Back in 2018, Kevin Harvick took a cheeky jab at Kyle Busch in the press conference. When Busch drove in the Truck race, he won it and compared it to his Cup car. According to Busch, the Cup Series vehicle was quite ‘loose’ and got quite sideways on a number of occasions. When Busch came off of Turn 2, the car confirmed this very issue. Just as Busch was being asked about that moment, Harvick interrupted. He said [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6k5EOxHDfA&feature=youtu.be], “Wait a second, do you listen to his radio? He’s never good, even when he’s fast. Even when he’s fast, he’s not good.” Of course, Kyle Busch had to chuckle at that statement. However, he defended himself and cited the race in Charlotte, where he performed fairly decently. HOW IS THE RIVALRY BETWEEN KYLE BUSCH AND KEVIN HARVICK? It is safe to say that the two of them are fairly fierce rivals. Once upon a time, Harvick confessed that there were times that he ‘wanted to rip Kyle Busch’s head off for a long time.’ Since then, he has begun to appreciate the Joe Gibbs Racing driver and respect him. Kevin Harvick and Matt Kenseth in action in NASCAR Cup Series [https://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2020-11-01T204436Z_305822269_MT1USATODAY15143171_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-XFINITY-500-1.jpg]Nov 1, 2020; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick (4) and NASCAR Cup Series driver Matt Kenseth (42) during the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports Busch suspected that Harvick’s attitude began to change from 2014 onwards. Around this time, the 44-year-old [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-former-nascar-star-explains-where-kevin-harvick-needs-to-improve-despite-nine-wins-in-2020/] moved to the Stewart-Haas Racing team and welcomed his son Keelan into the world. Additionally, the rise of social media likely played a big role in tempering rivalries instead of escalating them. Earlier this year, the two of them had a small coming together on the track. At the Martinsville Speedway, Kevin Harvick embraced the policy of ‘desperate times call for desperate measures.’ The #4 Stewart-Haas driver needed to make it into the Championship 4, and the one man standing in his way was Kyle Busch. As a result, the driver tried to tag Busch out of the race, but it backfired. 

Back in the 2018 Cup season, Kevin Harvick took a bit of a cheeky dig at rival
Kyle Busch in a press conference, which Kyle laughed off.

Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. He not only writes engaging content but helps connect readers with some of the biggest racing names thanks to his ability to churn out exclusive interviews.

Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. When he's not writing about Stock Car Racing, he can be found reading and writing fan fiction.

Dhruv George

Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch.

Dhruv George | Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports

EssentiallySports

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Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. He not only writes engaging content but helps connect readers with some of the biggest racing names thanks to his ability to churn out exclusive interviews. Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. When he's not writing about Stock Car Racing, he can be found reading and writing fan fiction.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Dhruv-George-1-96x96.png

Dhruv George is a senior Formula One and NASCAR analyst for EssentiallySports,
having authored nearly 12000 articles spanning different sports like F1, NASCAR,
Tennis, NFL, and eSports. He graduated with a PG Diploma in Journalism from the
Xavier Institute of Communications. Dhruv has also conducted interviews with F1
driver Pierre Gasly and Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino. He has been an ardent
follower of motorsports sport since 2001, holding Carlos Sainz Jr. and McLaren
in high regard.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Dhruv_George.png

Kyle Busch with his Cup Series trophy at Homestead-Miami Speedway

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400

HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 17: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&amp;M's Toyota poses with the trophy after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Homestead Speedway in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 - EssentiallySports

Starting off as a tennis author in 2018, Varun Khanna has gone on to contribute to EssentiallySports in various capacities. After setting up interviews with the likes of Serena Williams? coach Patrick Mouratoglou, Aliz? Cornet, and Noah Rubin, Varun is now part of all major ATP and WTA press conferences and has gone on to pen more than 1300 articles for EssentiallySports. He now heads the tennis and NBA division of the organization. While writing remains a passion for him, Varun has branched out into the marketing and communications department of EssentiallySports as well. When he wants to relax, Varun doesn?t have to venture away from tennis and NBA; he simply tunes in to Rafael Nadal and Michael Jordan?s exploits in their respective sports, past and present.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/varun_profile-96x96.png

