Kevin Harvick praises Rick Hendrick's NASCAR team's structured business approach

Former Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) driver Kevin Harvick recently gave a unique perspective inside another top organization ahead of the much-awaited All-Star race this Sunday (May 19). Harvick was called in as a substitute for the #5 Hendrick's car in the All-Star practice.

Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) approached the 2014 Cup Series Champions Harvick for a one-off to practice and qualify Kyle Larson's Camaro ZL1 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Larson is currently in Indianapolis to practice and qualify for his debut in the Indy 500, although he is set to return for the All-Star main race on Sunday night.

In a recent media interaction, Harvick praised HMS' structured business approach (via Frontstretch):

"One thing that sticks out for me about Hendrick Motorsports, in general, is it's truly run like a business that is a part of an actual structure of how things flow and who you talk to and there's just the depth of the business side and the racing side is you know it's deep and I think that is pretty eye-opening just from the structure from the whole thing and I like structure so you know I think that's something that has been good to see," Harvick said (at 7:48).

Harvick hung his helmet of the #4 Ford at the end of the 2023 season from SHR. He is now an analyst and a commentator for Fox.

Harvick has 60 Cup Series wins in his two-decade-long career.

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Kevin Harvick revealed his conversation with Rick Hendrick that led to this opportunity

Kevin Harvick retired from the NASCAR Cup Series at the end of last season with Tony Stewart's outfit. However, his retirement stint didn't last for long.

The former SHR driver revealed the conversation that took place between him and Hendrick Motorsports' boss in an episode of Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour podcast. According to Harvick, Rick Hendrick started the conversation by asking him a favor.

"Mr. Hendrick called me and he said, 'Hey!' and I know when these conversations from him, when he, when he doesn't call me all the time, but when he does call, there's usually something behind it. And his conversation started by 'I need a favor.' And I was like, 'All right. Well, whatever you need.'" Harvick said (at 0:09).

Harvick then continued the conversation by emphasizing the bonds shared by the members of the NASCAR community despite being part of rival teams or organizations:

"So Rick called and said, 'Hey, I want you to drive the car (#5).' And I said, 'Let me make a few phone calls.' So I had to call my boss here at Fox. I had to call my wife."