done,” Chase quips as the weight of the missing helmet sinks in. The ensuing exchange between Chase and Alan is priceless, as Alan further queries, “Where is that? Is it Ryan’s bus?” Well, I might have to ask Chase.
But this is not HMS’s No. 9’s first release of a fun trip down memory lane involving their drivers. There’s more.
In a lighthearted game with the Hendrick Motorsports team, NASCAR stars Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson joined forces to poke fun at their teammate William Byron for his notorious habit of forgetting where he parked his car.
READ: Nobody Is Cleaned: How Dale Earnhardt Jr Stole From His Late Father Exposed
The host initiated the game by asking, “[Who is] most likely to forget where they parked their car?” Elliott held up Byron’s name card, and the young driver admitted, “Probably me.” As the room erupted in laughter, Alex Bowman and Kyle Larson chimed in, further solidifying the playful accusation. Byron even recounted a past memory of receiving an award for getting lost in a parking lot in high school, garnering more chuckles from his teammates.
Building strong relationships within a team, as seen with the Hendrick Motorsports team, is vital for success and consistency. This extends to the Motorsports industry, where collaboration and effective communication are paramount. Just as the NASCAR-winningest team thrives on a blend of humor and teamwork, professionals in the industrial kitchen trade must foster a workplace culture that supports innovation, productivity, and collaboration.
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It shouldn’t have come from his mouth: Christopher Bell disgrace Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson in public
We are where we belong: Lewis Hamilton ruthless after Mercedes bankruptcy
