As if retirement wasn’t busy enough for Kevin Harvick, the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion has added another duty to his agenda after competing in his final race at the highest level of the discipline.
Harvick has become an advisor to Kern County Raceway in Bakersfield, California, a half-mile short track and third-mile dirt located on 120 acres outside of his hometown, and one that is considered one of the finest since its opening 2013.
The track is currently owned by Tim and Lisa Huddleston, who operate the Irwindale Speedway and Event Center in Los Angeles County. They have renamed Kern County ‘Kevin Harvick’s Kern County’ in adding him as a partner of sorts.
“Kevin Harvick’s involvement is a game-changer for Kern Raceway,” said Huddleston. “His expertise and commitment will propel us to new heights. Together, we aim to create an electrifying racing experience for fans and competitors alike.”
Harvick grew up developing his skills at the now defunct Mesa Marin Speedway in California. Much of his post-driving career seems to center around giving back to grassroots racing and spearheading the proper development of young drivers.
He co-owns the CARS Tour with Dale Earnhardt Jr., jeff Burton and Justin Marks, and his representation firm also works with numerous young drivers who aspire to follow his ascent towards the highest levels.
“Bakersfield is my home, and I am committed to giving back and ensuring a bright future for motorsports in our community,” Harvick said. “Together with Tim and Lisa, we will do everything in our power to make racing in Bakersfield as strong as it has ever been.”
Sportsnaut recently had a conversation with Kevin Harvick Inc. vice president Josh Jones, who told the website that all Harvick is thinking about these days is short tracks and how to give back to the industry. Jones conceded some of it was self-serving in that both his kids, Keelan and Piper, are now racing but that he also holistically believes it’s the right thing to do for the industry.
Harvick will also start a new career in the broadcast booth next season as a co-host of NASCAR on FOX alongside Mike Joy and Clint Bowyer. Harvick is also entertaining a part-time racing schedule that could include starts in the CARS Tour and NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Kern County is working towards releasing a 2024 schedule with the Harvicks and Huddlestons working together on the endeavor.
Matt Weaver is a Motorsports Insider for Sportsnaut. Follow him on Twitter.