Varun Khanna

figcaption

figure

“Do You Listen to His Radio?” – Kevin Harvick Takes a Dig at Kyle Busch

Dale Jr Unmasks Teresa Earnhardt’s Refusal to Sell Him His Late Father’s Prized
Possession That Forced Relocation Move

Kevin Harvick Reveals His Deliberately Reckless Move to See Out $228 Billion
Sponsor

Uncertain “Political Environment” Cause Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing
to Take a Major Sponsorship Hit

“They’re a Bunch of Morons”: Dale Earnhardt Jr Baffled by His Employees’ Texas
Hypocrisy Post Their “Entertaining” Verdict

Chase Elliott Dissects NASCAR’s Double Edged Sword, Reignites Denny Hamlin’s
Horsepower Rant With Harsh Reality Check

US Army rides in style & safety! NASCAR champs win acclaim for reinforced Chevy troop carriers 

Hendrick Tech for Army Trucks

Rumors of SHR downsizing fly as sponsorships dry up & Michael Jordan’s team eyes a ‘bargain’


23XI Frontrunners For A Third Car?

We remember a racing legend whose name isn't as widely known as the brand he helped build.

Forgotten Brother Behind Chevrolet’s Legacy

Delving into the business intricacies of the sports world ft. Chloe V. Mitchell

Exclusive unheard NBA stories with dunk master Austin Fritts

3 Time Mr. Olympia Frank Zane- The Chemist who made Arnold Schwarzenegger cry


MILLION DOLLAR BLING, Saudi Arabian Glory, World Title and More  Ft. Impa Kasanganay

NASCAR

NASCAR Archives

LatestNASCAR - EssentiallySports News | EssentiallySports

<h1 style="text-align: center"><b>NASCAR Cup Series: Origin, Teams and More</b></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is the NASCAR Cup Series?</strong></h2>
NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) is the authorizing body for stock-vehicle racing in North America. It was established in 1948 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Currently, the organization fields four types of tracks: Intermediate tracks, Superspeedways, Short Tracks and Road Courses.

[caption id="attachment_2675743" align="alignnone" width="5162"]<img class="wp-image-2675743 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-20T005209Z_1919194866_MT1USATODAY22564783_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-DAYTONA-500.jpg" alt="NASCAR" width="5162" height="3322" /> Feb 19, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series drivers Corey LaJoie (7), Kyle Busch (8) and A.J. Allmendinger (16) race three wide for the lead during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Origin</strong></h2>
The first-ever NASCAR race was held at Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway on June 19, 1949 and Christian David "Jim" Roper was the victor after racer Glen Dunaway was disqualified for making illegal adjustments to his car.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On this day in 1949, NASCAR held its first-ever "Strictly Stock" race.</p>
Thirty-three drivers raced at Charlotte Speedway, six of which were future NASCAR Hall of Famers. Jim Roper was declared the winner following a disqualification to Glenn Dunaway. <a href="https://t.co/yBUDRcRxVo">pic.twitter.com/yBUDRcRxVo</a>

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASCAR/status/1670832065690972160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote>

<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Why is it named Cup Series? </strong></h2>
The NASCAR Cup Series is the pinnacle of the racing arrangement in the NASCAR classification. The arrangement started in 1949 and was called the Strictly Stock Division. The series was subsequently known as the Grand National Division from 1950 to 1970.

Then, in 1971, it started renting its naming rights to the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and was alluded to as the NASCAR Winston Cup Series till 2003. From the next year onwards, the series came to be known as the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series till 2007 after a partnership with Nextel.

Sprint obtained Nextel in 2005 and 2008 saw the arrangement being renamed as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Sprint remained the sponsor of the NASCAR Cup from 2008 to 2016. It was reported in December 2016 that Monster Energy would be the sponsor; therefore, the arrangement was renamed the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series from 2017 to 2019.

However, after decades of name changes, in 2017, the organization finally decided to shed off its old image and simply be named as the NASCAR Cup Series, with series sponsors being called 'Premier Partners'.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is the format of the Cup Series?</strong></h2>
The NASCAR points system has been a complicated affair to say the least. Over the years, the organization has tried several iterations, namely the Latford system, the Chase and the current elimination playoffs format among others, to discern one that would be fair to each driver.

