Tyler Reddick grabbed the pole at Darlington for the Goodyear 400, clocking a lap of 28.906 and really showing off his skills. Everyone was pretty impressed with how smooth Reddick’s car was handling. However, something unexpected went down in the booth. Just two weeks ago, after Reddick won the first race of the season at Talladega, Kevin Harvick was all compliments about Michael Jordan’s team and Reddick’s sharp potential.
But now, Harvick’s latest comments hint that he might still be hung up on last year’s Southern 500 at Darlington, where he had to bear the brunt of Reddick’s deed.
Kevin Harvick isn’t exactly a fan of one particular thing about Tyler Reddick
During the throwback weekend, Reddick decided to switch up his look before qualifying by shaving off his beard and sporting only a mustache. The new style was a nod to the 1982 Tim Richmond throwback paint scheme on his #45 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota car. Reddick himself joked that the mustache might have given him an edge, saying, “It certainly helped, that’s for sure.”
However, Kevin Harvick wasn’t feeling the new vibe. Up in the booth, when the topic came up, the former SHR driver threw out a zinger, “I don’t like Tyler Reddick’s mustache… he looks like Luigi.“ Mike Joy jumped in with, “From Mario Kart???“ While the comment lightened the mood, some fans think Harvick’s still holding a grudge from last year’s race.
Last year, during the Southern 500, with about 50 laps left, Kevin Harvick was right behind Tyler Reddick, gunning for the lead. Harvick decided to pit, and just as he did, Reddick also slowed down—apparently trying to duck into pit road too—and ended up crashing into Ryan Newman.
That move from Reddick triggered a caution right as Harvick was nearing the pit road line, and the caution lights flashed on, signaling that the pit road was closed. Harvick went ahead with his pit stop anyway, explaining later that he “didn’t think I could turn right” in time to avoid entering. And the incident landed him a penalty, forcing him to pit again and putting him a lap down.
Kevin Harvick being biased on commentary saying he don't like Tyler Reddick. He ain't forgot the last Southern 500 .lol.
— Bumblebee48
(@KellieBlundell) May 12, 2024
Harvick managed to claw back to finish P19 and stay on the lead lap, but the outcome was a tough pill to swallow, knowing what could have been. Even Rodney Childers, Harvick’s crew chief, didn’t mince words about their frustration afterward.
Speaking to Frontstretch, he laid the blame on Reddick, “It all happened because the #45 (Tyler Reddick) tried to do something it shouldn’t have. That part’s the more disappointing thing. I also see the reasoning and I also see why he did it and all that. It’s part of racing. Hate that it happened, we had a strong car and could’ve should’ve.”
But it’s kind of surprising to hear Kevin Harvick’s comments from the Darlington booth, especially since just a few weeks ago he was all praises for the same driver.
Kevin Harvick had nothing but praise for Tyler Reddick and the 23XI Racing team after a dramatic win
Tyler Reddick nailed it at Talladega by steering clear of a major wreck on the final lap to claim victory at NASCAR’s GEICO 500. The win not only sparked celebrations from team owner Michael Jordan but also earned Reddick some warm remarks from Kevin Harvick.
While chatting with the NASCAR on Fox crew, Harvick reflected on Reddick’s performance: “You could feel the emotion from Tyler Reddick and just the relief to get that car into victory lane. And I like that. I love the fire and the passion and enthusiasm. Week before, I didn’t think he did a very good job, you know. Closing that race out at Texas, he got frustrated on a couple of restarts, made three or four mistakes, and lost several positions. Came back with a decent finish, but he’s driving and acting like he expects to win every single week.”
Yet, Harvick’s recent quip about Reddick’s new mustache suggests there might still be some lingering feelings about last year’s clash at Darlington. What do you think? Could Harvick still be holding a grudge?
The post Kevin Harvick Unable to Shake Off Darlington Rage After Tyler Reddick’s “Luigi” Gibe Exposes Boiling Hostility appeared first on EssentiallySports.