Harvick ends long wait for NASCAR victory
Kevin Harvick ended a 65-race winless drought Sunday when he crossed the finish line first at the Firekeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan.
Harvick needed to win a race to grab a berth for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, and he did just that, beating out pole-sitter Bubba Wallace by 2.903 seconds.
“Really proud of everybody on our (team),” the 46-year-old Harvick said. “Digging along all year long trying to make these Mustangs run faster. They haven’t been great this year. But our guys are doing a good job in trying to take what we have, maximize it and do the things that we need to do.”
Harvick led after 38 laps, but the key moment for his victory came late in the race during a caution. Ross Chastain and Christopher Bell collided, bringing out the yellow flag, and Harvick stayed out to take over the top spot.
Denny Hamlin made a push off the pit road, but one of his pit crew stepped onto the pit road, leading the driver to be penalized. Harvick took things from there.