While the earlier system saw drivers being awarded points on the basis of prize money in a particular race, in 1972 a new format was introduced. This time the points were awarded on the basis of laps completed. However, even that came with its own flaws and just two years later, in 1974, the organization introduced point calculation based on a mathematical formula. However, given the complexity of the equation, Bill France Jr, the former CEO of NASCAR decided to step in and call upon his close friend Bob Latford, to come up with an efficient way, which later came to be known as Boot Hill Format or the Latford Model.

With equal points awarded in all races, as New York Times aptly put it: <em>"Mr. Latford set up his points scale to reward consistency rather than flashes of brilliance, and drivers seem to like it that way."</em>

This system was perhaps the longest-running one during that time, being replaced in 2003, by The Chase format. Currently, the NASCAR Cup Series operates on the Playoff Format. The schedule consists of 31 oval races, 4 road course races, one street track race, and 4 non-championship races to be held on ovals. This also includes 16 playoff races, with four elimination rounds, namely, Round of 16, Round of 12, Round of 4 and Championship 4.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Teams</strong></h2>
As of 2024, the NASCAR Cup Series has 16 full-time teams participating and three manufacturers, namely Toyota, Chevrolet and Ford. As for the team with the most number of victories and championship, Hendrick Motorsports has has an undebatable upper hand, with 305 Cup Series wins and 14 drivers championships.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Venue</strong></h2>
The first championship race was reportedly held at Martinsville Speedway, a half-mile oval, on October 16, 1949. Currently, the final race of a Cup season is held at the Phoenix Raceway, which is a one-mile, low-banked tri-oval race track located in Avondale, Arizona, near Phoenix.

[caption id="attachment_1351857" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1351857 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-11-07T003206Z_1075855806_MT1USATODAY19376372_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-CUP-CHAMPIONSHIP.jpg" alt="Joey Logano NASCAR" width="1920" height="1289" /> Nov 6, 2022; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano (22) races in the final laps of the Cup championship at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Championship</strong></h2>
The NASCAR Cup Series hosts three different championship under one name: The Driver's Championship, the Owner's Championship and the Manufacturer's Championship. The driver's championship as the name suggests is the award given to the driver that has emerged as the winner at the end of a season. On the other hand, the Owner's Championship aims to reward the team at the top of the points standings. The driver with the most championship wins are Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson. Additionally, Rick Hendrick-owned Hendrick Motorsports has won a record-breaking 14 championships till date.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1195372 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/ezgif.com-gif-maker-3-78.jpg" alt="Richard Petty Dale Earnhardt NASCAR" width="1850" height="1253" />

On a similar note, the Manufacturer's Championship sees Original Equipment Manufacturers(OEMs) being awarded a championship based on how races their cars managed to dominate and the points accumulated. In this regard, US-based manufacturer Chevrolet has racked up the most Cup Series wins at 42, followed by Ford at 17, and Toyota at 3.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Track Types</strong></h2>
As mentioned earlier, the NASCAR Cup series organizes its races on four different types of tracks, namely, Intermediate tracks, Superspeedways, Short Tracks and Road Courses.

