Kevin Harvick Openly Discusses Challenges of the 2001 Season

Kevin Harvick lays out the game plan to Cup that few knew about. A plan that had him beginning a Cup effort in 2001. But on February 18, 2001 those plans changed. The untimely death of the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr. at Daytona International Speedway created a void in Childress' race team that Harvick stepped in to fill. A win at Atlanta put Harvick's career into a stratosphere he never imagined. He admits it was a role he didn't necessarily want. Harvick opens up to Dale Jr, about how tough and awkward the 2001 season was.
Listen to the full conversation on dirtymomedia.com or any major podcasting platform.

[@Rev1Kev]

Over the years we have heard so much of Dale’s, Micheal Nd Steve Park’s perspective, but we have often forgot their was another story to be told, Kevin Harvicks, thank you Dale for bringing him on the podcast

[@user-cs3zs6jn1d]

There's a lot more people to think about in that situation. Some dropped the ball(Dale SR's wife)and a few that never even caught the ball. But there really is no greater seat to fill than Dale Earnhardt's when it comes to NASCAR.

[@vern8206]

I can’t imagine how Kevin was thrust into this situation essentially with 5 days notice to drive Dale’s race car

[@thomasc.5219]

Earnhardt sucks. Sr. Was overrated. Gordon is the greatest driver to ever drive in nascar.

[@388easymoney5]

@@thomasc.5219 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 that’s funny. Stupid but funny

[@sykwookiee]

@@thomasc.5219 don't be a dick...Dales record speaks for itself...

[@DavidSJ_DAP]

The image I will always carry with me from that day in Atlanta was the sight of "Chocolate" Meyers crying almost inconsolably after they won that race...

[@robertstone9988]

I know right

[@matthewconway1494]

Yeah I remember that moment.

[@richardmalone4721]

I honestly jumped for joy that day, (house was empty, wife had taken the kids out to do something I can’t recall, likely because of the first time our daughters witnessed my meltdown that prior infamous Sunday)! Seeing “Chocolate’s” reaction validated my own, but man I was all in on that 29 Car, at least for a while. Kevin’s henpecked for starters and if you so much as hint at disrespecting Dale Jr., I’m out. Don’t know either and simply coming at this from a Fan point of view. All I know, is after Sr. passed, if Jr. was pissed off or in this case, misunderstood, (pissed on cuz Kevin’s wife said so) WE WERE ALL PISSED-OFF. Kevin is talented and I’ve rooted for him over the years, but he just reminds me of some past competitors I’ve “spoken to without uttering a Word” on the BMX track, running their mouth to others, ultimately making its way back to the Individual. CONTEXT. It helps to ZIP IT until ya KNOW IT ya dikk! Kudos to Jr. @ Company for having him on, but I bet there’s some of us that can’t stand to listen to Kevin “DANCE” around taking ownership of most of not all of this. On the Track FANS wanted A CHIP on Jr.’s shoulders, but watching and listening to these Podcasts reveals more than Greatness, it shows the Goodness of Jr., which reflects on those closest to him. He’s a brilliant man on his own, but I too had a Sisters fend for me during difficult periods of my life, One great friend and a Wife that’s stood beside and Up, (for me) as well. I still keep people like Kevin in my life, (keep your enemies closer) much to the chagrin of others for no other reason NOT TO STOOP to their level. Killin them with humbleness-at an arms length like I assume God’s kept me-regardless of my own transgressions. Harvicks Stock went up for coming own His show, but better think twice about wasting a dime on starting his own… Well, Kevin could have Theresa on a guest AND RELATE!!!

[@chesterswingjr9796]

I’ve met Chocolate a few times, and he’s such a great, down to earth guy. I felt his pain, and pleasure of that day myself.

[@lewiskemp5893]

Yes I was crying too

[@twoblacklabs904]

One can only imagine the pressure that Harvick must’ve felt, having to fill the seat of such a beloved ICON of the sport… The fan base that he instantly inherited, the volume of expectations…it seems like a weaker person might’ve said “HELL NO” to a lot of that… But he did an incredible job on his own. And became a winner in his own right. Despite being a lifelong Dale Earnhardt and Chevy fan, I still respect Harvick for capably handling himself in the most professional manner throughout all the pressure of that era in Winston Cup racing…

[@stephenbreen7570]

I remember thinking about this and just being blown away by his performance under that kind of pressure. Instantly having a ton of respect for the type of person he was. I can't think of any else that could have handled that situation any better and fit what Dale's fans had grown to love about Sr in himself. Truly amazing.

