Published 01/14/2023, 12:40 PM EST
The news about Kevin Harvick‘s plans to retire after the 2023 Cup Series season is still fresh. However, what was the major factor in deciding that this would be the year he would call it quits? Sure Harvick never showcased any intention to carry on, as per his team. But the real reason for his choice to retire this particular season was not because of his age or anything. Rather it was more of a personal reason. Something involving his family and his kids. During a recent interview, the Stewart-Haas Racing driver revealed what exactly was the deciding factor for him to call it quits.
Harvick said, “For me, making sure that I can’t say, I can’t be at the racetrack with Piper because she asked more than Keelan to go to the race track. And I didn’t get to watch him race very much last year. So having some flexibility and time and you guys know I have always told you that when it started affecting my kids, it was probably gonna be the deciding factor. That’s really in the end what the deciding factor was.”
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Turns out he decided to create more time to spend with his children. That way, he would be able to give undivided attention to their careers. In the end, it seems like the perfect thing to do. Not that Harvick would be missing anything post his retirement.
Kevin Harvick has had an illustrious career
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Throughout his 23 years in the Cup Series, Harvick has been everything in between the highs and the lows. From being pushed into the spotlight from day one, after being seated in Dale Earnhardt Sr’s car right after his death. All the way to his first championship title win. Harvick has seen it all.
Jul 3, 2022; Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick (4) during the KWIK TRIP 250 at Road America. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Out on the track, he had the reputation to race you hard, landing himself in countless controversies. Also instigating fights between drivers, Harvick would always remain in the minds of everyone. Early on, the Harvicks had made it clear that they would not be pushing their children towards racing. However, it was during the pandemic that his son drew an interest in racing. Soon after, after a few experimentations, young Keelan was out racing in Italy. Later on, Harvick’s daughter too got her own cart and wanted the veteran NASCAR driver’s attention toward her racecraft. However, running a full schedule can get a bit overwhelming for the SHR driver.
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Harvick’s timing to announce his retirement was perfect for him and would fulfill the wishes of his children. Given that both of them are interested in race, Harvick would now be able to participate and give his 100% towards their progress and training.