NASCAR
Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin Both Tease 2023 Announcements at NASCAR Banquet
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – At the 2022 NASCAR Awards banquet, a few pieces of the upcoming silly season began to grow legs. Veteran drivers Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin were each asked about their plans beyond 2023. The perennial title contending duo said that news would be coming in the very near future. With both of them in their 40s, what does 2024 hold for their presence in the sport?
For starters with Kevin Harvick, the 2014 champion said to expect a mutual decision no later than February. “I think right now I’ll know that answer before we get to Daytona,” Harvick said. “I don’t really have a clear answer on that right now. I think as we get to Daytona, I know 100% that we will have a direction because I’m not going to start the season without knowing that direction just because of the fact that there’s just a lot of layers to unfold and really go through and evaluate. And so, we’ll see. I think it could go either way at this particular point.”
Turning 47 years old next week, Kevin Harvick is set to enter his 23rd full-time NASCAR Cup Series campaign. In a career that started in 2001, Harvick has won 60 times, including twice in 2022. Some rumors do have Harvick stepping aside from driving after this season, and moving onto a broadcast role with NASCAR on FOX. It appears that we will know the Bakersfield, California native’s 2023 status in a matter of weeks. Stay tuned for updates regarding the 2014 Cup champ.
On the flip side of this coin, Denny Hamlin seemed far more confident about his 2023 situation. Hamlin and longtime sponsor FedEx both have contracts that expire at the end of next year. “Certainly, I’ve always wanted to finish my career at JGR,” Hamlin said, “and I’m optimistic that will be the case.” Since 2005, Hamlin has piloted the FedEx No. 11 for Joe Gibbs Racing, a career that has seen 48 wins and multiple close encounters with a championship.
“I’ll be a part of some reorganization at JGR anyway, within some certain departments. Having a little bit more of a voice there, being part of the interview process. They’re just trying to include the drivers and make sure they’re happy with who they choose and put in place.”
Hamlin’s status is unique among all drivers, since he is also co-owner of 23XI Racing. Despite dueling roles as a driver/owner, Hamlin has not lost any focus. “There will be a time where my attention will be more needed as a team owner than a driver, but it’s going to be on my terms and when I want it to happen and when I think it needs to happen. But I don’t foresee ownership expediting my retirement. I think that my retirement will be a totally independent decision, regardless of where we’re at with the race team.”
These comments make it sound like Hamlin will remain at JGR long after 2023. Whether or not FedEx re-signs as well remains to be seen though. Like with Harvick above, we are in a wait-and-see standing with Denny Hamlin’s driving ventures.
2022 was already an especially-volatile and chaotic silly season that’s not yet finished. Alongside the rest of a very-stacked 2023 silly season, both of these drivers will be continual stories all year long.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Jared C. Tilton and Eakin Howard/Getty Images for NASCAR