[@LasVegas68]

I'm glad Dale had Kevin come on and tell his side of the story of 2001. I just remember standing in front of the tv and watching the #29 car take the checkers and the fans going crazy. Never thought about what Kevin was going through behind the scenes. Excellent show, glad I could see it.

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

And to STILL be at the top of the game, you're right in that it would've been easy for him to have that initial success and then fade into obscurity and be remembered as the guy who replaced Dale. But how it turned out was that a lot of modern casual Nascar fans probably have no idea that he replaced Dale. I was born in 1994, grew up watching the 2000s era, I never knew until I was WAY older. Like til after 2016 before I learned that. I guess what I'm trying to say is he totally elevated himself to a legend in the sport in his own right.

[@ShaunHensley]

Racers are always waiting for that opportunity

[@ThatsBadTV]

Him and Dale Jr I can’t imagine .. they handled it so well from what we saw

[@ReelAZMatt]

Kevin Harvick, Dale Jr, Michael Waltrip saved Nascar in 2001. It wasn't going away but they took us to the next level. So glad I was there to watch every race.

[@ashketchumsdad]

Don't forget Park

[@signoresantinoburnett1169]

Jeff Gordon?

[@ashleymckeel478]

@@signoresantinoburnett1169 was coming here to say that because he won the championship in 2001

[@pennythedog6605]

Jeff Gordon saved it.

[@lewisgriffin9684]

Actually Jeff Gordon did that single-handedly the one that's what Jeff Gordon did there would have been no Kevin Harvick racing and if Jeff Gordon do what he did there would have been no Tony Stewart Jeff Gordon some guys like Tony Stewart and other guys like that that you could go racing NASCAR Savannah get those guys credit first and foremost Jeff Gordon should be getting a shout-out

[@christopherweise438]

Junior has really become a top notch interviewer. Plus, he's not afraid to tackle any subject. Thanks Dale.

[@jeffyoder8105]

Hey Christopher this is Jeff Yoder the ol'broke down scooter tramp, exbiker, Vietnam 🇻🇳 Era veteran and I agree 👍 💯 percent with your comment about Jr,I've been a big fan of his podcast videos since the first one I saw I think 🤔 his kind of easy going style combined with his knowledge of the history of Nascar is what has gotten him the fan base he has that and the easy to see enjoyment he has getting some of his guests to tell stories about their times in Nascar especially the ones who were the same generation as his dad and the ones who were from his grandpa's generation ,almost all of whom are great story tellers who you can see really enjoy the chance to tell their stories even if they need a little bit of help getting the times that their stories are about and listening 👂 to their stories you can learn a little of the history of Nascar from the guys who helped make Nascar's history from just recently all the way back to the very beginnings of Nascar and even before Nascar officially became Nascar

[@christopherweise438]

@@jeffyoder8105 - Right on man. Junior is exactly the right age to be the bridge from the past to the present. Plus, no other current NASCAR media personality except Kyle Petty have lived their every waking moment in the NASCAR garage like Junior has.

[@MRosati5000]

This is why I like Harvick. He took over for Senior.

[@BurnNotice2023]

And regarding Jr's comment about Dale Jarrett, I remember a conversation that was had back in 2001 when they were starting to enforce the HANS device and Junior was reluctant and one of the last to wear it I believe and Dale Jarrett encouraged him and said something to the effect of "You're gonna be the face of this sport now and we can't lose you too"

[@blastonightfb77ryan86]

Harvick is seriously one of the most genuine people in this sport, freaking love the guy, I’m an Elliott fan too btw, we can get along! That was rubbin it’s racing!

[@orendz7740]

Yeah man, Elliot fan also. Kevin helped with the healing after Sr. Chase and Kevin will get it figured out. What a great show though!

[@bones40447]

I am a fan of Elliott and now have a new found respect for Harvick. This is the best Podcast on Earth. Period.

[@blastonightfb77ryan86]

@@bones40447 agreed 100%

[@ReelAZMatt]

great comment!

[@WastdTrashPanda]

Omg Elliott fans that aren't rabid 😍 I didn't think such a thing existed

[@holycow3890]

What people also forget is that Harvick ran full schedule in busch series and the cup series. He ran almost 70 races in 1 season. Iron man.

