Kevin Harvick will retire from the NASCAR Cup Series at the conclusion of the 2023 season; however, it does not mean he will leave NASCAR entirely. Harvick will join the FOX Sports booth in 2024 and could be in line for even more down the road
What could be in store for Harvick as he starts a new journey at the beginning of the 2024 season?
Kevin Harvick has previously heard from NASCAR teams regarding future roles
Harvick’s driving career will be coming to a close when the checkered flag flies at Phoenix Raceway in November; however, his voice will not be going away as he becomes the third full-time member of the FOX Sports booth with Mike Joy and Clint Bowyer.
It is good for the driver of the No. 4 car to continue being a part of NASCAR as his voice has been a major one over the last year. Harvick has not been afraid to speak his mind and that is good for everyone involved.
In fact, there are some NASCAR organizations that want to hear his voice within their team as well. According to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Harvick has received interest from race teams looking for his leadership and possible investment.
This means the 47-year-old driver would join a NASCAR team in a leadership or possible ownership role. The only issue is that Harvick is not ready for that jump as he joins the FOX Sports booth in 2024. This is what Harvick had to say about the situation.
“The team participation piece of it would be something that would be down the road. I just right now want to fully understand what I have on my plate. I don’t want to get in a position to where I’ve committed to too many things…Really for the first six months of 2024 until I step out of booth at the last race commitment, I don’t really think that there’s much else that I can put on my plate.”
Kevin Harvick on possibly joining a NASCAR team post-retirement
It is something that Harvick is not ruling out but the transition from driver to broadcaster will be something new for him. If he can handle the new life of being a broadcaster and wants to join a race team, there will be plenty of suitors.
For now, Harvick will focus on the remainder of the 2023 season and then his new journey in the FOX Sports booth next year. However, if Harvick does eventually make the decision to join an organization, which teams should make the pursuit?
Related: Kevin Harvick talks about picking a driver for the No. 4 car in 2024
3 teams that should pusure Kevin Harvick if he wants to join a NASCAR team
Harvick has received interest from NASCAR teams about potential roles but it seems like he will be declining said roles for now. However, which teams should make the push if the time comes when the 47-year-old driver wants to join an organization?
Stewart-Haas Racing is the most obvious team. The organization has been struggling and Harvick is the only driver that is currently in the playoff picture. In fact, the No. 4 car is third in the point standings.
The organization’s future is incredibly murky and bringing back Harvick in a leadership role could significantly help Stewart-Haas Racing. If not, there are some other teams that would benefit from such a move.
JTG Daugherty Racing has been around for a long time and despite its victory in the 2023 Daytona 500, there is still room for improvement. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is really talented but the organization needs improvement to make a true jump.
Perhaps, Harvick could be a catalyst in that effort if he joins as a leader with some money tied into it as a co-owner. JTG Daugherty Racing can climb the mountain but it will take some time and effort.
Finally, how about JR Motorsports? The organization is still trying to make the jump to the NASCAR Cup Series and if they finally acquire a charter, Harvick would be a great leader and help develop the program.
JR Motorsports has previous experience with Harvick and while it was a little rocky, the fences have been mended between the two sides. It would be a good opportunity for both parties involved.
Harvick will be around NASCAR for a long time and that is simply a victory for everyone. The post-driving career for the 2014 Cup Series champion will be fun and interesting to follow.