After an illustrious three-decade-long racing career, Kevin Harvick is parting ways with NASCAR, his team, and his long-standing sponsor, Anheuser-Busch. It marks the end of an era in NASCAR. Harvick has been a prominent figure in the sport, not only as a skilled driver but also as a respected voice in the racing community. As Harvick closed a big chapter of his life after the final race in Phoenix, Busch Beer found a unique way to honor him—giving a nod to his nickname, “The Closer.”

Busch Beer pays the ultimate tribute to Kevin Harvick to honor his remarkable career and their partnership

Though he steps away from his driving career, Kevin Harvick plans to stay involved in racing. He wants to ensure that he doesn’t go more than a week without being at the racetrack. This commitment demonstrates his passion and his desire to stay relevant and engaged with the sport. He values his relationships in the NASCAR community from top to bottom. And he wants to continue being a part of it even after his retirement.

Busch Beer, Harvick‘s primary sponsor, decided to pay tribute to the driver in a remarkable way. They’ve permanently etched Kevin Harvick’s likeness onto one of their finishing tanks at their Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis. This gesture is a nod to Harvick’s nickname, “The Closer,” as the tank is a crucial part of the final step of the brewing process.

This special tribute doesn’t just recognize Harvick’s achievements on the track. It also acknowledges his contributions to the sport away from it. It’s a testament to the strong partnership between Harvick and the $116-billion-worth brewer, which has become a significant part of NASCAR’s history.

The news of this unique honor was shared by Adam Stern via a tweet.

It’s not just his team and sponsor. Harvick’s fellow drivers have also praised him for being the voice of the drivers in the sport.

Denny Hamlin dubs Harvick as the most respected driver in modern-day NASCAR

While Kevin Harvick’s impact on the sport is undeniable, his influence extends beyond the racetrack. Fellow Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin recently spoke about Harvick’s role in a documentary titled “4EVER Defining: The Closer.”

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Hamlin expressed his admiration for Harvick, dubbing him the “most respected race car driver” in the modern-day NASCAR garage. He highlighted Harvick’s significant presence, especially after the departure of NASCAR legends like Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr, and others.

Hamlin stated, “Well, one thing is for sure. Whenever Kevin speaks up, whether it be in the media or at the racetrack, off the racetrack, people listen. I think Kevin is probably the most respected racecar driver that we have in our garage. I think that he’s really been a great voice and a great leader within our sport.”

Harvick’s dedication to improving the sport and enriching the lives of drivers has left an indelible mark. Even as he transitions from his driving career, his impact on NASCAR continues to be felt, making him a beloved figure both on and off the track.

As Kevin Harvick bids farewell to his racing career and his partnership with Busch Beer, he leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered in the annals of NASCAR history.

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