The stars were all aligning for Stewart-Haas Racing‘s veteran Kevin Harvick to end his 2023 career on a high note, spearing into the next playoff stage with a win at Darlington. Unfortunately for the 2014 Cup Series champion and his fans, the story did not end that way.

Despite putting on a  blistering pace, steamrolling his way into the front just behind the race leader Tyler Reddick, a late caution and a consequent pit penalty ruined the veteran’s Cinderella story, drowning the eager crowd in sorrow. Following the Darlington disappointment, the #4 SHR team’s legendary crew chief vowed to make a final stand, pledging to go out on his shield.

Kevin Harvick’s legendary crew chief takes a vow despite the Darlington “heartbreak”

While the 1.3-mile short track at Darlington favored the seasoned drivers, things did not pan out that way. Veterans Denny Hamlin and SHR driver Kevin Harvick, both found that the hard way. The #11 JGR driver who aced both the first two stages of the race fell behind in the late stages while the older and more experienced Harvick mustered on.

The #4 SHR Ford showed exceptional speed and pace as he chased down car after car to the second spot behind the race leader Tyler Reddick. Breathing down the 23XI Racing driver’s neck and giving him a run, the crowd was electric as they awaited the veteran to cross the checkered flag in flying colors.

However, with 50 laps to go, fate had other plans as it did the 47-year-old dirty, essentially taking away his unbelievable run and turning it upside down. In an effort to swap the rubber, and make more speed, Harvick was asked to pit by his crew chief. Seeing the veteran opting to pit and fearing the worst, Reddick almost caused a pile-up when he pulled over his #45 Toyota into the pit lane.

To make matters worse, Ryan Newman who was behind the #45 lost control and spun out, bringing a late caution that essentially earned Harvick a pit penalty as he entered the pit lane under the caution. The caution light went off just as Harvick was a car length away from passing the pit road line. The light’s illumination meant the pit road was closed, getting the veteran a stiff penalty and ruining his chances.

With the veteran showing the community a glimpse of his old self, fans bombarded his crew chief’s tweet with many urging the team to soldier on.

Fans extend their support, wishing to see their favorite driver end his legendary career with a bang

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Sunday’s race at Darlington indeed was anti-climactic for JGR fans and SHR fans. While HMS’ once-in-a-generation talent, Kyle Larson racked up a sought-after win at the short and technical track, both Harvick and Hamlin who had promising runs ended their days on a sad note.

If it was a pit lane confusion that got the #11 car back, Harvick’s got into trouble following a controversial caution. The #4 Ford in an effort to dish out more speed opted to pit, prompting the then race leader Reddick to follow the same. But the 27-year-old under his command from his crew chief panicked and braked hard, eventually getting bumped by the #51 from behind.

This brought out a quick and controversial caution. In fact, it was so quick that Harvick wasn’t in the pit lane at the time the light came on. The late penalty really did its damage as it took the veteran from the 2nd position to the back, finishing the race in the 19th spot.

Read More: Joe Gibbs Comes Clean on Using Clever Ploy To Throw Out Former Neighbor Denny Hamlin: “It Took Her About 18 Months”

Despite the controversial ending, fans showed hope, urging the #4 team to solider on.

“All good tracks for the 4 car so I feel pretty confident in you all moving on to the next round”

“Y’all had the crowd cheering when y’all were getting ready to take the lead!! Keep grinding!!”

One fan even tweeted an iconic animation from the movie, The Wolf of Wall Street

Whereas another fan commented,

“Don’t stop. You guys got this. Funny how fast they threw that flag yesterday. Keep digging and fighting for it.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Kevin Harvick loses his only hope to win a race, NASCAR faces criticism from Tony Stewart’s team members