Published 11/10/2022, 11:15 AM EST
Longevity in sports is often considered a litmus test of quality greater than trophies, especially when performance depends on a number of factors other than the athletes themselves. Kevin Harvick might just have one Cup Series to his name, but his name will still be said in the same breath as drivers of the ilk of Hendrick Motorsports legend Jimmie Johnson.
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Starting in Phoenix for Stewart-Haas Racing, Kevin Harvick wasn’t in contention for the Championship. But it was still an important race for him – a record-setting race. His start last Sunday made him only the seventh driver in NASCAR history to start all races of a Cup Series season for 20 consecutive seasons.
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The list of 7 drivers have some of the biggest names in NASCAR history, names that have been anointed as the greatest drivers of NASCAR. Prior to Harvick’s entry, the members part of this prestigious club included Ricky Rudd, Jeff Gordon, and Dale Earnhardt Sr.
The enormity of the achievement can be best understood by some of the biggest names that couldn’t make the cut – Jimmie Johnson, for instance. The Hendrick Motorsports legend is a 7-time Cup Series champion and had 663 consecutive starts which put him on course for the list. But Johnson ended up COVID-19 positive in 2020 which meant he missed out in Indianapolis and broke the streak.
BRASELTON, GA – NOVEMBER 13: #48: Ally Cadillac Racing Cadillac DPi, DPi: Jimmie Johnson prior to the 24th running of the Motul Petit Le Mans on November 13, 2021 at Michelin Raceway/Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Additionally, he broke another record set by Dale Sr and Richard Petty with his finish in Phoenix. An awestruck Corey LaJoie said on his podcast, “Everything that changes. 5 lugs to 1, new cars, bodies, manufacturers. One thing doesn’t change – and that is Kevin Harvick finishing top 10 at Phoenix.”
“I can’t begin to tell you guys how impressive of a stat that Kevin Harvick has since surpassed Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty for most consecutive top 10s at a race track, at Phoenix, at 19. More than 8 years, 9 years. That is unbelievable.”
With this record in his pocket, Harvick will be looking forward to another record he has well within his reach – the Iron Man. At the same time, he will also be looking towards winning his first Cup Series and getting his name crossed off the wrong kind of records.
Fans celebrate GOAT Kevin Harvick for his achievement
What Kevin Harvick has achieved puts him up with the very best that NASCAR has ever seen in history. Not many can even dream of doing what he has done, let alone actually achieving something like that. And for that, he deserves every ounce of respect.
DAYTONA, FL – FEBRUARY 16: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Busch Light #BUSCHRACETEAM Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Mustang, fields questions from the media during Daytona 500 Media Day on February 16, 2022 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Fans recognize his greatness and have been quick to shower love on his new record –
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Hopefully, 2023 will be the swansong that Kevin Harvick has been looking for, for so many years. But even if it isn’t, he will continue performing and competing at the highest level.