Kevin Harvick has had a storied NASCAR career, marked by numerous surprising finishes that left fans and teams astounded at his ability to secure victories. Now, having transitioned from racing in the car to hosting his own podcast, Harvick reminisced about an incident that completely changed the outcome of a race with a single, last-minute move.
In 2010, @KevinHarvick found out he was losing his main sponsor … then went out and won at Talladega in an incredibly close finish with @JamieMcMurray. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/oAjWB3Y7MF
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) April 18, 2024
During a recent episode of the “Harvick Happy Hour” podcast, he recounted an unforgettable moment from 2010 when he executed a daring maneuver to pass Jamie McMurray on the final lap. Harvick disclosed that he had been practicing a similar move, hoping it would be the key to breaking his long winless streak. He also revealed they were losing Shell as a sponsor which was heartbreaking news for them.
The Epic Battle and surprising move of Kevin Harvick
In what would become one of the most memorable moments in NASCAR history, Kevin Harvick and Jamie McMurray engaged in a fierce battle for victory. As they approached the finish line, the tension was palpable.
As the cars roared down the backstretch on the final lap, Harvick found himself trailing McMurray. With the checkered flag in sight, Harvick knew he had to make a move.
At nearly 200 mph, Harvick executed a daring maneuver. He nudged McMurray’s car, loosening it up and pushing him off the bottom line. This allowed Harvick to dive to the inside and engage in a drag race to the finish line. The two cars crossed the finish line side by side, inches apart. In a heart-stopping moment, Harvick edged out McMurray by a mere 0.011 seconds.
It was the fifth-closest finish in Talladega’s track history.Kevin Harvick’s perfectly timed pass secured the victory, etching his name into NASCAR lore. Fans still talk about that thrilling last lap, where skill, strategy, and determination collided in a battle for supremacy.
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