Last weekend at Phoenix word was leaked that Richard Childress Racing will lose Kevin Harvick after the 2013 season. The remainder of Harvick’s contract with RCR runs through next season. Harvick will depart RCR and join long time friend Tony Stewart at Stewart Hass Racing in 2014.
Harvick, team owner Richard Childress, nor co-owner of SHR, Tony Stewart have confirmed the move, but a spokesman for Stewart did admit that the team would love to sign a driver like Harvick – if he were to become available.
Anonymous sources have now said that when the move comes, it will also include the No. 29’s sponsors, Budweiser and Jimmy Johns,which is not surprising since Budweiser’s parent company, Anheuser Busch, has traditionally chosen to align itself with individual drivers, rather than race teams.
Sources say that AB believes they have a “man’s man” type of driver in Harvick, who appeals to the brand’s core demographic group.
RCR downsized from 4 cars to 3 for the 2012 season, letting go of Clint Bowyer after they said they could not find appropriate sponsorship. Bowyer then signed with Michael Waltrip Racing for 2013 – with 5- Hour Energy as the main sponsor of the #15 Toyota.
Harvick broke his 44 race win less streak last weekend at Phoenix, winning for the first time since Richmond in 2011.
