Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway was anything but a quiet farewell tour for Kevin Harvick.
Harvick, who announced his retirement upon the conclusion of the Cup Series season, showed a classic side of ‘Happy’ that fans have grown accustomed to seeing over the past 22 seasons.
In a race that showcased the dominance of Hendrick Motorsports with William Byron and Kyle Larson combining to lead 265 of the 317 laps in the United Rentals Work United 500, it was Harvick who applied the pressure in the latter stages of the event.
Aboard the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Mustang, Harvick darted to the inside of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro of Larson on the frontstretch to take the lead with 44 laps to go.
Harvick signs autographs for fans prior to the Cup Series race at Phoenix. (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
The man known as “The Closer” had essentially locked up the race as he pulled away from the field.
Unfortunately for Harvick, a caution flag with 11 laps to go changed the complexion of the race. Harvick pitted for four tires, while his closest competitors took only two fresh Goodyears, allowing them to exit the pits ahead of Harvick.
“That one is not fun to swallow,” said Harvick, who was seeking his 10th victory at the one-mile track. “We had a great car and didn’t need that caution at the end. We had a strong car and a chance to win. Just hate missing an opportunity when you have a car that strong.”
Though a strong fifth place finish may not erase the pain of defeat, it was a monumental day for the 47-year-old, who notched his 20th top-five finish at the one-mile oval, along with his 30th top-10 finish.
Furthermore, through four races to kick off the Cup Series season, Harvick is second in the standings with three top 10s.
While the season has been heavily dominated by Chevrolet drivers, with all four races won by Chevy teams, Harvick remains consistent atop the standings, being one of two Ford pilots among the top 10 (Ryan Blaney, eighth).
Harvick’s 36 laps led in the closing stages at Phoenix proved his “Closer” instinct is still alive and well.
The Cup Series now heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway, another welcome stop for Harvick.
Harvick earned his first Cup Series victory at the track in 2001.
Keyword: He Didn’t Win, But Harvick Showed He’s Not Going Quietly