Playoff race breaks late for Harvick

DARLINGTON, S.C. — There was no doubt which of his two Darlington Raceway victories this year Kevin Harvick enjoyed more.

“The first thing I want to say is, ‘Welcome back fans! This is a hell of a lot more fun with you guys up there,’ ” he told the crowd Sunday night.

Harvick had a large smile as he waved to the 8,000 or so fans — the May 17 event here was run without spectators due to the coronavirus pandemic — and even gave the checkered flag to a young fan wearing one of his shirts.

Harvick had reason to be happy, taking the Southern 500 when leaders Chase Elliott and Martin Truex Jr. bumped as Truex tried to make a pass and both brushed the wall.

Harvick was there to take advantage — and begin NASCAR’s playoff the best way possible.

Harvick, the 2014 Cup champ, was a favorite to be racing for a title this season. His eighth win this year put him into the second round.

“It was way better” getting out of the car and hearing a fan reaction, Harvick said. “It felt really good to have fans cheering.”

Especially after what they witnessed down the stretch at the track “Too Tough to Tame.”

Elliott and Truex had the most speed throughout — Truex won the first two stages — and were once again dueling for lead. Once they touched and hit the wall, things opened up for Harvick, who suddenly found himself out front.

Elliott dropped off the pace and Harvick passed him for second. Truex — who led a race-high 196 laps — had to pit for repairs on his damaged car, giving Harvick a clear path to the finish.

“The leaders got tangled up there and the next thing you know we were racing for the win,” Harvick said. “This is one of the most prestigious races in our sport and obviously everybody in our sport knows the history that Darlington has for our sport, so anytime you can win here is pretty special.”