As they exited turn two, Kevin Harvick rolled out of the throttle, attempting to make it side by side with Chastain. However, the narrow confines of the track didn’t allow for a clean pass. With the air removed from the right side of Harvick’s car, he lost control and slid up into Chastain. The result? Both cars pancaked the backstretch wall in a dramatic collision.
Harvick was clearly frustrated after the incident. He expressed his displeasure with Chastain, labeling him “a really inexperienced guy in a really fast car.” According to Harvick, Chastain’s move was reckless, and it ultimately wrecked both of their chances in the race. Harvick’s car was done for the day, while Chastain soldiered on to finish 25th despite the heavy impact with the wall.
The veteran didn't think the young guy was going to make it in this sport. @KevinHarvick remembers his 2018 Xfinity Series incident with @RossChastain at Darlington.@MambaSmith34 | @KaitlynVincie | #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/1HWEBdtgvl
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) May 8, 2024
In a recent episode of Harvick Happy Hour, Kevin Harvick reminisced about a contentious moment involving Ross Chastain’s retaliation in 2018. When asked about the incident by Mamba Smith, Harvick responded, “I love the competition.” He went on to express admiration for his rivalries with Kyle Busch, noting that they have motivated him to achieve more in the sport.
Harvick then shifted the conversation to a newcomer at the time, Ross Chastain, indicating that Chastain was not one to be trifled with, suggesting that any ill-advised actions towards him would be met with a strong response.
The Incident of Kevin Harvick and Ross Chastain
On that fateful day, Kevin Harvick and Chastain were battling for the lead in the Xfinity Series race. With less than 45 laps remaining, they found themselves side-by-side on the track. Harvick, a seasoned Cup Series driver, was determined to take the lead away from Chastain in his #98 Ford. However, things took an unexpected turn.
As they exited the narrow turn two at Darlington, Kevin Harvick rolled out of the throttle in an attempt to make it side by side with Chastain. Unfortunately, they didn’t quite make it. The air was sucked away from the right side of Harvick’s car, causing it to get loose on the bottom. Harvick slid up into Chastain, and both cars pancaked the backstretch wall1.
Chastain, on the other hand, proved Harvick wrong in a big way. Prior to the incident, he had led an impressive 90 laps in the race. When Harvick attempted to take the lead, Chastain held his ground. Instead of backing down, Chastain responded by spinning Harvick out on the back straightaway. It was a bold move that showcased Chastain’s determination and skill behind the wheel.
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