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Friday, January 30, 2015

2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Kevin Harvick

Kevin Harvick 2015 Season Preview



By Richard Tix


NASCAR Behind the Wall has taken a look at a large chunk of drivers for the 2015 season so far, all that's left is Kevin Harvick. That's because Harvick is the newest NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion after a strong 2014 season.

2014 is hands down Harvicks best season at the Cup level and its not for debating. Any year a driver wins a Championship it rockets up that list, and 2014 was the first one. Yes, he does have other season's where stats might put 2014 in the dust, but the end results are what mean the most.

In a year full of uncertainty because of new rule changes, stiffer penalties, and a points change to the Chase the #4 team and Harvick fought through. It wasn't an easy ride to say the least.

Harvick moved from RCR to SHR in 2014 while gaining a new CC. The two teamed up and ended up working out perfect. But, for a majority of the season the #4 team struggled with bad luck and some bad pit failures. In the end Tony Stewart gave up his pit crew for the push for the Chase and it seemed to make a big difference.

The 2014 Championship was well deserved as well. Through all the controversy of the new Chase system and drivers in the finale who "shouldn't be," Harvick stayed strong. In fact, Harvick was a title favorite most of the season after bringing fast car weekend after weekend. 

Five wins, 14 top 5's, 20 top 10's, a Cup leading 8 poles, and 2,137 laps led all resulted in the ultimate goal of his first Cup title.


Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:
  • Call me crazy, but just one year after winning his first Championship I think he could go back to back. That feat is never easy though, so its still a long shot to happen. The thing I have taken from 2014 is how good Harvick was when SHR seemed to be at a low with Smoke and Kurt struggling. I think 2015 will be a strong year for Kevin and he may notch 3-4 wins, 10-12 top 5's, and 19-22 top 10's. Repeating wont be easy, but Harvick is on my short list of contenders in 2015.


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