[@Unknown-w6b8n]

February 18,2001 We all lost a hero, JR lost his Father. Kevin an acquaintance a team mate a friend.. Richard a brother... this by far was one of the hardest interviews I have watched.. Walk a mile in someone's shoes.. this interview was a few miles

[@carltonsprague7346]

Thanks again Dale, for showing haters how wrong they are about Kevin. This man is one of the best by far of his generation and you know this better than anyone. Historical speaking he is a valuable link in the chain of Nascar's past to present greatest drivers. Talented storyteller as well.

[@artewing6830]

I've been a Harvick fan from day one. Hearing his backstory of all the things he endured after losing Dale and taking that seat, how he didn't just buckle under the pressure is beyond understanding. Hopefully him and Jr. can rekindle their friendship and move forward.

[@jcearnhardt393]

This podcast is the best thing going that has anything to do with nascar including the actual race

[@SurprizedDaily]

absolutely agree with you 100%......as Richard Petty said in an interview I heard awhile back....."It's not NASCAR racing anymore, it's the NASCAR Show" or something fairly close to that....I stopped watching when we lost Dale Sr., knew it would never be the same & here some 20+ years later, i thank God for the intuitions and Jr. for putting this youtube channel and group together doing these interviews!

[@boudreux9318]

I haven't watched a full NASCAR race in over 20 years,.. but I'm still drawn to these podcasts. This is such good stuff.

[@D1aNdOnLyNiCkx3]

Finally harvick we need more

[@eddietat95]

Hearing about that infighting at RCR after 2001 reminded me of the infighting at DEI that Jr. talked about. Dale was really such a critical part of both teams that his loss threw everyone in for a loop. It's just unfortunate how the situation at DEI panned out, but I'm glad to see that Richard eventually sorted everything out.

[@robertstone9988]

Kind of Richard childress racing went from essentially a factory Chevy team with one of the greatest drivers of all time to today it's a midfield at best shell of its former self. Kevin all but said it in this interview when they did testing GM was there telling them what shocks to run and stuff the three car got everything first back then RCR was the factory Chevy team not Hendrick. I mean RCR still exists but it's nowhere near the team it was in the mid-90s

[@fatpatlives1998]

@@robertstone9988 Gordon and Dale SR where the premier drivers for GM In the 90s they developed the Monte Carlo with RCR and HMS input

[@robertstone9988]

@@fatpatlives1998 HMS was kind of a second-tier team I would compare them to like what ganassi was in the early 90s Jeff Gordon though he wasn't their first winning driver was their first I guess you would say legendary driver. No offense to Terry labonte or Ken Schrader or to Tim Richmond or even bodine but they were a upper mid-level team until Jeff Gordon got there and made them the quintessential Chevy team. I've been watching NASCAR since the early 80s it's kind of crazy that I watched Hendrick Motorsports become the Juggernaut it is today. But in those days the late 80s through about the mid-90s RCR was the premier Chevy team. Kind of like how Roush was the premiere ford team for a long time. I bet they don't even get invited to company meetings anymore.

[@TonyM132]

@@robertstone9988 Ganassi in the early 90's? I don't think Chip Ganassi was involved in NASCAR until the early 2000's when he bought part ownership of Felix Sabates' team. Which cars were you thinking of in the early 90's? When I think of "second tier" Chevy teams in that time period after RCR and Hendrick, I think of Joe Gibbs, Morgan McClure, Jackson Brothers with Harry Gant... In other GM cars, Handsome Harry drove Oldsmobiles too. Bret Bodine and Larry Mac had a decent Buick for Kenny Bernstein. Penske and Sabates both had good Pontiac teams for Rusty and Kyle Petty. Then there were those yellow Pontiacs of Bahari Racing and Michael Waltrip that never could seem to win anything...

[@robertstone9988]

@@TonyM132 no how ganassi is now well how it was the last few years

[@juantwo3]

Glad that you all are willing to talk openly and honestly about those old stories, it really gives us fans an inside look at the reality of the sport. Thank you! Keep them coming

[@CoryAY82383]

yes, loving the stories

[@douglashayes3167]

I have never been a Harvick Fan... EVER.... But, I have to say that it was an amazing time of sharing and story telling.... my gosh, Kevin had the weight of the world on his shoulders.... new found respect for that man.... and who better to share that with then Jr.... I bet Harvick left there feeling like 100,000 lbs had been lifted off his shoulders....he gained a fan with me today...

