The Real Heroes 400 race, won by Kevin Harvick, at Darlington Speedway this year was a special event for everyone in NASCAR. Because that represented the first Cup Series race to be conducted in the pandemic era, following the season restart.

Harvick crossed the finish line and passed the checkered flag to win the race. But usually, when that happens, he is treated to a roar and cheers from fans. This time, though, there was nothing but silence.

The 45-year-old opened up on his experience of winning at Darlington. Incidentally, that win also happened to be his 50th Cup Series career race victory, which made it even more special.

Kevin Harvick recounts ‘pure silence’ at Darlington

Harvick had stated at the time, “For me, it kind of put everything into perspective. And you know I think as a driver being in the car and all those emotions and everything that go with that. To get out of the car to pure silence, was really a moment that for me helped me put it into how big of an event it was, without the fans there.”

“So I think as you look back on it. And I see all the texts and I see all the different things that are happening today. It is just a huge moment for our country, for our sport, for the sports world.”

It definitely took the hard work and efforts of many people in NASCAR to even get the season back underway. Harvick made it a point to thank all those who had made the seemingly impossible happen.

The Stewart-Haas Racing driver further said, “And I am just honored to hopefully continue being a part of this as we go forward. Just want to thank everybody at NASCAR for everything and the teams for everything that they did to put this event on. Because there was a ton of work that’s gone into it.”

Harvick notched nine wins in 2020 but endured disappointment

The Darlington win was one of a total of nine race victories Harvick achieved in the 2020 season. It almost felt like momentum was on his side, and no one could stop him from winning the Cup Series title.

However, the performances in the Round of 8 were not solid enough, and he ended up getting knocked out of championship contention. But a driver of Harvick’s stature only returns stronger. He will once again start as a title favorite in 2021.

READ MORE – Kevin Harvick Sets a Massive Record in Stellar 2020 Season as All Major Statistics Display His Dominance