4 NASCAR drivers who can replace Kevin Harvick next season in Stewart-Haas Racing

Stewart-Haas Racing driver and NASCAR veteran Kevin Harvick is a driver that fans of the sport will miss, whether or not they have supported the 47-year-old throughout his career. After news of the retirement of the No. 4 Ford Mustang driver from the sport’s top echelon became official last month, many have been talking about the potential drivers who could replace “Happy Harvick”‘s absence from NASCAR.

Having debuted over twenty years ago, Harvick has served as a role model for generations of riders, as well as the support of generations of fans. From old school die-hards to new fans, the Bakersfield, Calif. native’s untamed personality has always been beloved by fans.

Did you know @KevinHarvick was the only Cup Series driver to win consecutive races in 2022?

We spend this throwback Thursday thinking about his victories

#HBPRacing

Did you know @KevinHarvick was the only Cup Series driver to win consecutive races in 2022? We spend this Throwback Thursday thinking about his wins 🏁#HBPRacing https://t.co/nV8EMmQgAe

Just before news of Harvick’s retirement became public, news of his future as an entrepreneur also broke, with racing driver Stewart-Haas a key player in the CARS Tour purchase. , a late-model asphalt racing series. With his departure imminent after the 2023 Cup Series season, many fans are anxiously awaiting who could replace Kevin Harvick and his place at SHR. Here are some notable additions to the list:

#4 Zane Smith

NASCAR Truck Series driver Zane Smith has been one of many standout talents in the sport’s junior series and could be a possible candidate to replace Kevin Harvick because of his ties to the Ford brand.

#3Harrison Burton

Harrison Burton and Zane Smith won the Michelin Pilot race at Daytona in a GT4 Ford Mustang.

Harrison Burton and Zane Smith won the Michelin Pilot race at Daytona in a GT4 Ford Mustang. https://t.co/HpWJq59TWv

Harrison Burton, 22, is also a viable contender for an SHR seat due to his current Cup Series experience, as well as his ties to Ford as a manufacturer in the sport. He currently drives for Wood Brothers Racing.

#2 Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Driving for JTG Daugherty Racing, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is often seen as a big talent in an underfunded team and could be a candidate for a manufacturer switch from Chevrolet to Ford at Stewart-Haas Racing.

#1 Cole Custer

Cole Custer’s experience in the sport’s top echelon, coupled with his long-term affiliation with Ford, could also play a role in his replacement for Kevin Harvick in 2024.

Kevin Harvick’s crew chief looks forward to 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season with No. 4 Ford driver

Rodney Childers and Kevin Harvick are a duo that holds the record for the longest driver-crew crew pairing in the sport, and for good measure. The duo, who have seen the sport’s ups and downs together, have at times been an unstoppable force.

Commemorating Harvick’s final season in NASCAR, Childers took to Twitter to express his sentiments, writing:

“This year is going to be fun, emotionally draining at times, and lots of smiles. I can’t wait to enjoy it with @KevinHarvick and this team.”

See the tweet below:

This year is going to be fun, sometimes emotionally draining, and lots of smiles. Can’t wait to enjoy it with @KevinHarvick and this team. It was special. And we are all very grateful. I hope we can make the fans and everyone who supports us proud. 🏼 #4everThis year is going to be fun, sometimes emotionally draining, and lots of smiles. Can’t wait to enjoy it with @KevinHarvick and this team. It was special. And we are all very grateful. I hope we can make the fans and everyone who supports us proud. 👊🏼 #4ever

Watch Kevin Harvick take on the Busch Light Clash challenge this weekend from the LA Memorial Coliseum.

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