Kevin Harvick Incorporated
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| Owner(s) | Kevin Harvick DeLana Harvick |
|---|---|
| Base | Kernersville, North Carolina,United States |
| Series | Camping World Truck Series Nationwide Series CARS Tour |
| Race drivers | CARS Tour 29.Brent Crews 62.Josh Berry,William Sawalich,Layne Riggs,Landen Lewis,Kevin Harvick |
| Sponsors | CARS Tour 29.Mobil 1 62.Hunt Brothers Pizza,Morton Buildings, Puryear Tank Lines,Busch Light |
| Manufacturer | |
| Opened | 2002(original) |
| Closed | 2011(original) |
| Career | |
| Drivers' Championships | Truck Series: 2007,2009 |
| Race victories | Truck Series: 43 Nationwide Series: 10 |
Kevin Harvick, Inc.,colloquially referred to asKHI,is a racing team owned by formerNASCAR Cup SeriesdriverKevin Harvickand his wifeDeLana,who is the daughter of formerBusch SeriesdriverJohn Linville.The team owned cars in the NASCAR Nationwide Series,Truck Series,and theARCA Re/Max Series.
The team's Nationwide Series equipment was originally purchased from the formerBACE MotorsportsandAndy Petree Racingteams. It was announced in September 2011 that KHI would merge withRichard Childress Racingbeginning in 2012, with KHI no longer fielding a vehicle in any of the top three NASCAR divisions. In 2024, the team returned tolate model racingin theCARS Tour,fielding the No. 29 late model full-time forBrent Crewsand the No. 62 late model full-time for several drivers. KHI also operates as a management agency for athletes, particularly in motorsports.
Nationwide Series
[edit]Car No. 2 history
[edit]
- Elliott Sadler (2011)
This team ran full-time in 2011 with formerSprint CupdriverElliott Sadlerdriving andErnie Copeas the crew chief. The team struggled the early portion of the season, but soon found momentum and battled withRoush Fenway RacingdriverRicky Stenhouse Jr.for the Nationwide Series points lead. Despite the No. 2 team going winless in 2011, Sadler finished 2nd in points. The team returned in 2012 under the RCR banner.
Car No. 4 history
[edit]- Part-time (2009–2011)
For 2009, Harvick planned a one-car effort, but with additional sponsorship for theZippo 200at Watkins Glen fromSchickCanada, J. R. Fitzpatrick drove the second car at Watkins Glen, carrying the No. 4 for KHI's second team.Tony Stewartdrove the 4 in the 2010 season opener at Daytona, winning the race withOreo/Ritz Crackerssponsorship.
Tony Stewart drove the No. 4Oreo/Ritz CrackersChevrolet Impala once again at Daytona in 2011.[1]He won his fourth consecutive season opening race with a last lap pass on teammate Clint Bowyer to score his 2nd victory in a row with the No. 4 and his fourth for KHI. Harvick drove at Talladega, Daytona, and Kansas in the No. 4 withArmour Vienna Sausages,OneMain Financial,andHunt Brothers Pizzasponsoring respectively.
Car No. 9 history
[edit]- Part-time (2011)
In July 2011, Tony Stewart raced a fourth KHI car at Daytona with clothing brandTapoutsponsoring. Stewart tried to sweep both Nationwide races held at Daytona, but was caught up in a late wreck.
Car No. 33 history
[edit]
- Part-time (2004)
KHI's No. 33 team was formed whenAndy Petree Racing's No. 33 Busch team was shut down halfway through the2004season. Kevin Harvick purchased the team and it made its debut in the 19th race of the season atChicagoland SpeedwaywithClint Bowyerbehind the wheel. He started 40th and finished in the 42nd position due to rear end problems. He drove again atDarlington Racewayand finished 15th.Tony Rainesended the season at theFord 300with a 35th-place finish after being involved in a crash.
- Multiple drivers (2005-2011)
Tony Stewartwon the team's first NASCAR Busch Series race in2005by winning theHershey's Take 5 300atDaytona International Speedwayin February. Stewart and Raines shared the 33 that season, with Stewart running races with Old Spice sponsorship, and Raines withYard Man/Outdoor Channelbacking. Raines collected nine top-ten finishes and finished 20th in the points despite only running 23 races. Stewart's lone win in 10 races came at Daytona and had only three top-five finishes. KHI development driverBurney Lamarjoined the 33 for a pair of races as well, his best finish a 34th atHomestead-Miami Speedway.
