Crossroads for Harvick

I have been a loyal Kevin Harvick fan since 2001..
February of 2001 to be precise. Kevin was put on the
spot of being the driver to take over the team of Dale
Earnhardt when Dale was killed in the 2001 Daytona 500.
Harvick proceeded to win a Winston Cup race in only
his third start with the big boys, something no other
driver has been able to accomplish.
His career has been an up and down venture with
Richard Childress Racing. He has won on the short tracks,
the one and a half mile tracks, the road courses, and of
course, the Daytona 500 Super Speedway in 2007. He is
a fresh face that does a good job in representing his
sponsors and is well spoken when they stick a microphone
in front of him. The problem is that Harvick has become a
second echelon driver. Good enough to be listed as one of
the stars of NASCAR, but not good enough to win the
overall Championship. Whether you think the problem is with
the engine department, the fabrication shop, or the race day
pit crew,...Harvick is just not able to close the deal on the
title.
He has won the Nationwide Series (Busch) title twice, but
that is not the top series in NASCAR, and that is the problem.
His fans seem to think only the Cup races are the important
ones...and they could be right.
Harvick has come to a crossroads in his career. He has one
more year on his contract with Richard Childress Racing, but he
is more than financially able to buy his way out, if he desires.
Tony Stewart started his own team this season, and could
use Harvick for a third car at Stewart/Haas Racing. Stewart's
other driver is Ryan Newman, and both Newman and Stewart
drive Harvick's Nationwide cars when he is not in it. Stewart
and Harvick are longtime friends and it is a good bet he will
end up with Tony for the 2010 season.
There is also the possibility of Harvick following the lead of
Tony Stewart and starting his own race team in 2010. His
shop is already turning out championship product for the
Nationwide and Truck Series. It would not be that hard to
adjust to the Cup Series. While others have trouble finding
a sponsor, Harvick's wife DeLana is very adapt at running
the business and courting sponsors while hubby is away
at the race track. Harvick is definitely at a very
important crossroad in his life,...but one thing is certain.
No matter what course he may take, Harvick will end up on
his feet because he is a winner..... no matter what the
checkered flag may say.