When it comes to Intermediate tracks, it simply means <em>"any track greater than one mile in length, with the exception of both Daytona and Talladega" </em>according to the official NASCAR website and currently the Cup Series drivers compete on the following Intermediate tracks/Speedways :
<ul>
 	<li>Atlanta Motor Speedway (1.540-mile, Quad-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Charlotte Motor Speedway (1.500-mile Quad-Oval, including a 2.280 miles Road Course)</li>
 	<li>Darlington Raceway (1.366-mile, Egg-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li>Dover Motor Speedway (1.000-mile, Concrete Oval)</li>
 	<li>Homestead-Miami Speedway (1.500-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Kansas Speedway (1.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Las Vegas Motor Speedway (1.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Michigan International Speedway (2.000-mile, D-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li>Nashville Superspeedway (1.333-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1.058-mile, Paperclip Oval)</li>
 	<li>Phoenix Raceway (1.000-mile, Dogleg Oval)</li>
 	<li>Texas Motor Speedway (1.500-mile, Quad-Oval)</li>
 	<li>World Wide Technology Raceway (1.250-mile, Egg-Shaped Oval)</li>
</ul>
On the other hand, Superspeedways ae oval road courses of two miles or longer. Currently, the NASCAR Cup Series has the following Superspeedways:
<ul>
 	<li>Auto Club Speedway (2.000-mile, D-Shaped Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Chicagoland Speedway (1.500-mile, D-Shaped Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Daytona International Speedway (2.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Kentucky Speedway (1.500-mile, D-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li>Pocono Raceway (2.500-mile, Triangular Oval)</li>
 	<li>Talladega Superspeedway (2.660-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
</ul>
The short tracks (less than 1 mile in length) that are part of NASCAR are:
<ul>
 	<li>Bristol Motor Speedway (0.533-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Eldora Speedway (0.500-mile, Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Iowa Speedway (0.875-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Knoxville Raceway (0.500-mile, Oval</li>
 	<li>Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum)</li>
 	<li>Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (0.686-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Martinsville Speedway (0.526-mile, Paperclip Oval)</li>
 	<li>Milwaukee Mile Speedway (1.015-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>North Wilkesboro Speedway (0.625-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Richmond Raceway (0.750-mile, D-shaped Oval)</li>
</ul>
As for Road Courses, NASCAR makes use of the following race tracks:
<ul>
 	<li>Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (2.459-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Chicago Street Race (2.14 miles)</li>
 	<li>Circuit of the Americas (3.426-mile)</li>
 	<li>DAYTONA Road Course (4.170-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (2.400-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Portland International Raceway (1.967-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Road America(4.048-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Sebring Raceway (3.741 mi, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Sonoma Raceway (1.99-mile)</li>
 	<li>Watkins Glen International (2.45-mile)</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Crown Jewel Races</strong></h2>
While NASCAR has several racetracks that it competes on, there are a couple venues that are held in high regards. Currently there are four such venues/races, namely the Daytona 500 held at the Daytona International Speedway, the Coca-Cola 500 held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway , the Brickyard 400/Verizon 200 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Southern 500 at the Darlington Raceway.

Till date, Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman and retired NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon has the most number of Crown Jewel race wins (21), followed by Legacy Motor Club team owner Jimmie Johnson (14) and retired NASCAR driver Bobby Allison (13).

[caption id="attachment_1691261" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1691261 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Jimmie-Johnson-Jeff-Gordon.jpg" alt="Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon" width="1920" height="1280" /> January 20, 2017 - Charlotte, North Carolina, USA - Jimmy Johnson and Jeff Gordon introduce Rick Hendrick at the NASCAR Motorsport USA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, January 20, 2017, in Charlotte, N.C. Rick Hendrick was inducted into the Hall of Fame with Richard Childress, Mark Martin, Raymond Parks, and Benny Parsons. 2017 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - ZUMAw123 20170120_zap_w123_024[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Cars</strong></h2>
NASCAR is an ever-evolving sport and till date, there have been several iterations of the cars used during races. If we go back to the very inception of the sport, the first kind of vehicle that was used used to be called Generation - 1 (1948-1966), followed by Generation - 2 (1967-1980) and Generation - 3 (1981-1991). Later the Generation - 4 (1992 to 2007) was introduced , and then Generation - 5 (2007 -2012) and Generation - 6 (2013-2021) came into play. And currently, NASCAR features the Generation - 7 car that is also known as the Next-Gen.

Anothe notable model was the Generation - 5. Dubbed as the<em> "Car of Tomorrow"</em>, this model featured flaunted prominent front splitters under the bumpers and larger rear wings. Apart from that, according to NASCAR, the car also had <em>"significant safety advancements and a return to symmetrical bodies". </em>

[caption id="attachment_2651610" align="alignnone" width="3461"]<img class="wp-image-2651610 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-16T030626Z_974940649_MT1USATODAY22533198_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-BLUEGREEN-VACATIONS-DUEL-1-AT-DAYTONA.jpg" alt="" width="3461" height="2307" /> Feb 15, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. (19) during the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series debut at the Street Course</strong></h2>
The NASCAR Cup Series has come a long way since its initial days. The organization has always been open to developments and one of the most exciting ones came in 2023,when the tourney made its Street Course debut at Chicago.

In a bid to turn make the schedule even more exciting, NASCAR officials were reportedly in talks with Chicago authorities for a number of years, with one attempt of a Chicago street race even dating back to the 1980s. However, owing to political pressure, that plan failed to materialize. Now, fast forward to four decades later and authorities were finally geared up to host an exciting, first-of-its-kind race in downtown Chicago.