In 2002 Canadian driverRon Fellowsbefriended Harvick and asked for a ride. Harvick agreed to put Fellows in some Busch Series races in the No. 33 Chevy on several occasions during the years. Fellows performed well on the road courses and had some nice performances on some oval tracks. The last time he raced for Kevin Harvick, Inc. was in 2007 at Watkins Glen. Kevin Harvick asked Fellows to drive on occasion for KHI in 2007 for one more year and Fellows agreed. In 2007 at Montreal, Fellows almost won the first NBS race there, but placed 4th after a late crash.
The2006again started strong as Stewart again drove the No. 33 to a win at Daytona with teammate Lamar finishing second in the No. 77, marking the first time that the Linville family had fielded a winner in the series, dating to its inaugural year. A variety of drivers competed in the No. 33 during the 2006 season, including Stewart, Harvick, Hornaday, and development driversSean CaisseandAaron Fike.The team finished tenth in the standings at the season. Harvick, Stewart, Raines, and development driverCale Galeshared the No. 33 Chevrolet in2007,with sponsorship coming fromOld Spice,Camping World,and RoadLoans.com. Harvick, Gale, and Hornaday split the 33 full-time in 2008, scoring fifteen finishes of eighth or better between them. The 33 returned in 2009 with sponsorsRheem,Jimmy John's,Armour Vienna SausagesandCopart.The 33 was driven by Harvick, Stewart,Ryan Newman,Ron Hornaday Jr.along with Gale andKelly Biresin one race deals. Kevin Harvick finally drove his own equipment to victory in theScotts Turf Builder 300atBristol Motor Speedwayon March 21, 2009. This would be the first time he scored a victory in his own equipment after trying for 5 years since the inception of his race team during 2004. The driver lineup changed for 2010 with Harvick, Hornaday,Mike Bliss,Elliott Sadlerand Road RingerMax PapisatRoad AmericaandCircuit Gilles Villeneuvewith Harvick taking 3 victories at Vegas, Nashville, and Richmond.
For 2011, the No. 33 carried dual sponsorship from bothRheemandMenards,withKevin Harvick,Clint Bowyer,Austin Dillon,and new RCR driverPaul Menardsplitting the driving duties. FormerRed BulldriverScott Speedintended to drive at the May Iowa race, but his commitment toDragon Racingfor the2011 Indianapolis 500prevented him from competing. Speed would drive the car atMontrealandMax Papisdrove atRoad America.Truck Series driverDavid Mayhewwould make his series debut at the fall Iowa race. The 33 team would finish fourth in owners points, but would go winless.[2]The 33 team was transferred over to RCR for 2012.
Car No. 77, 83 & 92 history
[edit]- Part-time as the No. 92 (2004)
KHI first entered its second Busch Series team in the 2004 fall race atAtlanta Motor SpeedwaywhenTony Stewartpiloted the No. 92McDonald's/PoweradeChevrolet. As a co-promotion in the event, team owner Kevin Harvick drove the No. 29 Powerade/McDonald's Chevrolet forRichard Childress Racing.
- Part-time as the No. 83 (2005)
The team returned in 2005 renumbered as the No. 83 to run five races.Burney Lamarattempted the car's first race atNashville Superspeedwaybut failed to qualify for the event.Wally Dallenbach Jr.made the car's first race atWatkins Glen International,where he finished nineteenth in theMr. Clean Auto-Dry Washcar.Tony Stewartdrove the car at Richmond withOld Spicesponsoring andTony Rainesdrove the car withCub Cadetfunding at Kansas, finishing 40th and 17th, respectively.
- Burney Lamar and the No. 77 (2006)
For 2006, the team signedDollar Generalas a sponsor and switched to the No. 77 with Lamar driving and competing forNASCAR Rookie of the Year.He opened the season with a runner-up finish at Daytona, and had two additional top-tens and led the Rookie of the Year standings until summer. During the race weekend at Kansas in 2006, Harvick announced he had removed Lamar from the No. 77, due to Dollar General wanting Cup drivers in the No. 77 and hired 2000 Winston Cup championBobby Labonteto drive the car for the rest of the season.
- Multiple drivers (2007)
Labonte, Harvick, andKertus Daviswere scheduled share the 77 for the 2007 season. Labonte brought the number 77 to its first victory atTalladegaon April 28, 2007. Davis was later released, withRon Hornaday Jr.filling in for races that Davis was scheduled to drive for the team, after Davis did not crack the top 30 in his five starts in the No. 77.
- Part-time (2008)
In 2008Cale Galedrove the car in three races with sponsorship fromVFWandRheem.
