It was by far an emotional weekend for Kevin Harvick, and he wasn't the only person who celebrated as he finished off an outstanding NASCAR Cup career.
He isn't completely done with NASCAR, as he heads to the Fox Sports booth. But Sunday at Phoenix was his last as a race car driver.
Emotions were high throughout the garage, and that emotion was present as Harvick stepped out of his No. 4 Busch Light Ford for the final time Sunday after finishing seventh, which also extended his top 10 streak at Phoenix Raceway to a final tally of 21 in a row.
As he, his family and his team gathered around his car after the race, they all joined together for a celebratory toast.
TSJ Sports' Noah Lewis captured a video of the toast.
An emotional @KevinHarvick raises a toast with his family alongside him after a hall of fame career. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/Meg9Qcto4h
— Noah Lewis (@Noah_Lewis1) November 5, 2023
It was special as his teammates, Ryan Preece and Chase Briscoe, joined the truly memorable celebration. Never one to show his emotions, the moment clearly hit Harvick hard.
When interviewed by NBC Sports' Kim Coon, he reflected on how amazing his career has been and how much of an emotional rollercoaster the whole year was.
Kevin Harvick reflects on his amazing career following his final #NASCAR race. pic.twitter.com/hHZzWSx8Jf
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 6, 2023
"It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure," Harvick said. "This really means a lot to me just because I love driving a race car. I love being around the people more. I love our sport. You know, it's given our family so much through the years to be thankful for and proud of. ... I opened this chapter unexpectedly in 2001 and closed it in 2023 how we wanted to, and that was to be competitive. ... There's been so many great stories and things that have happened over this year, but especially this week."
It's tough to see him go. But here's a toast to you, Kevin.