[caption id="attachment_1911252" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1911252 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-07-03T052154Z_1117738559_MT1USATODAY20983749_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-GRANT-PARK-220.jpg" alt="NASCAR" width="1920" height="1280" /> Jul 2, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; A general view as cars race along Grant Park during the Grant Park 220 of the Chicago Street Race viewed from the NEMA Chicago buliding. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

Designed by race simulation video game developer iRacing, the race aimed to showcase the city's major landmarks such as the Buckingham Fountain, the Grant Park and the Soldier Field Stadium, among others.

The first iteration of the race came in July of 2023, with New Zealand born driver Shane van Gisbergen clinching victory in his first-ever NASCAR race. If that's not iconic, what is?

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2804674 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/F0HhwcqXoAI3_zb.jpeg" alt="" width="2048" height="1365" />
<table style="width: 75.2357%;height: 264px">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">NASCAR Cup Series</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Place of Origin</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Year of Origin</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">1949</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">First Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">NASCAR "Strictly Stock" Race, Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Last Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">NASCAR Cup Series Spring Race at Martinsville Speedway, 2024</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Crown Jewel Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Daytona 500, Coca Cola 600, Brickyard 400/ Verizon 200, Southern 500</span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Drivers with the most Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Richard Petty (7), Dale Earnhardt (7) and Jimmie Johnson(7)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Team with the most Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Hendrick Motorsports (14)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">First Champion</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Red Byron</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Defending Champion</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Ryan Blaney (2023)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Defending Team</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Team Penske</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;

NASCAR Cup Series

Here's everything you need to know about the NASCAR Cup Series, its Origin, Teams, History, Venues, Crown Jewel Races and more!

NASCAR Cup Series: Origin, Teams and More

NASCAR Cup Series Archives

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Back in the 2018 Cup season, Kevin Harvick took a bit of a cheeky dig at rival Kyle Busch in a press conference, which Kyle laughed off.

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"Do You Listen to his Radio?" - Kevin Harvick Takes a Dig at Kyle Busch

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<h1 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick: 2024 Net Worth, Stats, Salary, Wife and More</b></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Who is Kevin Harvick?</strong></h2>
Kevin Harvick is a stock car racing driver, who will perhaps always be known as the guy that succeeded <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/dale-earnhardt/">Dale Earnhardt</a>. However, he has made sure that's not the only thing he's known for after churning out more than two decades of what everybody will definitely call an iconic career.

[caption id="attachment_2070221" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-2070221 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-08-12T160152Z_773590676_MT1USATODAY21192103_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-CUP-PRACTICE-QUALIFYING.jpg" alt="Kevin Harvick" width="1920" height="1280" /> Aug 12, 2023; Speedway, Indiana, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick (4) during practice for the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick’s Early Life</b></h2>
Kevin Harvick was born on December 8, 1975, to Mike Harvick and JoNell Harvick. He has a younger sister named Amber, who prefers to stay away from the limelight.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Kevin Harvick’s Wife and Children</strong></h2>
Talking about Kevin Harvick is incomplete without mentioning his partner in crime, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-who-is-delana-harvick-meet-nascar-driver-kevin-harvicks-wife/">DeLana Harvick</a>. The couple first met in the year 2000, when DeLana was working in the Public Relations department for NASCAR driver, Randy LaJoie. The couple, smitten with each other, tied the knot just a year later, shortly after Harvick's Cup Series debut and have been going strong since then. They have <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-meet-kevin-harvicks-children-keelan-harvick-and-piper-grace/">two children together</a>, a son Keelan Paul Harvick, born on July 8, 2012, and a daughter Piper Harvick, his daughter, born on December 8, 2017.

