Kevin Harvick

The Closer

Kevin Harvick joins the list of NASCAR Hall of Fame Nominees for the first time.

Kevin Harvick’s rise to NASCAR stardom came under extraordinary circumstances in 2001, when he was called upon to replace Dale Earnhardt following his tragic passing. Just three races into his rookie season, Harvick delivered an emotional victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and went on to earn the 2001 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year honors, signaling the arrival of a new force in the sport.

By the mid-2000s, Harvick had carved out a reputation for delivering under pressure across NASCAR’s toughest tracks. Known as “The Closer,” he proved capable of winning anywhere, including his 2007 Daytona 500 triumph.

In 2014, Harvick mastered NASCAR’s brand-new elimination-style playoff, answering every must-win moment to claim the Cup Series championship and cement his place among the sport’s elite.

Over 826 starts, Harvick amassed 60 victories, ranking 11th all-time among Cup Series winners. After retiring from full-time competition, he transitioned to broadcasting, joining FOX Sports as a NASCAR analyst for Cup Series races.

Harvick was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers.