Driver Spotlight: Kevin Harvick (Preseason Addition)

Kevin Harvick 2014 Preview

By Richard Tix

Last season Matt Kenseth moved from one ride that he had been with for most of his career (Jack Roush) to another major team (Joe Gibbs). Many fans thought he might have a slow transition while building chemistry with his new team. After having a pretty good season in 2012 it was a big move for both Roush and Kenseth and it was one of the biggest headlines of the preseason. Well Kenseth made everyone forget what the big deal was by winning his third race with his new team and 3 races in his first 11.

Entering 2014 we have many new faces in new places but the biggest name seems to be Kevin Harvick. Harvick had an impressive 2013 campaign after winning two Chase races (four total wins in 2013) and finishing third in the Chase standings.

It's always great to see teams rally even when they know the team will be dismantled after the season is over, but times change and people move on. This season Harvick moves into the #4 ride at Stewart-Haas racing with his buddy Tony Stewart. So the big question is will it take some time for Harvick to settle in or will it be smooth riding from the beginning?

One more storyline to watch from the SHR camp will be if/how long it will take for personalities to take affect and create some in season drama? From still having Danica who always has story lines, to signing great friend Harvick, to also bringing in once outspoken Kurt Busch, how will Tony Stewart handle this four man (well, 3 man and Danica) team as a still somewhat new owner?

My Take:
I think that Harvick will step into SHR just fine to start 2014. The past two seasons he has got off to a good start within the first ten races. In 2013 Harvick wasn't great, but he was very consistent to start the season (other then Daytona) so I don't see any reason that with a good team behind him and good parts his team can start off smooth. I only wonder about the long run at SHR. Will someone feel that they are not getting the best equipment? With the possibility of Danica and Kurt being left on the back burner while Owner and best bud get the best equipment will someone get upset? Also, Kurt was brought in by Haas so it could cause some tension between them with Tony Stewart. The SHR camp will have a lot of pressure and included will be the fact that Stewart will want to come back strong and not wait until he gets hot in the summer (which has been a trend of his during his career), so will everything stay smooth?

A four car team is a lot to handle as a somewhat new owner/driver so it will be a fun ride to watch during 2014.

Take to Twitter and let me know what you think of the situation. Who will run well? Will there be drama? Can the four team work? Will Busch stay calm if he finds more bad luck?