[caption id="attachment_2312873" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-2312873 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/275072737_500811668067352_3858581679021431527_n-e1698862461270.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1142" /> Source: Kevin Harvick's Facbook Page[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick’s Net Worth 2024</b></h2>
Having been a Cup Series driver for over twenty years, Kevin Harvick has reportedly amassed an approximately $70 million net worth. He was reportedly being paid $10.9 million at Stewart-Haas Racing before he retired and was reportedly one of the highest paid drivers in his last full-time season in 2023. While the retired veteran has taken up new duties as a full-time FOX TV Analyst, his salary hasn't been disclosed.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick’s Career Timeline  </b></h2>
Kevin Harvick's relation with the race-track dates back to his toddler days. Little Harvick was reportedly gifted a go-kart by his parents as a kindergarten graduation gift. And since that day, the racer hasn't had to look back. The driver soon started participating in go-karting events, and notably won two Grand National championships and seven national championships. However, Harvick didn't stop there as he began racing in late models on a part-time basis during his teenage days. And just three years later, in 1995, Harvick made his <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-truck-series/">NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series</a> debut at Mesa Marin Raceway, where he finished P27.

Then in 1999, he made his Xfinity Series (then called the NASCAR Busch Series) debut at Rockingham Speedway. Unfortunately, due to an engine failure, the racer had to finish at a dismal P42, despite having started at P24.

Subsequently, Kevin Harvick was scheduled to make a full-time <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-cup-series/">Cup Series</a> in 2002 with <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/richard-childress-racing/">Richard Childress Racing</a>. However, the Intimidator Dale Earnhardt's tragic death during the 2001 Daytona 500 changed all plans and Kevin Harvick had to fill in for Earnhardt for the rest of the season, starting with the Dura Lube 400 at Rockingham Speedway, where he finished P14. And 13 years later, Harvick finally won the Cup Series in 2014.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Kevin Harvick’s Partnerships and Endorsements</strong></h2>
According to Kevin Harvick's official website, he is backed by brands like RealTree, Busch Beer, Hunt Brothers Pizza, Pristine Auction.com, Ezgo and Treetop.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick’s NASCAR Stats</b></h2>
In his elaborate Cup career, Kevin Harvick has clinched 60 wins, 444 Top-10s and 31 pole positions in 826 races. In the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-xfinity-series/">Xfinity Series</a>, in 349 races, the driver has 47 wins, 261 Top-10s and 25 poles. As for NASCAR's third division, the Craftsman Truck Series, Harvick has four pole positions, 62 top-10s and 14 wins in 124, to his name.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick’s Major Achievements and Awards</b></h2>
There's hardly anything the driver has yet to clinch in his NASCAR career. From championship wins to iconic race wins, Harvick has it all! He won the 2014 Cup Series championship, besides being named as one of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023. Apart from that, Harvick is also tops the list for wins at the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/phoenix-raceway/">Phoenix Raceway</a> with nine victories.

He is also the 2011 and 2013 Coca-Cola 600 winner, the 2007 NEXTEL All-Star Challenge winner, the 2009, 2010 and  2013 Sprint Unlimited winner, the 2014 and 2020 Cook Out Southern 500 winner and the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race winner, among others.

[caption id="attachment_423928" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-423928 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20201026190316/GettyImages-1124983304.jpg" alt="Kevin Harvick celebrates his win at Daytona" width="1920" height="1280" /> DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 14: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Busch Beer Car2Can Ford, celebrates in victory lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Gander RV Duel At DAYTONA #1 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick and Dale Earnhardt </b></h2>
Kevin Harvick's foray into the Cup Series will always be a part of the history books. Initially, after showing blistering performances in other NASCAR divisions, Harvick was roped in to make his Cup debut in 2002 on a full-time basis, for Richard Childress Racing. However, that plan didn't see the light of day as, in 2001, during the Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt met his tragic end. Now, left with a vacant No. 29 Chevrolet, Richard Childress decided to field Harvick on an immediate basis that saw him compete the rest of the season, 35 races to be precise, in place of the Intimidator.

Kevin Harvick and Dale Earnhardt shared a camaraderie like no other. Being a part of the same team back then saw the duo form a friendship where Dale Earnhardt reportedly also took up a mentorship role for Harvick, who was in his early 20s back then.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick Controversies</b></h2>
While Kevin Harvick has made some memorable friendships in the circuit during his long career, feuds have also followed him on quite some occasions. One of the most memorable ones date back to 2014 when Kevin Harvick, despite not being involved in a fight directly, decided to stir the pot. The incident unfolded during the final playoff elimination round at the AAA Texas 500. Keselowski seemingly squeezed between the No. 48 of <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/jimmie-johnson/">Johnson</a> and the No. 24 of <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/jeff-gordon/">Gordon</a> in a bid to steal the win but instead bumped Gordon, which ended up spinning him to the back of the field and finish at a dismal P29.

