Kevin Harvick’s NASCAR driving career may have ended in November, but another aspect of his career has come full circle. Harvick has made a complete transition to the Fox Sports booth, joining a three-person broadcast team that covers NASCAR Cup Series races. This is not unfamiliar territory for Harvick, as he has spent the past nine years appearing as a guest analyst during Xfinity Series races. In fact, Harvick was the first driver to accept the invitation to appear in the booth for Xfinity Series races, starting in the 2015 season-opener at Daytona International Speedway.
When Harvick began appearing in the booth, he quickly gained more exposure than his fellow drivers. Sponsors took notice and started asking questions about how they could also get involved in the booth. Harvick recognizes the value of being in the booth from a driver’s perspective, as it provides additional exposure for both the driver and their sponsor. Although it requires some extra work, the benefits outweigh the effort. Harvick believes that having more than just driving skills is important for a driver’s career. By appearing in the booth, drivers can showcase their personality and allow fans to get to know them on a deeper level.
Being on television has become enjoyable for Harvick. He went from being a guest analyst to leading the broadcast when Fox Sports introduced the ‘Drivers Only’ concept. This idea, where every position on the broadcast is filled by a Cup Series driver, was discussed with Harvick and he became comfortable in the broadcast booth. It was during these early days with NASCAR on Fox that Harvick realized broadcasting could be a potential next career for him.
Harvick officially retired from full-time competition in January 2023. Shortly after, Fox Sports announced that he would be joining Mike Joy and Clint Bowyer in the Cup Series broadcast booth starting in 2024. Harvick views this opportunity as a continuation of his involvement in the sport. Just as his radio show, Happy Hours, kept him engaged and provided benefits for his television career, being in the broadcast booth allows him to stay connected to the game and gain valuable experience.
The Busch Light Clash at the L.A. Coliseum was Harvick’s first race in the Cup Series broadcast booth. This Sunday, he will be calling his first Daytona 500 for Fox Sports. Harvick has been looking forward to this moment for a long time and is excited to learn the ins and outs of being in the Cup booth. He already has strong relationships with many people in the TV compound, making the process easier and more comfortable. The progression of his career has led him to this point, and he is grateful for the benefits that come with stepping into the booth.
According to the Source racer.com