“For me, it’s just a little bit different” - Kevin Harvick all about honoring his breakthrough moment from 22 years ago

NASCAR Cup Series veteran, who is in his final year of competition, Kevin Harvick is one person who has made headlines in the sport over the years. The Stewart-Haas Racing driver has been instrumental in all his commitments to the world of stock car racing.

Starting out as a replacement for Dale Eanrhardt's replacement at Richard Childress Racing after the former's untimely demise, to his team-leader role at SHR.

The Bakersfield, California native earned the nickname 'Happy Harvick' due to his easygoing personality off the track. However, the #4 Ford Mustang driver was anything but easygoing on the track.

Seen from behind the wheel of a special #29 Ford this weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Kevin Harvick has taken the opportunity to jump on NASCAR's return to the historic track to honor his roots in the sport.

Looking back at the #29 car which he drove after Dale Earnhardt's death, Harvick managed to win the Cup Series a couple of weeks into his untimely debut in the series. The 47-year-old elaborated on what driving a car with the same number and livery years later felt like and said:

“I think the car fits the setting of the racetrack and everything that happens, but I guess, for me, it’s just a little bit different because of the moment and the impact and everything that came with the car that I’m driving. I think this is the first one where I was like, ‘Oh, man. This is a big moment.'"

Watch Kevin Harvick take a shot at winning the $1 million cash prize this Sunday during the All Star Race.

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Kevin Harvick throws light on his test session at North Wilkesboro 13 years ago

Coming into the NASCAR Cup Series All Star weekend, Stewart-Haas Racing's Kevin Harvick won't be driving on the 0.625-mile-long North Wilkesboro Speedway for the first time.

Having undergone a test session at the facility in 2010, the 47-year-old spoke about the track in the midst of its decay after hosting its last race in 1996.

Harvick looked favorably on what the short oval might hold for the sport's fans as the drivers get ready to go racing and said:

“I came back in 2010 when they first cleaned the track up and were trying to get some momentum to do exactly what we’re doing today. It’s going to be fun, but I don’t know what that means as far as how the race is going to be.”

The All Star Race goes live on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 8:00 pm ET on FOX Sports (FS1).