Anyone remember the quarterback who took over for Bart Starr at Green Bay? How about Michael Jordan’s replacement with the Bulls – both times he left Chicago.
Following a legend is hardly easy, and often those who step into giant shoes are swallowed up by anonymity.
Kevin Harvick knows all about great expectations. Last year, he was slated to be the third pilot for Richard Childress Racing. Instead, he is now driving Earnhardt’s car – thrown into the driver’s seat due to Earnhardt’s death on the last lap of the Daytona 500.
Earnhardt will likely be remembered as NASCAR’s greatest driver, but the 25-year-old Harvick is doing all he can to make sure The Intimidator’s memory is served well.
“My father always told me there would be times when I’d be thrown into situations I didn’t know how to deal with,” Harvick says. “And he told me just to deal with them the best way I can. Fans understand that I can never replace Dale Earnhardt, and I wouldn’t even try. I just want to unleash everything I’ve got and try to honor Dale.”
The Man in Black would’ve been proud. With the car now sporting a predominantly white paint scheme and the number 29, the Bakersfield, Calif., native has already tasted victory in a thrilling Cracker Barrel 500 at Atlanta. Despite missing the first race of the 2001 season, Harvick has positioned himself 13th in the Winston Cup points standings.
“We were eighth at Las Vegas, 14th at Rockingham and running on the lead lap at Darlington,” Harvick says. “I think overall we’ve done a pretty good job.”