Later, after the conclusion of the race, Gordon stormed over to pit road to confront <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/brad-keselowski/">Keselowski</a>, who didn't seem too interested in a feud. However, things took a turn when Kevin Harvick suddenly came up from behind Keselowski and pushed him toward Jeff Gordon. What followed was a massive fistfight. While Harvick, at the time, may have instigated the fight, he later expressed his regret for the shove.

https://twitter.com/NASCARONFOX/status/1190282849276104704

<em>“I know what I was thinking when I pushed him into the fight and then it caused the chaos. For me, my mind was, ‘Man, we didn’t win tonight. We need chaos'…We needed the story to go elsewhere other than us and being out of contention. It did exactly what I wanted it to do, but it’s not the best thing for your kids to find on YouTube, starting the fight,” </em>Harvick had later shared on 'Stacking Pennies With Corey LaJoie'.

One other driver that the 2014 Cup Series Champion was seen locking horns with was <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/joey-logano/">Joey Logano</a>. The duo was often seen racing hard against each other and even engaging in multiple run-ins. In 2010, at the Pocono Raceway, Harvick had nudged Logano from behind, which sent him spinning. And later, during a post-race interview, Logano didn't holf back from firing shots at both Harvick and his wife DeLana.<em> “I don’t know what his deal is with me, but it’s probably not his fault, you know, his wife wears the firesuit in the family and tells him what to do. I don’t know what I’ve ever done to piss him off, but he’s apparently stupid,”</em> Logano had said. That's not the end of it, though. Again, in 2015, a similar incident took place, but this time it was Logano who nudged Harvick during the Sprint Unlimited at Daytona International Speedway.

https://twitter.com/NASCARONFOX/status/1134497767089303552

While the feud seemed like it would have no end, the duo have let of the bad blood, and are even good friends today.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick Retirement and Fox booth analyst</b></h2>
A saddening news hit the NASCAR circuit in January 2023, when Kevin Harvick announced that he would retire after the 2023 season.

<em>“There is absolutely nothing else in the world that I enjoy doing more than going to the race track, and I’m genuinely looking forward to this season. But as I’ve gone through the years, I knew there would come a day where I had to make a decision. When would it be time to step away from the car? I’ve sought out people and picked their brains. When I asked them when they knew it was the right time, they said it’ll just happen, and you’ll realize that’s the right moment. You’ll make a plan and decide when it’s your last year. It’s definitely been hard to understand when that right moment is because we’ve been so fortunate to run well. But sometimes there are just other things going on that become more important and, for me, that time has come,”</em> Harvick had said in an official press release.

And just a month later, it was announced that the veteran would be joining the FOX Sports Broadcast Booth for the Cup Series in 2024. He was roped in as a part of a three-member team alongside Mike Joy and Clint Bowyer.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Harvick Social Media </b></h2>
Kevin Harvick is active on all major social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
<table style="width: 691px">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 76.9028px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Facebook</span></td>
<td style="width: 599.431px">https://www.facebook.com/KevinHarvick/</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 76.9028px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td style="width: 599.431px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kevinharvick/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/kevinharvick/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 76.9028px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Twitter</span></td>
<td style="width: 599.431px"><a href="https://twitter.com/KevinHarvick?">https://twitter.com/KevinHarvick/</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="width: 54.3473%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Kevin Michael Harvick</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Popular Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Kevin Harvick, The Closer, Happy Harvick</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Birthdate</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">December 8, 1975</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Birthplace</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Bakersfield, California, U.S.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Age </span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">48 (as of March 2024)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Height </span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">1.78 m</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Weight</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">175 lb (79 kg)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Parents</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Mike, Harvick, JoNell Harvick</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Siblings</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Amber</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Nationality </span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Ethnicity</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Caucasian</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Salary</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Approx. $10.9 million at SHR before retirement</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Approx. $70 millon</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Relationship/ Marital Status</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Married</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Spouse</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">DeLana Harvick</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Children</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%"> 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Profession</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Retired stock car racing driver, Fox Analyst</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.6915%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Team</span></td>
<td style="width: 280.878%">Stewart-Haas Racing at the time of retirement</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

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