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Stewart-Haas Racing losing Kevin Harvick now a huge problem
Stewart-Haas Racing losing Kevin Harvick is now a huge problem
Before the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season began, Kevin Harvick announced that it would be his 23rd and final season in the series and his 10th and final season with Stewart-Haas Racing behind the wheel of the No. 4 car. He is set to join the Fox Sports broadcast booth full-time in 2024.
The move leaves Stewart-Haas Racing, which has made a driver change after six of the last seven seasons as it is, needing to find a new driver for the No. 4 Ford for next year as they look to replace their all-time winningest driver.
That in itself is a tall task. What makes things worse is that, aside from Harvick, the start of the 2023 season has been a disaster for Stewart-Haas Racing, leaving no clear answers for the team as they look toward the future.
Harvick, who led the standings after four races, sits in sixth after five, and he is the only one of the team’s four drivers inside the top 22.
Chase Briscoe sits in 23rd place, first-year Stewart-Haas Racing driver Ryan Preece, who replaced Cole Custer, sits in 26th, and Aric Almirola sits in 27th.
Interestingly, all are ahead of Hendrick Motorsports teammates William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Chase Elliott. Byron and Larson have docked 100 points each after the race at Phoenix Raceway, while Elliott hasn’t competed in a month due to a broken leg. They are all also ahead of Kaulig Racing’s Justin Haley, who has also docked 100 points after the race at Phoenix Raceway.
So in terms of true points per race (among full-time drivers), Briscoe, Preece, and Almirola rank 27th, 28th, and 31st place, respectively. There are 34 full-time drivers.
Not ideal.
Stewart-Haas Racing losing Kevin Harvick is now a huge problem
What’s worse is the fact that Almirola, whose six seasons with the team rank second most behind Harvick, could also call it quits after the 2023 season.
The 38-year-old Fort Walton Beach, Florida native, who has won two races since joining Stewart-Haas Racing in 2018, was initially set to retire after the 2022 season, but he changed his mind and decided to return for 2023 on what was described as a “multi-year deal”, though that deal reportedly contains an option for him to retire if he decides he has had enough after 2023.
Replacing Harvick is one thing. Replacing him and Almirola, especially given the team’s struggles, would make things even more challenging.
Let’s not forget that, while the team has been no strangers to changing their driver lineup over the last seven years, they have never made more than a single change in an offseason during that span.
This is a team that has struggled since the start of the 2021 season, especially relative to some of the other teams that are considered top-tier teams of the sport.
READ MORE: Martin Truex Jr. roars back as he changes the course since 2021
After leading with series with 10 wins (nine from Harvick) in 2020, they won just one race in 2021, when Harvick went winless for the first time since 2009. In 2022, they won three races, but two wins came courtesy of Harvick.
Barring some blockbuster free agent signing, are they ready for post-Harvick reality — especially if they also lose their other veteran driver? Who is going to step up?
Interestingly enough, Harvick wasn’t the team’s highest-finishing driver in the 2022 standings, even though he was their top performer throughout the year. He was eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs.
Briscoe qualified for the playoffs with his early season upset win at Phoenix Raceway. Despite not doing much after that (two top 10 finishes in the final 22 regular season races), he made a deep playoff run and advanced to the round of 8.
He was on pace to advance to the Championship 4 before being passed for the lead late in the round of 8 finales at Martinsville Speedway, and he finished the season with six top-10 finishes in the last seven races.
Even though he got hot at the right time a year ago, his rough start to the 2023 season has cast doubt on the idea that he is truly ready to become Stewart-Haas Racing’s true lead driver.
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Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate: Elon Musk voiced out on Assassination Attempts on Donald Trump, 50cent Rant
Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate: Elon Musk voiced out on Assassination Attempts on Donald Trump, 50cent Rant
Donald Trump was attacked at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. A barrage of gunfire set off panic, and a bloodied Trump, who said he was shot in the ear, was surrounded by Secret Service and hurried to his SUV as he pumped his fist in a show of defiance
Trump’s campaign said the presumptive GOP nominee was doing “fine” after the shooting. The shooter was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who attacked from an elevated position outside the rally venue.
Secret Service agents fatally shot Crooks, One attendee was killed and two spectators were critically injured. All were identified as men. The attack was the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981
The attack drew new attention to concerns about political violence in a deeply polarized U.S. less than four months before the presidential election
President Joe Biden, who is running against Trump, was briefed on the incident and spoke to Trump several hours after the shooting. Many Republicans quickly blamed the violence on Biden and his allies, arguing that sustained attacks on Trump as a threat to democracy have created a toxic environment.
Elon Musk twitted to condemn the action
Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate. Either way, the SS leadership must resign. https://t.co/0vYGrj6yuH
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 14, 2024
It’s crazy they didn’t see him in advance from this vantage point?!? https://t.co/4XyuOMYfVT
— Craig Chamberlin (@CraigChamberlin) July 14, 2024
https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1812257391150502372?t=oGfLntavblJs2fBO4V5JXQ&s=19
https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1812257391150502372?t=oGfLntavblJs2fBO4V5JXQ&s=19
https://twitter.com/50cent/status/1812281668759109860?t=9znqS3__kyEUWhXiYGjrFw&s=19
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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.
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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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