Kevin Harvick played a pivotal role in launching Ryan Preece\u2019s NASCAR career, beginning with a standout performance at a Modified Tour race at Stafford Motor Speedway in 2018. Harvick, who had lent his name as the event\u2019s sponsor, watched closely as Preece dominated on his home track. Impressed by Preece\u2019s short-track skill and racecraft, Harvick took it upon himself to advocate for the young driver, personally reaching out to key Cup Series team owners. His endorsement helped elevate Preece\u2019s profile in a crowded field of prospects, ultimately paving the way for a part-time ride, and later a full-time seat, with JTG Daugherty Racing, now known as Hyak Motorsports as of the 2025 season.<\/p>\n
Harvick\u2019s backing gave weight to Preece\u2019s name, helping him stand out to decision-makers who might have otherwise overlooked him. It was a pivotal gesture, transforming one local race into the launchpad for a long-term Cup Series career. But Preece wasn\u2019t the only young talent Harvick quietly mentored. There\u2019s more to the story, and it includes some of NASCAR\u2019s current headliners whose paths were similarly shaped by Harvick\u2019s behind-the-scenes influence.<\/p>\n
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Dale Jr. reveals Kevin Harvick\u2019s hidden role in shaping NASCAR\u2019s underdogs<\/p>\n
In a recent episode of Download<\/a>, Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared a revealing exchange between Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace that underscored Kevin Harvick\u2019s quiet reach behind the scenes. Dale Jr. spotlighted how Harvick has quietly propped up struggling drivers, often stepping in when no one else would. \u201cA lot of people don\u2019t realize just how many drivers Kevin\u2019s reached out to,\u201d Dale said, revealing how Harvick called several racers. \u201cHe helps them get the mental side right.\u201d<\/p>\n Dale emphasized, referring to conversations Harvick has had with up-and-comers like Bubba Wallace<\/a> during his own Legends car comeback. Bubba, fresh off his Brickyard victory<\/a>, recounted how Harvick had reached out during a tough stretch in his Legends car days. \u201cCome run with us in our outfit. It\u2019ll be better,\u201d Harvick had told him.<\/p>\n Ryan Preece\u2019s entire NASCAR trajectory, in fact, shifted thanks to Harvick. \u201cThe JTG thing? That never happens without Kevin,\u201d Preece admitted, crediting Harvick for orchestrating the early pieces of his career. The same applied when it came time to get a seat with Stewart-Haas Racing again, it was Kevin pulling strings, offering guidance, and looping in his wife Delana as part of that support structure. But this wasn\u2019t just about sponsorships or contracts, it was personal. Preece recounted nights in the race shop where Harvick and Delana would hang out, blasting NWA and Young Dolph, bonding over music as much as motors. \u201cDelana throws up a song and I answer with Biggie emojis,\u201d he laughed. That level of closeness isn\u2019t common in NASCAR garages.<\/p>\n When Dale Earnhardt Sr. tragically passed away at Daytona in 2001, it was Kevin Harvick who was suddenly thrust into the seat of the iconic No. 3 car, rebranded as the No. 29. That moment forever tied Harvick to the Earnhardt family. Fast forward to 2025, and Dale Earnhardt Jr.<\/a> isn\u2019t just reflecting on Harvick\u2019s historic rise but the ripple effect of his quiet influence on the next generation of drivers.<\/p>\n ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n RFK Racing\u2019s late-season momentum grows<\/p>\n