[@thebroskis6364]

If you decide to cheer for him this year, know that ppl say Harv has a horrible fanbase. Hopefully the fans you meet won't be jerks. I'm a diehard Harvick fan, I'm just warning ya. If you do cheer for him, I'd like to give you a warm welcome. :) 🏁

[@runswithbeer]

@@thebroskis6364 right here with ya, been a Harvick fan since the beginning, was at AMS when he won that first race, and I don't know any fan of his who is a jerk.

[@thebroskis6364]

@@runswithbeer I've been a fan since I was 4 years old. My first memory of seeing a race and cheering for a driver was the 2007 Daytona 500. Before the race, I picked a car to win it. My favorite color was yellow, and I ended up picking the 29 of Harvick. There was just something about that car. He ended up winning it and I've been a diehard fan ever since. I met him over a zoom call during a fan insights thing last year unexpectedly, and it was one of the best days of my life. Hopefully he can get back on track next year and win a few more before his retirement. Cheers :)

[@Lukepuke311]

@@thebroskis6364 ever since I started watching nascar (recently in 2020) I’ve always have loved Harvick

[@OfficeofImageArchaeology]

I met Kevin Harvick at a race in Bakersfield I think a 1998 or 99. I was providing fuel for the truck race that weekend. It was 76 racing gas. The guys would push their fuel can laden carts over to my tanker and I will fuel them up. I had seen several races Kevin had been in and the guy impress the hell out of me. At one point he was helping push the carts to my truck and I got to actually meet him. I doubt he’ll remember this but I got a chance to talk to him and told him he was going to do something really, really special someday soon. I don’t know why I told him that but those were my words. When I saw him at that Atlanta race, to me that was the something special.

[@amandahenderson2991]

I have a total new respect for Kevin. Love how these podcasts sheds a different light on so many drivers and events.

[@scottsouthard9156]

Thanks Dale for having Kevin on the show and getting this put in the past and getting on with your friendship with him. It was an awesome show and needed to be done

[@redwaveofketchup7457]

This series is SO interesting! I couldn't imagine what Kevin went thru at that time and now we know. I had tears in my eyes when he won that first race. That moment started the healing for not just me but im sure for a lot if others.GOOD STUFF! Thanks JR!

[@christopherdial3818]

I have the utmost respect for Kevin Harvick! He turned a bad situation into something good! Not just for him and his family but for Dale's to!

[@FiveLugRacing]

It’s been 20 years since it all happened and I still tear up hearing about Dale and remembering Kevin’s first win. It hits so hard every time. I grew up out at San Antonio speedway (which dales show recently did an episode on) I have always loved stock car racing. I was 14 in 2001 and it was so surreal losing Dale Sr as a race fan. I couldn’t imagine being within the organization and family having to live it and keep moving forward. Incredible. Thank you Dale Jr and his team along with Kevin Harvick for doing this episode. ✊🏼

[@bubbaluvv]

1 of the best interviews ever. I never thought about what Kevin went through and how it shaped him

[@DennyDeliversYT]

Atlanta might’ve been Harvick’s first win but it was also so much more emotional for everyone around the team

[@nelsoncollier]

I was there at Rockingham that weekend with a very heavy heart. I'll never forget the raw emotion and the thrill of the team win. Thanks for bringing it all back. To this day our car license plate says "Dale Sr"

[@NascarNick2488]

7:06 “dudes sitting in his underwear with a pair of Simpson gloves on……” 😂😂 just the way Kevin said It and the look on his face after saying It had me dying 😂😂😂😂

[@gotemlookin20]

Breaking in my gloves… I belly laughed fr

[@dashcamtv3439]

Harvick is a true legend easily a top 10 driver of all time, great Jr download.

[@caidenshafer6951]

These interviews completely rock my world. My perspective was the complete opposite and these years helped shape my life in a way. I have so much more respect for Harvick and wish Dale would of made this show 10 yrs ago.

[@phil32888]

Would have been really interesting having Dale Sr. And Harvick as teammates.

