In the final laps of the Darlington race in 2011, Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch were engaged in a fierce battle on the track, making continual contact. However, things escalated dramatically when Busch turned Harvick into the wall. As a result of their back-and-forth, Harvick’s now-FOX teammate Clint Bowyer also ended up hitting a barrier.
But the drama didn’t end there. After the race, Harvick and Busch crossed paths on pit road. Harvick, fueled by adrenaline and frustration, abandoned his car (which had already hit a barrier) and went after Busch. However, Busch remained in his car and drove away, avoiding the confrontation.
"He knew he was going to get punched in the head." @KevinHarvick remembers his 2011 Darlington incident with Kyle Busch.@KaitlynVincie | @MambaSmith34 | #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/rPYZnxQfGm
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) May 9, 2024
Kevin Harvick later recalled the incident, saying, “I recall my shoulder still hurting because as I went in to punch him in the head, he decided to take off in his car. Right here, he knew he was going to get punched in the head. He decided that, ‘I’m not going to get punched in the head.’”
The aftermath of the fight led to a post-race conversation between Kevin Harvick, Busch, and their respective team owners. Joe Gibbs and Richard Childress, team owners for Busch and Harvick, respectively, had to step in and address the situation. It was a memorable and intense exchange that left a lasting impression.
Kevin Harvick vs. Kyle Busch: A Rivalry for the Ages
The roots of the Kevin Harvick-Busch rivalry trace back to the early 2000s. Here are some key moments that fueled their intense competition:
- 2005 Xfinity Race at Dover:
- The rivalry reached a boiling point during an Xfinity Series race at Dover. Aggressive driving, heated exchanges, and on-track clashes characterized their battles. Both drivers were summoned to NASCAR meetings to resolve post-race conflicts.
- Darlington Raceway Incident:
- Another pivotal moment occurred at Darlington Raceway. Harvick and Busch engaged in a high-stakes face-off, making continual contact on the track. Busch turned Harvick into the wall, escalating tensions.
- After the race, Harvick confronted Busch on pit road, but Busch remained in his car, avoiding the physical confrontation.
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