Kevin Harvick had a great time with Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) at the North Wilkesboro race. The 2023 season marked the end of Harvick’s career in the Cup Series, where he was one of the most successful drivers in the sport. After retiring, he joined Fox Sports as a commentator. Surprisingly, Harvick returned to the Cup Series replacing a Hendrick Motorsports driver in North Wilkesboro.
During the All-Star weekend, Harvick had the opportunity to drive in the practice session at North Wilkesboro. This opportunity arose because Kyle Larson, the driver of the No:5 Chevy, had to participate in practice sessions for the Indy 500 with Arrow McLaren. Harvick was fully involved in the preparations for the race weekend and spoke about it in advance.
Harvick noted that Hendrick Motorsports operates differently from the teams he was part of in the Cup Series, such as RCR and SHR. He mentioned that the organization is deeply involved in both racing and commercial aspects, which he appreciates. Harvick also mentioned that the team is run like a well-structured business.
Reflecting on his experience with HMS, Harvick admitted that it was rewarding for him to be part of such a large team. He also enjoyed comparing the facilities of his former SHR team with those of HMS.
This new experience with HMS will give Kevin Harvick valuable insights into how the Next-Gen car has evolved since his retirement. This information will allow him to have a better perspective on the races during his broadcasts.