Camping World Truck Series
[edit]Truck No. 2, 4 & 92 history
[edit]
- Part-time as the No. 92 (2004–2005)
The No. 2 truck originally ran as a second truck to the No. 6 in 2004 for a pair of races as the No. 92. Harvick drove with sponsorship fromSnap-On ToolsandGM Goodwrenchsponsoring, with Harvick finished in the top-five in both races. It ran again in 2005 for two races with Harvick and another two with Lamar. Harvick had the best finish of fifth.Tony Stewartattempted the race at Richmond, but, surprisingly, failed to qualify for the race, despite winning the past two Richmond truck races, mainly from NASCAR's new all-exempt tour policy.
- Part-time as the No. 2 (2007)
The truck in 2007 was used for most of the season, running a Part-Time Schedule with a variety of drivers, from KHI developmental driver,Cale Galeto Richard Childress Racing Nextel Cup drivers, Harvick andClint Bowyerin the No. 2.
- Jack Sprague and others (2008)
For the2008 season,Jack Spraguewas signed on to pilot the No. 2 truck Full Time with sponsorship fromAmerican Commercial Lines.However, Sprague was unable to find victory lane and was released on October 8. Harvick, Gale, andRyan Newmanshared this truck for the remainder of the season. Newman drove this truck to victory lane in the final fall race atAtlantawith a late pass onRon Hornaday Jr.
- Multiple drivers as the No. 4 (2009)
Former motocross championRicky Carmichaelwas signed to KHI in 2009, which changed its number to No. 4 out of deference to Carmichael, who raced No. 4 for most of his career.Monster Energysponsored the truck. Carmichael was caught up in an accident in the season opener. The team rebounded and scored a better finish at theAuto Club Speedway.Carmichael was set to make 14 of the 25 Camping World Truck Series races, withJ. R. Fitzpatrickfilling out the rest of the schedule. Carmichael and Monster Energy left KHI at the end of the season to race forTurner Motorsports.Ryan NewmanandKevin Harvickalso drove the entry for a combined 4 races.
- Multiple drivers (2010–2011)
In2010,the truck returned to being the 2 with Harvick driving, along withElliott Sadler,Clint Bowyer,Ken Schrader,andShelby Howardsharing the duties. The 2 team garnered 5 wins, 3 by Harvick (Atlanta, Martinsville, Gateway), 1 by Clint Bowyer (Phoenix), and 1 by Sadler (Pocono). In addition the team finished with 11 top fives and 16 top tens.[3]The team finished 5th in the final owners points.[3]For 2011, Bowyer, Sadler, and Harvick primarily drove the 2 truck, andCale Galereturned for six races with Rheem on board. The team would capture 7 wins, with Bowyer winning at Phoenix and Kansas, Harvick won 3 in a row at Pocono, Michigan, and Bristol,Ron Hornaday Jr.drove the truck for 3 races late in the season, winning at Kentucky and Las Vegas, while Harvick won at Texas to easily take the Owners Championship. For 2012, the team was absorbed by Richard Childress Racing.
Truck No. 8 history
[edit]- Nelson Piquet Jr. (2011)
The No. 8 truck originally ran as a third truck in 2009 for four races as the No. 2. In 2009,Ryan Newmanand Harvick finished with four top fives in the four starts, with Harvick winning in Martinsville. Kevin Harvick, Inc. signedNelson Piquet Jr.to drive this truck Full Time in 2011.[4]Nelson will be runningNASCAR Rookie of the Year.This is one of the first times the No. 8 truck has run since 1997 whenJoe Nemechek's brotherJohn Nemechekwas killed. In 2011, Piquet ran full-time with sponsorsQualcomm,Autotrac,Bozzano,Jontexand others. Piquet would finish 10th in his inaugural NASCAR season, but came runner up toJoey Coulterfor rookie of the year honors. This truck was bought out byEddie Sharp Racingfor 2012.
Truck No. 6 history
[edit]
- Part-time (2002)
The No. 6 truck was Kevin Harvick, Inc.'s first ever truck. It was built in 2001 when Harvick started his self-owned team for 2002 modeled after RCR and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Initially the company was called Kevin Harvick Motorsports, but it was renamed to KHI in later 2002. In its first race it was driven by Rick Carelli and finished in 5th at Daytona. In its second race at Darlington it finished in 4th place. At Martinsville, Harvick intentionally spunCoy Gibbscausing NASCAR to park the team for the balance of the event. When Harvick lied to reporters, his sponsors and fans; about not intentionally crashing Gibbs, this led to a suspension from the cup race the next morning, a $25,000 fine and a 25 points loss for the truck series. Following this incident Harvick did not race the next event at Gateway to make amends. Later that year, Harvick won the team's first win at Phoenix in autumn and the next year the No. 6 team was folded into the No. 33 team (see below.)