[@randysiler7458]

Thanks Dale for having Kevin on the show. Kudos to Kevin for hanging in there through those uncertainties in his early career. 👍👍🏁🇺🇸

[@brianbaker2530]

Glad to finally hear Harvick's perspective. I've often wondered what his experience was. He was thrust into an impossible situation. That early win sure helped, and he definitely made the transition easier by just riding the entire 2001 season out without many changes. I always felt Kevin was about as respectful as a driver could have been in that situation, this just confirms it.

[@realrasher]

2001 still gets me to this day… I truly appreciate this discussion. Thank you guys!!! I sure miss that dude!

[@eddie3489]

These podcasts really look very therapeutic for jr listening of the stories about his dad!! Because when he lost his dad he didn’t have time to really mourn!! At that time the show must kept going!

[@theamericansgarage9087]

I grew up watching the Earnhardt family win on the track, Dale Sr keeping everyone on their toes as he aggressively took positions. And after finding this channel and listening to the stories of the diverse past and all of its little glorious moments is quite amazing and brings back many memories of my own.

[@94nolo]

Wish I'd watched Sr race so badly. I started watching in 2002.

[@mrstyle_67]

@@94nolo KZbin is full of past races and documentaries that tell stories of Nascar and Dale Earnhardt. Once you watch a couple the analytics will start popping up more.

[@da_blade5040]

That's why Dale Sr. was My all time Favorite Driver!! It was Amazing watching Dale Jr grow throughout the years just so sad 😭 what happened!

[@christopherdial3818]

Thanks Dale for bringing him in to your podcast. That was so good to hear from Kevin! He really is a good guy

[@BSUxFAN29]

These are my two all-time favorite drivers this was awesome! Cool to hear these stories finally

[@justicefurawl3122]

Your show produces a perfect conversation with its guests. Raw…real…emotional…comforting. I love it.

[@joshhefner8179]

The fact he ran every race in 2001 cup and busch besides the 500 with where they used to go in busch series with getting in that car was amazing.

[@ExecutiveAutomotiveSociety]

That was incredible to hear and genuinely sobering. Harvick has been one of my favorite racers and to see him be able to secure a spot and continue was satisfying, but to hear the difficulties were eye opening. I definitely get it. I’m glad you guys can be friends and share these stories with us.

[@rydplrs71]

I still remember having tears in my eyes at Atlanta. I didn’t realize it completely wasn’t dale’s setup cars. I thought the hot streak was using the cars were tested and set for the man, not the setups he refused to try. When dale died I watched 180+ laps and had to leave for a night shift. When I got to work there were already rumors dale died. It took a couple hours to get a replay and news on the internet. 9-11 was the only night I was more distracted

[@BarryJowers]

This was one of the best podcast guest Dale has had so far definitely a top 5

[@johnparker6642]

All of the interviews are so great, im really appreciative of this interview. It gave all the fans the truth and mostly im thankful that you both came out of this as friends again. Thank you Dale and Kevin.

[@brians48now]

What makes you think they came out as friends?

[@johnparker6642]

@@brians48now they said they " buried the hatchet" in yesterday's podcast, or podcast #1 of Kevin Harvick interviev

[@brians48now]

@@johnparker6642 And from that you now believe that they are friends? There is a lot of people I don't hate but that doesn't mean we're friends.

[@johnparker6642]

@@brians48now you watch both podcasts like I and you have an opinion like I. Happy holidays, be safe.

[@Toxic2T]

@@johnparker6642 great way to shut down such a dense guy. I applaud you.

[@craigparrish3582]

Enjoy this podcast. Love hearing stories that I've never heard about Sr. Harvick a,great driver. Was fortunate to be given opportunity to drive for RCR. Hard situation to get into Sr car. But may not have made it other wise.

[@Jdfuller82]

I'm glad you got Harvick on after you said he would never be on. I'm a fan of you and him.

[@CoryAY82383]

Watching this from the point of an Earnhardt Fan was great. Out of that I will admit I split which of you I cheered for to a point. Make it clear I was a fan of Dale Jr but Harvick I always kept a spot for and rooted for. Other drivers being Park and Waltrip actually and I hope both of them are doing well in their current and future plans. Great to see you both explain each others perspective on how it all went down and worked out and this honestly was shocked to know Harvick and yourself had met to chat on Dirty Mo considering some things that have happened prior.

[@Jaydoubleu83]

I was a Harvick fan throughout his RCR career. The Goodwrench cars had some awesome paint schemes. The silver 02' car was a great looking car even though it wasn't a good year for Kevin.

