Harvick hints at change
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009
Driver Kevin Harvick (left) laughs with team owner Richard Childress in the garage at Daytona International Speedway in February, 2009. JEFF SINER -- jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Getty Images for NASCAR
RICHMOND, VA - SEPTEMBER 11: Delana Harvick (L) talks with Kevin Harvick (R), driver of the #33 Jimmy John's Chevrolet, before the NASCAR Nationwide Series Virginia 529 College Savings Plan 250 at Richmond International Raceway on September 11, 2009 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Getty Images for NASCAR
LOUDON, NH - SEPTEMBER 18: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 Shell/Pennzoil Chevrolet, puts on his gloves prior to practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sylvania 300 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 18, 2009 in Loudon, New Hampshire (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Team owner Richard Childress monitors his drivers during a race practice. (AP file)
Getty Images
BROOKLYN, MI - AUGUST 16: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 Pennzoil/Shell Chevrolet speaks with team owner Richard Childress prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 16, 2009 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images)
FONTANA, Calif. – In an interview with ESPN’s Marty Smith that will air during Sunday’s “NASCAR Countdown” prerace show on ABC, driver Kevin Harvick hints his career at Richard Childress Racing could be over when his current contract expires in 2010.
During the six-minute interview conducted at Harvick’s home in Kernersville, N.C., the driver discusses his frustrating 2009 Cup season, along with the persistent rumors that he had sought an early release from his contract.
Harvick acknowledged that he and team owner Richard Childress have had such a conversation, but Harvick said they agreed “it would not be in the best interest for all involved.”
Asked about his relationship with Childress, Harvick said, “It’s OK. There have been some stressful moments.”
The most telling answer came in response to Smith’s inquiry about what RCR might do to keep Harvick.
“Sometimes when you get to the end of the book, you shut the book and say, ‘That’s a great book. It was a lot of fun,’ ” Harvick said. “But sometimes, it’s best for everyone involved to say, ‘All right, I’m going to read another book.’ ”
RCR officials said they had no specific comment about the interview and reiterated that Harvick would drive the No. 29 Shell-sponsored Chevrolet in 2010.
In nearly nine Cup seasons and 315 starts – all with RCR – Harvick has 11 wins, 59 top-five and 125 top-10 finishes. His best points finish was fourth, in 2006 and 2008.
Harvick's most recent win was in February 2007 in the Daytona 500.
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