Kevin Harvick announced early Thursday morning that he would retire from the NASCAR Cup Series at the conclusion of the 2023 season. This is not surprising as Harvick told Stewart-Haas Racing he intended to retire last year.
The 47-year-old driver’s contract expires at the end of the season which means he wanted to honor his agreement with the organization. This should help Stewart-Haas Racing find a quality replacement.
Harvick is undoubtedly going to be a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer after replacing Dale Earnhardt following his fatal wreck at the 2001 Daytona 500. However, the driver of the No. 4 car is not expected to stay out of the sport.
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Kevin Harvick expected to become an analyst in the booth for FOX Sports in 2024
Harvick’s retirement announcement might mark the first of a few departures from NASCAR after the 2023 season, including Martin Truex Jr. who recently gave an update on his status for the 2024 season.
Despite this fact, the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion is likely to stay in the sport. According to Motorsport’s Jim Utter, Harvick is expected to fill the third position in the FOX Sports booth for the 2024 season alongside Mike Joy and Clint Bowyer.
Harvick would join one of the best lap-by-lap announcers in NASCAR history and his former Stewart-Haas Racing teammate if the move occurs before next year’s racing season.
The 47-year-old driver has spent time in the FOX Sports booth during the network’s portion of the NASCAR Xfinity Series season. Harvick would be no stranger to this type of role within the sport.
Plus, his outgoing nature and driver knowledge would make him an excellent fit in the booth. Harvick has been one of NASCAR’s most outspoken drivers when it comes to the NextGen car.
While it will be disappointing to see a major voice within the driver circles leave the full-time competition, this would allow Harvick to make his voice even stronger among race fans.
FOX Sports is expected to continue a rotation for its third position for the 2023 season. This allows the network to have more flexibility in adding Harvick’s services once he retires after this year.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on Harvick’s new possible journey within NASCAR after he announced his retirement from the Cup Series on Thursday morning.