[@BSUxFAN29]

My favorite was his brickyard win car, when he blew out the tire

[@evanwilliams6406]

Yes 2002 was not a good year for RCR and Kevin missed a race after dumping Coy Gibbs at Martinsville in the Truck Race.

[@Ghostmotorfinger]

That 2002 GM Goodwrench Service Chevy was a beautiful scheme. So was that Daytona 2005 Goodwrench scheme was Harvick's best at RCR.

[@toddw6716]

Been looking forward to this interview for years. Only Dale could do it right. Thank you both.

[@dwass394]

This is a great conversation. I’ve never been a Harvick fan, and that’s just me. Being a HUGH Elliott fan, I never liked Senior. But when he won Dayton, I had tears in my eyes because I’m a NASCAR fan and I knew he deserved it. After this interview, I may not be rooting for Harvick, but I won’t be rooting against him. Well done guys.

[@corrodosoprano9667]

I was in the east turn grandstands that day in Atlanta holding a Dale Sr banner and went home a new Harvick fan.

[@runswithbeer]

Backstretch grandstands holding up the three fingers the whole time (when I didn't have a beer in my hand).

[@theonionman]

Damn Kevin. I never knew all that happened. I always respected you but this just proves that you are an incredible person. Thank you for sharing! 🏁 And thank you too Dale!!!🏁

[@danielwhirley6779]

This is good I was disappointed in Harvick so bad but now I got the full story not so much.Great interview guys.

[@Ktaurus26]

Yup. I agree. Dale was wrong for not backing the drivers with salaries, and Kevin was obviously upset and aired Dale out. Kevin was wrong for what he said but he felt Dale didn’t have is back during contract negotiations. Glad we got the full story

[@Toxic2T]

@@Ktaurus26 truth

[@Lukepuke311]

Kevin Harvick is one of the remaining nascar drivers who says what he thinks is right and doesn’t care if it’s critical of nascar I loved when he said these championships aren’t like how Earnhardt and Petty won

[@WastdTrashPanda]

I lost it on the part about the Simpson gloves and underwear 🤣

[@RoseGarrison629]

Me too.....that image will be with me forever.

[@TeriZwick]

i NEVER knew any of this. Just makes me love Kevin Harvick more

[@petecastle5762]

Great interview , personally not a fan of Harvick but I do have the upmost respect for him and his talent , this kid performed under the biggest pressure ever put on a driver , and that’s a heart of a champion

[@thebeasters]

Seems like something to like

[@alkennedy1124]

This is the funniest nice memory’s for me , I love hear this ol storytelling thing that has happened around the best legendary driver Dale. Earnhardt , nice thanks BigAl California.

[@runswithbeer]

I loved hearing this as a Harvick fan. I was at that race in AMS when he got his first win in Dale's car and we were all screaming with three fingers on each hand in the air. I still have the yellow 3 hat I wore that day. And the year before, we had been there to see Dale drive that same car to a similar win against my best friend's driver, Bobby Labonte. We were hoarse by the end of that race too! By the way, Mike, Roll Tide!!!

[@FloridaManRacer]

I'm no Harvick fan by any means, but He HAD to butt heads with Richard, GM and Goodwrench in 2002 or he would've NEVER made a lasting impression in this sport. It was so important at that time, as a now winning driver in Cup that he establish his OWN IDENTITY. He wasn't Dale. He wasn't from North Carolina, he was from California, he wasn't the face of the sport, he was coming off his rookie year. He needed to make his own mark and I totally understand that. It's the one reason why I personally HATE seeing Austin Dillon run that #3 car. Not the number itself. I could care less if someone wants to run a car with the number 3 on it. I'm not saying it's Dale's number no one can run it. I'm saying it's the original font, on a mostly black white and red car. Change the font and run it as a green and blue car or something. It's not HIS identity. It's a Dale Sr. Tribute car being run by someone else. That's NOT what Austin needs to make his own mark. He's living in Dale's shadow pretty much involuntarily, regardless of what he says in that media center. He may be just fine with it too, but it helps NOTHING about his career and the lasting impression he will have on the sport. Be honest. Do you remember his wins? Or that one time he almost flipped out of Daytona? You probably firstly just think of the spectacular wreck. because that car doesn't give him his own identity. Kevin knew that wasn't the way to go about things. He still RESPECTED the legacy he was charged with honoring, but he needed to make it clear that he wasn't a clone of the guy we had all just lost. He was his own man, with his own personality and his own mindset in racing.