Truck No. 6 & 33 history
[edit]
- Part-time (2001–2003)
The No. 33 truck was KHI's first venture into NASCAR. It debuted as the No. 6Twizzler/PayDay/Sonic Drive-InChevrolet Silveradoin a partnership between the Harvicks andRick Carelliin2001.Harvick started fourth and finished second atRichmond International Raceway.Carelli drove the team's next race at the2002Florida Dodge Dealers 250and finished fifth. Harvick competed in five races and picked up his first career Truck win atPhoenix International Raceway.In2003,Harvick ran an additional six races and won once again at Phoenix. Other drivers drove for the team that year wereEd Berrier,Brandon Miller, andRandy LaJoie.Miller had the best finish of eighth atMesa Marin Raceway.
- Matt Crafton (2004)
In 2004,GM Goodwrenchclimbed aboard as the team's first primary sponsor, andMatt Craftonwas hired away fromThorSport Racingas the team's driver. Crafton posted six top-five finishes and finished fifth in points, but was released at the end of the season to return to his previous ride.
- Ron Hornaday (2005, 2006–2011)
Crafton was replaced by two-time championRon Hornaday Jr.,who captured a win atAtlanta Motor Speedwayand was named the series' Most Popular Driver.
- As the No. 33
At the end of 2005, KHI switched numbers withRoush Fenway Racingto become the No. 33, with the No. 6 going to Roush Fenway. Hornaday Jr. began the year unsponsored but won atMansfield Motorsports Speedwayand finished seventh in points after obtaining sponsorship fromAllstate Employer Services.He began 2007 with new sponsorship fromCamping World,picked up four victories, and won the 2007Craftsman Truck Serieschampionship. In 2008, Hornaday won six times but finished second in the championship standings. In 2009 he'd win his fourth championship, a week before the last race of the season.
In 2010, the 33 team found itself in a slump. Due to theFood and Drug Administrationpassing a new rule that bans the advertisement of tobacco products, Longhorn dropped its sponsorship mid season, forcing the 33 to run with one race deals untilE-Z-GOsigned on with a few races remaining. The 33 team brushed off the bad luck with a win atO'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapoliswhere he would hold offKyle Busch.Hornaday Jr. won again atMartinsvilleand ended up 7th in points.
For 2011, Hornaday returned to the 33 team and won early in the year at Texas. However, the team struggled midway through the season and lost ground in the points. After Harvick had Hornaday switch over to the 2 truck,Cale Galewould take over the 33 for 2 races whileMike Wallacewould drive atTalladegaand win his first Truck race since 2000. Hornaday returned to the 33 for the last 3 races of the season and finished second at Martinsville, but was knocked out of the championship hunt at Texas byKyle Buschand finished 13th at Homestead, ending up 4th in points. The 33 was driven byCale Galefull-time in 2012 withEddie Sharp Racingfielding the truck.
Sale and reorganization
[edit]In September 2011, it was announced that KHI would cease to exist following that season, with its teams and equipment being absorbed or bought by other organizations. Harvick's Cup team Richard Childress Racing restarted its Nationwide Series program by merging it with that of KHI, moving the No. 2 team ofElliott Sadlerwhich would finish second in points and the flagship No. 33 which Harvick would continue to drive to the RCR banner.[5]Kevin Harvick's truck program was primarily sold toEddie Sharp Racing,acquiring the No. 8 truck and No. 33 truck.[6]WhileNelson Piquet Jr.moved toTurner Scott Motorsports,development driverCale Galeand longtime sponsorRheemwent with the No. 33 to ESR,[7]winning the 2012 season finale atHomestead-Miami Speedway.[8]KHI's 2 truck was also sold to RCR and Harvick continued to drive it in 2012 for 3 races. Harvick's good friend and most successful driverRon Hornaday Jr.moved on to Joe Denette Motorsports (nowNTS Motorsports), which received equipment and support from KHI, for 2012 and 2013 driving their No. 9 truck.[9]Harvick continued to drive NTS's 14 truck in a partial schedule in 2013, and NTS also moved into the former KHI shop prior to the season.[10]
According to Harvick, the sale of the team overall was so he could focus winning a Cup championship. For the Xfinity Series program specifically, Harvick stated that the similarity between them and the Cup cars (same chassis and similar bodies) made the costs and resource requirements too great for a non-Cup-affiliated team to function.[11]Kevin Harvick Incorporated currently operates as a sports marketing and management firm, which includes MMA fighters as well as former teammateJeff Burton.[12]They now representHarrison Burton,Ricky Stenhouse Jr.,Ryan PreeceandTy Dillonalong with others.
