The NASCAR world began speculating about long-time driver Kevin Harvick after a possible retirement announcement was accidentally leaked by his management company. It appears that this was a sign of things to come, and it looks like the veteran driver will indeed be retiring.
According to Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic, Harvick is expected to announce that the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season will be his last as a full-time driver.
This isn’t exactly a surprising decision considering the lengthy career he’s had in the sport. The 47-year-old driver is the oldest active full-time driver at the Cup level and hinted back in December that this upcoming season could be his last.
It makes perfect sense for him to retire in 2023, considering he’s only signed with long-time team Stewart-Haas Racing through 2023.
Many around the racing world took to social media to react to this report on Harvick, with many certainly hoping that he has a ton of success in likely his final full season.
“This will be the last season for Harvick. One of the best to do it,” tweeted Trey Wallace of Fox.
This will be the last season for Kevin Harvick.
One of the best to do it. https://t.co/1ZIPTal190
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) January 12, 2023
“Kevin Harvick doesn’t get enough credit for the sustained success he had at two different organizations. Better in his 40s than his 30s. Surefire Hall of Famer & easily still good enough to win the NASCAR Cup title in his final season. 2023 just got a lot more interesting,” tweeted Tom Bowles of CBS Sports.
Kevin Harvick doesn’t get enough credit for the sustained success he had at two different organizations.
Better in his 40s than his 30s. Surefire Hall of Famer & easily still good enough to win the #nascar Cup title in his final season.
2023 just got a lot more interesting.
— Tom Bowles (@NASCARBowles) January 12, 2023
Harvick had an extremely impressive 2022 season, winning two races on the year along with making the Cup Series playoffs for his 12th consecutive year.
He’ll look to parlay that success into 2023 and finish out his legendary career on a high note in what looks like his final year.
