Harvick joining SHR next year
Kevin Harvick is leaving Richard Childress Racing at the end of the season for Stewart-Haas Racing in hopes of rejuvenating his career.
Harvick said at a press conference in Loudon, N.H., that the move is nothing personal against team owner Richard Childress and has nothing to do with his inconsistent performances over the past decade.
"It wasn't anything personal from Richard's standpoint or the team's standpoint of doing anything wrong," Harvick said. "It was me trying to rejuvenate myself and be excited to do winter testing and things that go with it.
"Just like everybody else's job, sometimes you need a change to get going again."
Also factoring in were Harvick's opportunity to race for longtime friend Tony Stewart, joining a team that won the championship two years ago with Stewart and the affiliation with Hendrick Motorsports.
Budweiser will continue to be Harvick's primary sponsor.
Stewart said he has no plans to expand next season beyond himself, Harvick and Danica Patrick as drivers. There was speculation that Ryan Newman would stay on.
"Unfortunately, this is the last year we will have Ryan," Stewart said. "That's probably what made this a bittersweet day. ... I truly wish we were able to facilitate four teams at this time. We're just not able to do that."
Stewart added that Newman would be the first one added if the team expands to a fourth driver.
Harvick has two wins this year, finished in the top 10 in eight straight races and is fourth in the Sprint Cup standings overall.
