Meows from Mudpie!
Mommy's heart is breaking today because it's her favorite driver Kevin Harvick's final NASCAR race. He announced back in January that he would be retiring at the end of the season, but until recently she's been living in denial that the time was quickly approaching. Over the last few weeks she's been a little weepy on race days, so I have a feeling today will hit her pretty hard.
Kevin has been her one and only driver for 23 years now. That's a very long time! It all started the week after Dale Earnhardt was killed on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. She had never even watched a NASCAR race but of course she knew who Dale was and that his tragic death was a very big deal. Still she was surprised by the outpouring of grief she witnessed on the news and tuned in the following week to see how the sport would carry on without him.
A young driver named Kevin Harvick was placed in Dale's car and finished 14th in his debut Cup race. He won for the first time in only his 3rd start in a thrilling battle with Jeff Gordon, and by that time not only was Mommy hooked on NASCAR, she had chosen *her* driver.
121 combined national series wins rank him 3rd all-time in NASCAR history, while his 60 Cup wins are 10th in series history. Next year Kevin will move into the broadcast booth as an analyst at FOX Sports so we'll still be seeing him, but it won't be the same.
Mum has been a loyal fan for so long, this must his her hard, especially if he is her hero.
ReplyDeleteFarewell Mr Harvick, and a good retirement from your chosen field of endeavour.
To retire well and in fine form is the best, for him and the fans. A lovely selfie this week, Mudpie.
ReplyDeleteERin
It will be a happy retirement for him as he has left the driving world safely. And we love seeing the blue teddy bear with the T-shirt in the selfie
ReplyDeleteIt is sad when something that has been a big part of our life moves on. Thank goodness for all the wonderful memories and that he retired safe and sound. Purrs from Deb and the Zee/Zoey gang.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure he will still be involved in racing in some way and your mommy will still get to see him, even if it's not in a racing car.
ReplyDeleteKevin Harvick sure did have a great career. We hope he has a very happy retirement!
ReplyDeletePaws Up for your Hero-Driver, congrats to him on a great, and safe career ... may he enjoy his new career and retirement! Cute photo.
ReplyDeleteI do know how you feel. I was a little weepy about a few great favorites too in the last years. They become part of your life...
ReplyDeleteAt least you have your own Kevin to keep on cuddling, and you can see him in your dreams every night as well. You two make a real cute couple!
ReplyDeleteEndings are always sad. XO
ReplyDeleteWe are sorry Mom Melissa's favorite driver will be retiring, but the silver lining is, he will no longer be on the track where he could be seriously injured or killed. Our mom believes in silver linings in all things! Thanks for being a hopper, Mudpie. You always look tortilicious! XOCK, angels Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta & Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy, Sawyer, Kizmet, Audrey & Raleigh
ReplyDeleteWell,all good things have to come to an end...but we know it feels sad to see your 'hero' for the last time.
ReplyDeleteCute 'ussie'!
Awww time's a changing and he had a good run. Congrats to him on his retirement. Everything good comes to an end and time to find a new Nascar love. And you can still see him in the booth too! All good!
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