[@runswithbeer]

Very well said!

[@Toxic2T]

What a great comment man. Well said.

[@DEIFAN]

If I was dillion I would've ran a 33 or 30 car

[@gainonten4031]

thank you, this comment is the reason I love youtube more than twitter.

[@dannycutshaw9148]

The episode was like going to a child's baptism amazing communication amazing content you guys rock

[@tgs2141]

Makes you realize what Harvick really went through in 2001

[@erlic1967]

I am 54 years old and I have been a Dale Earnhardt fan since 79 and I am very interested in these stories. Please keep them coming Jr.

[@TonyM132]

If I were Kevin in that first time he met Dale Earnhardt, after the third or fourth "idiot" I'd have thought "I know this man is a legend and the most famous and popular figure in all of NASCAR, but damn, if he calls me an idiot one more time..."

[@dhackdaddymac]

That team needed that win. Beating Gordon like that made it better too. But it was difficult seeing someone else drive that car. Really wish they didn’t bring the 3 car back. Should of retired it. But it was nice seeing Kevin’s POV. Never once thought about what he had to go through.

[@jenniferwatts3777]

Thank you Kevin in loving memory of Brooke to covid 19 in February this year and Lynn in April this year, love you guys

[@jenniferwatts3777]

Thank you

[@treeman7378]

Dale Junior, you do such a great job of bringing back the memories of NASCAR and dad to these podcast. They are just wonderful thank you for your time and effort and what you were doing another great interview.

[@jmmurica2885]

First race Kevin won at Atlanta, after Dale’s death, I was at work, end of race on radio , i went sliding into my yard to get to TV to watch, cry, see the 3 win the race. I was at Daytona that February.

[@bones40447]

I am a fan of Elliott and now have a new found respect for Harvick. This is the best Podcast on Earth. Period.

[@christopherlucas4620]

I am so glad for this interview you have no idea. For YEARS I always wondered if Harvick had any sort of relationship with Dale Sr. as Havick was coming up through the ranks in the 2000 season. I still have yet to see ONE photo of Dale Sr. and Harvick together. Thank you so much for this. I can finally partially sleep at night.

[@sinnedsinister]

Jr. Don't really know if you read any of these comments but, I vividly remember your dad's passing and the 2001 season. At that time I watched the races every week. This is the first time I've heard Kevin's side of what I knew back then had to be an impossible situation of "filling someone's shoes". As you said, and has been proven, I don't think anyone could have done a better job than Kevin did. I feel he carried on your dads legacy for RCR and that team with the same attitude and tenacity that gained your dad the nick name "The Intimdator". Thanks for this airing and interview. To me this is a lost part of the the entire 2001 season.

[@beowulf3303]

It took me along time to get over the loss of big E! I didn’t know him and never met him but he was awesome! I remember breaking down crying watching the news days later. Harvick did an amazing job stepping up and driving that car!

[@larryburwell8550]

Great video. Makes me like and respect Harvick even more. I can't imagine the stress factor. Thanks Dale for having him on the show. Best show to date bar none

[@chuckhutton5087]

I’m new to this podcast but so far the talk with Kerry is my favorite. The recollections of first meeting and the family’s dynamic was surreal and awesome.

[@kevintrump7086]

Love how Jr smiles anytime Harvick tells a story like him going into his dads office for a gun. Misses him everyday so anything involving his father he treats it like he’s right there experiencing it

[@anitagarrison6916]

I'm glad you posted this. I finished listening to the full podcast last night and wanted to see Dale and Mike's reaction to the comment about car 51. 😂 I forgot about the life's most embarrassing Dale Sr in his underwear moment 🙈.

[@frankcastle5294]

I never thought much of Harvick, till this interview. Seems like a great guy, down to earth, and open and honest. Twenty years later...this sport has never fully recovered from the death of its brightest star, and I doubt that it ever will.

[@thebroskis6364]

Everything went downhill shortly after his death.

[@CNC-Time-Lapse]

This is purely the best content... I'm always glued to these videos. The stories are so amazing.

[@chriskrash9193]

excellent interview! what an emotional time. The pressure Kevin had on him and the dissmissal of his talent because he was in Dale's equipment and team, even for a 25 year old who was just handed the key to the city, must have been awkward and confusing. Major respect for you both !