CARS Tour
[edit]On January 9, 2023, a consortium consisting of KHI,DEJ Management,Jeff Burton Autosports, Inc.,andTrackhouse Racingpurchased theCARS Tour.[13][14]
Car No. 29 history
[edit]On February 6, 2024, it was announced that KHI would field a full-time entry in the CARS Tour in 2024. The team announcedBrent Crewsas the driver of their No. 29 car, with sponsorship fromMobil 1.[15]
Car No. 62 history
[edit]On March 22, 2023, it was announced that Harvick would run select CARS Tour races, starting atNorth Wilkesboro Speedway,in the No. 62 car, resurrecting the KHI moniker in racing. On November 11,Josh Berrydrove the No. 62 atHickory Motor Speedway.He also participated at Florence Motor Speedway on November 18 and atSouthern National Motorsports Parkon November 26.Ryan Preeceraced at theSnowball Derbyon December 6.[16]The No. 62 will return in 2024, running full-time withJosh Berry,William Sawalich,Layne Riggs,andLanden Lewis.They will also run select Super Late Model events, with Berry, Sawalich, Lewis, andRyan Preecebehind the wheel.[15]
References
[edit]- ^"Tony Stewart lands Kraft sponsorship to drive for KHI in Nationwide race at Daytona".SceneDaily.January 10, 2010. Archived fromthe originalon March 7, 2012.RetrievedMarch 23,2023.
- ^"Kevin Harvick Inc. Announces Long-Term, Multi-Season Sponsorship Agreements with Rheem and Menards for the No. 33 Nationwide Series Car".Kevin Harvick Incorporated. October 29, 2010. Archived fromthe originalon November 20, 2010.
- ^ab"2010 Owner Standings".NASCAR.Archived fromthe originalon March 15, 2011.RetrievedMarch 23,2023.
- ^"Kevin Harvick signs Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr".Kevin Harvick Incorporated.RetrievedMarch 23,2023.
- ^Pennell, Jay W. (September 7, 2011)."Kevin Harvick Inc. To Merge NASCAR Nationwide Series Program With Richard Childress Racing".SB Nation.SB Nation.Retrieved25 August2014.
- ^"Kevin Harvick sells team to Eddie Sharp".Loudon, New Hampshire: ESPN. Associated Press. September 23, 2011.
- ^Pockrass, Bob (November 3, 2011)."Rheem to sponsor Kevin Harvick for 10 Cup races; Cale Gale for entire truck season".Sporting News.Fort Worth, Texas:Sporting News.Archived fromthe originalon August 25, 2014.Retrieved25 August2014.
- ^"GALE CAPTURES DRAMATIC VICTORY IN THE FORD ECOBOOST 200".Homestead, Florida: homesteadmiamispeedway.com. November 16, 2012.Retrieved25 August2014.
- ^Spencer, Reid (November 18, 2011)."Ron Hornaday Jr. to drive for Joe Denette Motorsports in 2012".Sporting News.Homestead, Florida:Sporting News.Archived fromthe originalon August 25, 2014.Retrieved25 August2014.
- ^Team Release (December 5, 2012)."JDM AND NTS MOTORSPORTS TO JOIN FORCES".NASCAR.com.KERNERSVILLE, N.C.:NASCAR.Retrieved25 August2014.
- ^Gluck, Jeff (September 9, 2011)."Kevin Harvick Explains Reasons Behind KHI Merger With Richard Childress Racing".SB Nation.SB Nation.Retrieved25 August2014.
- ^Newton, David (August 28, 2013)."Harvick a master of diversification".ESPNNASCAR.ESPN.Retrieved25 August2014.
- ^"CARS Tour Enters 2023 Season Under New Ownership Group".CARS Tour.January 9, 2023.RetrievedJanuary 10,2023.
- ^"Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Justin Marks purchase CARS Tour".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media. January 9, 2023.RetrievedJanuary 10,2023.
- ^abEvans, Zach (February 6, 2024)."Kevin Harvick, Inc. Returns to Full-Time Racing, Unveils Driver Lineup".TobyChristie.com.RetrievedFebruary 8,2024.
- ^"Josh Berry, Ryan Preece joining the Kevin Harvick Inc. late model team".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media. November 10, 2023.RetrievedNovember 11,2023.