Transcript: Kevin Harvick

February 15, 2001
10:35 AM EST (1535 GMT)

NASCAR Busch Series Rookie of the Year Kevin Harvick joined fans in chat on Wednesday, Nov. 22. The driver of the No. 2 ACDelco Chevrolet, had three victories, eight top-5s and 16 top-10 finishes and ended the 2000 season in third place in the championship standings.

Kevin Harvick at 2:57pm ET Welcome everybody and glad that I can catch up with everyone!

Kim G. APFC 340 from [208.22.249.2] at 2:58pm ET Hey Kevin. How did it feel to finish 3rd in the points in your rookie season??? And do you have any different plans for next year?? GOOD LUCK!!

Kevin Harvick at 2:58pm ET It was a solid finish. We didn't know what to expect coming into this year. Our goal next year is to make a run for the championship.

Gracia from ti.com at 2:59pm ET Kevin, I'm so glad you got rookie of the year. You did a great job in your first year of Busch. How long will it be till you run Winston Cup?

Kevin Harvick at 3:00pm ET That is something that I am going to leave up to Richard. It could be a year...could be a couple a year. I will just continue to get my feet wet and then we'll go from there.

timster, Buffalo, NY from dialup.mindspring.com at 3:00pm ET Hi Kevin, with all these drivers signing deals for 2002, do you think that is putting the cart ahead of the horse so to speak? AND, do you see yourself as a favorite for the Busch championship next year? Thanks

Kevin Harvick at 3:01pm ET There is not enough drivers to go around in a full circle so everybody is going for it when they see a great opportunity. As far as the championship goes, we're going to make a hard run for it next year.

Racer Rivett from [209.115.239.162] at 3:02pm ET What has impressed you the most about your move to Richard Childress Racing?

Kevin Harvick at 3:03pm ET The company in itself and the whole organization and how it works as one. Everyone shares with everyone. Us being a new team it really helps that we can draw from others what they have learned over the years.

Tom from Bakersfield from [152.163.201.47], at 3:04pm ET Kevin,congrats on a very successful season in the Busch Series,Bakersfield is real proud of you!Any chance of your dad joining up with you in the future when he retires from the K.C.F.D.?

Kevin Harvick at 3:05pm ET I don't know. He's always been involved in everything I've done. I don't know if he could keep involved with everything we do. He'll probably go to a lot more races, but now all of them. (Kevin's dad has been a firefighter for the Bakersfield Fire Department for over 20 years)

Michael from Ohio from proxy.aol.com at 3:06pm ET Kevin, Great season. I met you at Pikes Peak in 1998. You are a class act. My Question is, How would it make you feel to take the seat of the Goodwrench Chevy, knowing that the greatest race car driver of all time created his legacy in that same car? Intimidated (no punt intended) or delighted?Thanks!

Kevin Harvick at 3:07pm ET It's a delight just to be mentioned for the job. But, I don't think he is going to retire anytime soon. He's made his own name for himself, Jeff Gordon made a name for himself, so I'd kind of like to do that to. So, it's mixed emotions but just an honor to be mentioned for a job like that.

Katrina in Vegas from mpowercom.com at 3:08pm ET Do you have any off season plans that don't include working on the new cars for the new season?

Kevin Harvick at 3:09pm ET My main goal is to get situated in my new house, get in shape for next season and get ready for next years racing...basically do nothing!

Ryan from rconnect.com at 3:10pm ET What is your favorite track? Thanks -Ryan

Kevin Harvick at 3:11pm ET The last one I won at! Most of the short tracks--Bristol, etc...Just the one's that are different than the 1.5 mile oval. The one's you win at are always your most favorite!

Kenny from [132.61.91.212] at 3:12pm ET Of your three wins this season, which one is the most memorable in your mind? Great job this season!

Kevin Harvick at 3:13pm ET That would have to be Bristol. Bristol is HARD to win at. There is Bristol and Daytona as tracks that stick out in my mind as huge tracks, so winning there sticks out the most.

Sherry Alvey at 3:13pm ET Pretty good season for a rookie! I have a feeling you will make it a little harder on Jeff Green next year. This is off the subject of racing, but what do you think about the election mess in Florida?

Kevin Harvick at 3:14pm ET I think it's a mess. It seems that Bush has it won, but it is a drawn out mess. I think it has turned off a lot of people towards it. I'm sick of it myself. I think NASCAR can make decisions quicker than our capital!

Ashhley North from [205.247.226.126] at 3:15pm ET Did you think you would have three Busch wins in your rookie year?

Kevin Harvick at 3:16pm ET I didn't know what to expect. You never know what is going to happen in this sport. It was a pleasant surprise to win this season. So no...I didn't think I was going to win three races.