[@Erniegrow]

What a fantastic interview among some solid guys. Dale, you are heck of a good man. And Kevin, you rose to the occasion under some daunting circumstances to say the least. Great post.

[@michaelalbers88]

I’m so sorry to hear about you Uncle Danny Dale. Prayers and love to all of the family and friends.

[@andybovee827]

Lost a couple teardrops. Great interview. Never really thought about all the things that Kevin was going through. This is why NASCAR is the greatest sport ever. The most humble athletes this country has ever met.

[@SmokeShow9969]

The Childress and Harvick split made me pretty sad when that went down

[@Ktaurus26]

I was sad too but RCR was holding Kevin back. He’s been arguably the best driver in nascar since 2014

[@mr.skipper4544]

This interview is so cool to hear Kevin's angle of 2001 and that transformation in RCR, it definitely was a sad day for Thanks dale for sharing this story with us 👍

[@jonboysprowash7845]

Harvick fan since 2001. Loved this interview and insight.

[@duanebailey6253]

It must have been the most fustrating situation to step into dales seat. Knowing everyone was gonna hate you and judge you. I'm so glad he won early on to help the transition. Looking back he was a perfect guy for that rise.

[@martiepowell7631]

That was very enlightening. Great show everyone

[@urban_89]

Its incredible, its eye opening, its great to hear all the behind the scenes stuff that i didnt know being as young as i was when we lost dale i was bout to turn 12. Being 33 now. Its absolutely incredible some of it makes me smile, some give some tears, and makes me wanna hear more

[@jeff1176]

Kevin, your entry into cup racing in 2001 had to be gut wrenching. Thank you for being the man to step into THOSE shoes.

[@justatrailer7807]

Kev did a good job with what he was given, Awesome actually !

[@temptoo9415]

I was a huge fan of your dad. Went to many races and never missed a race on TV. The day your dad crashed, I cried my eyes out. NASCAR was never the same for me and that was the last race I ever watched. It changed my world.

[@thomasfreer580]

This is the interview I've been waiting for.....well done gentlemen!!

[@Architectureguy]

I've always wanted to hear this! Great stuff! When it happened, I imagined Dale Jr. and Harvick being good friends.

[@johngibson8047]

Been the HARVICK fan since 1998. I often asked myself, how the hell did that older guy or why the hell or what the hell is soooo interesting about these cars and drivers. Its now December 2021 I'm 48 years old, have partly grey hair and still cheer for HARVICK 23 years later. HARVICKFANFORLIFE!!!!

[@devildoc12183]

I've never really liked Harvick, but I really appreciated listening to this. I was young and new to nascar when Dale died, so I never knew this about Harvick, or I don't remember

[@penncentral8885]

This is an excellent interview, I always wondered what went on after Dale, I knew Kevin was put in a very hard situation, and still was successful!!!

[@freddylong156]

I understand why Harvick is such a good driver all those test sessions and practice laps not to mention all the cars and equipment you were capable of using. Respect

[@cato451]

KH is my favorite driver but 2021 was a season to forget. I just didn’t see the normal spark this season. I’d like to see him turn that around in 2022.

[@Skins4life2117]

It wasnt him it was SHR. Look at where his teammates ran compared to him. That says a lot. He gets the most out of the equipment given to him but the fords in general this year were just off compared to the chevys and toyotas. If you're concerned about his passion/drive look no further than Bristol when the win was stripped from him.

[@cato451]

@@Skins4life2117 great points. Thinking back to some of the races and the last 20 laps this makes sense.

[@Ktaurus26]

It was a miracle he finished 5th in points with the junk they had.

[@kevinbouchard88]

What a story. Harvick has built a legacy of his own, one of the most unique careers in Nascar history, probably the most unique considering the circumstances. And some day someone will tell a story about Harvick just like he is telling about Earnhardt.

[@smello76]

Diehard Earnhardt fan. I pulled for Kevin before and after Dale passed. Watched him win at the Kentucky Busch series race in 01. The crowd went nuts as did I. I dont know what happened over the years but I slowly started not pulling for him to eventually not caring if he won or lost. He went from a fan favorite to I would say less than. Guess in the end he did end up forging his own path from loved to loathed. Great interview

[@Calebbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb]

The car 51 study is wild to hear