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Kevin Harvick Changes Voice About His Retirement
Kevin Harvick Changes Voice About His Retirement
Nascar champion Kevin Harvick is preparing for the biggest change of his professional career. It’s bigger than when he began racing full-time in the Cup Series for Richard Childress Racing, and it’s larger than becoming the ace driver at Stewart-Haas Racing.
Harvick is ready, and he’s excited about the next challenge of his life as he steps away from full-time Nascar racing at the end of the season.
“I have no regrets,” Harvick said, reflecting on his retirement.
The decision, he said, mulled over his head for the last five years before finally deciding now is the right time to hang up his helmet. The man who’s been one of the voices of the garage area for the last few years is now set to be the voice of Nascar on TV. He’s headed to the Nascar on Fox booth, where he’ll serve as an analyst alongside play-by-play announcer Mike Joy and former teammate Clint Bowyer.
“Every week has been like, ‘That was the last Daytona 500, the last Coke 600,’” Harvick said. “I haven’t gotten out of the car once and said, ‘I don’t know if this is the right thing to do.’ Part of that is because I know I’ll be sitting in the TV booth next year. We have all of our business in line, the structure for everything we have and our people. It’s a great time to transition and be part of what my kids have going on, and I’ll help DeLana with them. I’m enjoying every week, but I’m not disappointed it’s the last one.”
Harvick is having a solid final season with Stewart-Haas Racing. He is only one of two Ford drivers — the other being Ryan Blaney — to rank in the top 10 in the standings through the first 15 races.
Currently, Harvick is on pace to perform better in his final season than four-time Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon did in his 2015 retirement tour. That season, Gordon won his final event with just four races left in the season, locking him into the championship battle for the last time. Gordon ended his final full season with five top fives and 21 top 10s with a 13.7 average finish.
Harvick has shown that age hasn’t slowed him down one bit. As the leader of Stewart-Haas Racing, he’s been the one to find speed while his three teammates sit 25th or worse in the standings, though Chase Briscoe received one of the biggest penalties in Nascar history following the Coca-Cola 600 and was docked 120 points.
But even with strong performances to start the year, Harvick is not changing his decision. He will not pull a Tom Brady and return for another final chapter.
“As we’ve gone to each race, we started planning and put the pieces in a play about a year ago to officially say there is no more maybe and there are no more extensions,” Harvick said. “This is it.”
Harvick may be even busier in his post-driving career than he is at the moment.
KHI Management, his sports management firm, is expanding. The pieces are in place to have Harvick himself take on an enhanced role, serving as a mentor for the athletes and drivers he works with. Among the firm’s clients are potential future drivers at SHR, including Harrison Burton, Todd Gilliland, and, most recently, Josh Berry. Berry, who drives for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series and filled in for Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman with Hendrick Motorsports in the Cup Series this year, is reportedly finalizing a deal to take over Harvick’s car in 2024.
The team at KHI, which includes three people who have worked with Harvick for 25 years, has been hard at work for the last year to prepare him for what’s next. And he leaned on SHR co-owner Tony Stewart about how to enjoy his final season.
“We put logos into place for racetracks, fans, and merchandise,” Harvick said. “We put a lot of pieces into play for the small things that we didn’t want to creep up as we started the season. Stewart-Haas Racing has been a huge part of everything that we have going on because of everything they did with Tony.
“Getting advice from Tony and everybody on his team about things they did like and didn’t like, how they did things, what was the most distracting. Our goal from the beginning was to make sure the distractions didn’t get in the way of the competition.”
Along with his Nascar on Fox gig, Harvick will be traveling to his son’s races. Until now, he’s only seen 11-year-old Keelan Harvick compete in Europe twice. Now, it’s time to focus on being a dad and a coach.
Harvick said, “Being able to spend more time with his racing and watch Piper do what she wants to do and not have my wife look at me with the evil eye while she’s traveling to watch Keelan race. I want to have flexibility in my schedule to spend more time with all of them. They’re at a pivotal point in their lives where they need both of their parents to be part of it as much as possible. Getting out of the competition side allows me to have some flexibility in my schedule.”
To top it off, Harvick is also one of the new owners of the CARS Tour, alongside Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks.
“I’ll probably be busier, but it’s a different busy,” Harvick said. “This is the part that’s hard for people to understand: you see Sunday and you see the race, but you don’t see all of the work during the week.
“Not being responsible for that competitive mindset will make my brain function a lot easier. That’s the main part that will free up the mental capacity that’s absorbed by the competition side. The only way to be good at this is to do it everyday and be involved with it at a high level, because the more details you can cover and the better that’s structured, the better you’re going to be.”
As Harvick prepares for the second half of the Nascar season, his eyes are on the championship trophy. There’s only one way for him to go out, he believes, and that’s on top.
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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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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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Mick Schumacher coming to America. Mercedes F1 reserve linked with exciting new project
“We use it as a tool” – Bubba Wallace joins owner Denny Hamlin in NASCAR latest rational decision