Sheena from nebi.com at 3:16pm ET What is your personal vehicle? Congrats on your excellent rookie season!!

Kevin Harvick at 3:17pm ET I have a Chevrolet full-size extended truck and a Chevrolet Blazer.

greg from carolina.rr.com at 3:17pm ET What race car drivers have you always looked up to?

Kevin Harvick at 3:19pm ET Being from the West Coast I watched the Hornaday's and Carelli. I always watched the Earnhardt's so it is kind of ironic that I work with him. Those are the kind of people I idolized growing up.

Shannon from proxy.aol.com at 3:19pm ET What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?

Kevin Harvick at 3:20pm ET I listen to a lot of alternative rock stuff. My favorite band is Blink 182.

BJ Jackson from lake-jackson.mastnet.net at 3:22pm ET Whats your favorite videogame?

Kevin Harvick at 3:23pm ET I have a mini arcade in my basement. My favorite game is Golden Tee. I have that one, Galaga, and Track & Field and Super Sprint.

Racer Rivett from [209.115.239.162] at 3:23pm ET What was the most difficult part of the transition from the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to the Busch Grand National Series?

Kevin Harvick at 3:24pm ET Getting use to the lack of horsepower and downforce that the Busch cars have. Adjusting to the lack of horsepower was difficult at the tracks.

danny haley from public.svc.webtv.net at 3:25pm ET kevin is it really hard to race on different tracks during the racing season or does it vary from track to track?and do you have a world wide web site?thanks.danny from kentucky.

Kevin Harvick at 3:26pm ET The website is www.harvickmotorsports.com.

As far as tracks go, going from Bristol to Talladega can be tough. But you go with the flow and adjust to having to race on different tracks.

Larry from [132.61.91.212] at 3:26pm ET How do you feel about Winston Cup guys driving in Busch races? It most be a thrill to go up against Mark Martin, Jeff Burton, and the rest, but it also must be frustrating for you. What are your thoughts?

Kevin Harvick at 3:27pm ET I think it makes everybody in the Busch Series better. It elevates the level of the competition. If you lose to Jeff Green or anyone else, it is no different, so I think it just raises the level of competition.

Adrienne from proxy.aol.com at 3:28pm ET Hi! I went to the softball game in Concord NH this past spring and got your autograph...I was just wondering if you were planning on participating in the softball game in 2001? Best of Luck in 2001!!

Kevin Harvick at 3:29pm ET Most likely. I like to do the stuff that is different than your normal autograph session so most likely I'll be there.

Shannon from proxy.aol.com at 3:29pm ET Kevin, What sports other than racing do you follow?

Kevin Harvick at 3:30pm ET I like to keep up with football. I like to watch Monday Night Football. Any major sport I like to keep up and usually have to keep up with them on Sportscenter. I don't get to watch many games. My favorite athlete is Michael Jordan.

active racer from tnt4.lancaster.ca.da.uu.net at 3:31pm ET would u & little ever think of being in a band togeather?

Kevin Harvick at 3:32pm ET I have a tough time singing, let alone playing instruments. I make myself sick when I am singing in the shower, so probably not!

Rich from 203.188.103.dc.psn.net at 3:33pm ET Kevin, what made you give up your illustrious wrestling career! Great picture on www.harvickmotorsports.com !!! good luck in 2001.. jericho!

Kevin Harvick at 3:35pm ET My racing career made me give up wrestling. It was the only sport I could do that didn't interfere with my racing. I had to choose either wrestling or racing and racing won out. Plus, I'm not big enough for pro wrestling.

Shannon from proxy.aol.com at 3:35pm ET Are you and DeLana going to get married soon?

Kevin Harvick at 3:36pm ET Probably in the near future. Don't know the exact date yet.

LonnieSkipper from tnt1.rockingham.nc.da.uu.net at 3:36pm ET How did it feel to put your car in the winner circle.

Kevin Harvick at 3:37pm ET That's why you go out there every week. To get the joy and excitement and see your crew ecstatic. It felt good!

wes from grm.net at 3:38pm ET Good job this year in the busch series. What is your most favorite thing in the Busch Series?

Kevin Harvick at 3:39pm ET Probably that I don't have to race on Sunday. I get to learn what Winston Cup racing is all about from afar. I usually watch all the races on Sunday.

Pitstop from [95.57.93.6] at 3:42pm ET What does your team need to improve on to compete with Jeff Green for the championship next season?

Kevin Harvick at 3:43pm ET With the new rules and motors, everyone is going to have to start over. So with the help of Mike Skinner and Dale Earnhardt hopefully that will be enough to draw us closer every week next season.

Kevin Harvick at 3:44pm ET Thanks everybody for chatting. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and good off-season. Hopefully we'll chat with everyone again before Daytona next year!