Right Decision for Harvick

Kevin Harvick and Stewart-Haas Racing have become a formidable pairing

No doubt about it. Kevin Harvick made absolutely the right decision in opting to sign a long-term deal to stay with Stewart-Haas Racing.

Yes, a drive with Hendrick Motorsports – Harvick was rumored to be in line to replace the under performing Kasey Kahne in the No. 5 Chevrolet – had to be tempting. Over the past 25-30 years, Hendrick has been the gold standard in stock car racing. Harvick probably would have enjoyed the ability to measure himself against Jimmie Johnson, and no one can doubt the marketing opportunities that would have been available at Hendrick. Furthermore, with SHR ditching Hendrick Chevrolets for Ford in 2017, Harvick would have been able to keep driving the Hendrick-powered Chevys that have been so much a part of his success in recent years.

Also, given the storybook partnership Harvick and Chevrolet have enjoyed, you have to wonder how much Harvick was willing to turn his back on that relationship at the age of 40.

Still, all other things being equal, this was an easy decision for the Bakersfield, CA native.

To begin, SHR along with Gibbs, Penske, and Hendrick constitute the elite in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series having won 34 consecutive races between them dating back to Pocono last season. And yes, moving to Hendrick would have kept Harvick in one the precious 12-14 top seats in the paddock. But leaving SHR would have also meant giving up something every driver craves: unquestioned status as the top dog at one of the elite teams in the sport. And when it comes to this elite of the elite status one could argue there are only two such current seats: the 4 (Harvick) and the 48 (Johnson).

In other words, given the current landscape with Johnson at Hendrick, Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano at Penske, and the four car armada at Gibbs, even if Harvick could have his pick of any team, he would likely opt to go exactly where he currently is. There is nothing better.

Of course, people will point out that Ford is a downgrade from Chevrolet, and recent history would certainly validate that claim. However, the switch to Ford could also be viewed through the prism of SHR taking another step forward, believing it has the resources to differentiate themselves from the other top teams. Staying as the customer Hendrick Chevy team ensures that SHR remain at best equal to Hendrick in the horsepower department. Yes, the move to Ford has potential risks, but rewards as well.

Last, I’ve always believed fit is underrated. Although it’s hard to quantify exactly what makes for a good fit, no one is questioning that Harvick, crew chief Rodney Childers and the #4 team have been a superb fit While Harvick was a very good driver from 2001-2013 at Richard Childress Racing, he has become other-worldly since joining SHR. Get this: in 84 races for SHR, Harvick has 35 top-three finishes.

In short, there’s no question how Harvick fits at SHR. For whatever reason, the pairing has seemed to be an ideal one.

So, ultimately there were some factors that surely tugged at Harvick a bit. But at the end of the day, the decision to stay with SHR, really wasn’t a decision at all.

Brian Carroccio is a senior columnist for Autoracing1. He can be contacted at BrianC@AutoRacing1.com.