NASCAR legend and newly inducted Hall of Famer Kevin Harvick has admitted it felt ‘really weird’ attending the Class of 2027 ceremony, claiming he felt arrogant when being honored.
“I was sitting in a pickup in the parking lot,” Harvick said when reflecting on his induction. “It’s been really weird. It felt so arrogant to come sit in the room. I’ve never been somebody who wants to pat myself on the back or show that you’re so confident in something.
I wanted to be respectful, and I wanted to be so that it feels right, and I don’t want anyone to think it’s taken for granted. No matter what you think the scenario is on the voting process, or where you stand.”
Harvick and Burton were elected into the Hall of Fame from the Modern Era Ballot, with Harvick earning 92 percent of the votes and Burton receiving 32 percent. On the Pioneer Ballot, Phillips was selected after receiving 38 percent of the vote, ahead of Bonnett, Dorton, and Biffle.
The NASCAR legend won 60 races during his 20-year Cup Series career, but had 121 wins across all levels. In addition to winning the 2014 championship, he also won all four crown-jewel events: Daytona, Charlotte, Indianapolis, and Darlington.
Despite all the accolades and being told since retiring that he’s a Hall of Fame guarantee, it still felt strange. “Even though you’re expecting the call, it’s still somewhat weird to get the call,” Harvick said.
“When this all started, I was just a kid out in the middle of the field racing go-karts, and then you go through the years of what’s next week? It’s always been looking forward, grind, grind, grind.
“You never really stop and think to look around. To be among the best that have ever done it in our sport, it’s pretty rewarding.”
Harvick was also a first-ballot Hall of Famer and remains a prominent figure around NASCAR. Harvick works on FOX Sports’ NASCAR coverage and is a popular face and voice.