Kevin Harvick's crew chief shares message after Talladega disqualification

Rodney Childers, the crew chief for NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick, is speaking up after the team’s disqualification from Talladega on Sunday. Harvick’s runner-up finish was stripped because of a windshield violation.

NASCAR disqualified Harvick after his fasteners were found to not be secure. Childers sent out a response following the disqualification.

“There have been times I’ve got caught doing something I shouldn’t have,” Childers wrote. “Today got DQ’d for the car buffering in the draft all day and some windshield bolts vibrating out. My guys had silicon on the threads and gobbed on the tip. Still came out. Not sure what else we could do.”

Harvick was found to have violated three rules. “Windshield fasteners must remain secure for the entire Event.” “All fasteners must be securely fastened at all times during an Event.” “Except in cases explicitly permitted in the NASCAR Rules, parts and/or assemblies must be assembled and utilized as outlined in the NASCAR Rules.”

That’s an unfortunate end to an otherwise great race from Harvick. What makes it even more tough is that the driver is nearing the end of his NASCAR career, retiring following the conclusion of the season.

Ryan Blaney was the race winner this weekend. With Harvick’s disqualification, William Byron moved up to second, Denny Hamlin jumped to third, Corey LaJoie finished in fourth and Austin Cindric rounded out the top five.

Kevin Harvick reflects on NASCAR career

While there are still races remaining on the docket, Harvick’s legendary career behind the wheel is coming to an end. In an interview with The Athletic, Harvick looked back on his career, reflecting on his most important contributions to the sport.

“The thing this year has really made me realize is the impact we have as drivers and athletes on people’s lives in general,” Harvick said. “Hearing those stories and those moments, whether it be inspiring a driver or inspiring somebody to get through a hard time period, through COVID or something personal they have going on — when we’re in the day-to-day grind, going week to week from race to race, you lose sight of the fact that what you do is much bigger than winning or losing to the people outside of this hauler. The impact you have on people’s lives is much different than what you realize inside of the competition walls.

“For me, being able to open up and hear those stories and understand you have that effect on people and can impact people’s lives with the things you say and do is not something you really realize when you’re 25 years old or in the middle of a battle with somebody after a race. That has been very impactful for me personally to just really enjoy that you’ve been able to affect people in a positive way just by doing the things you think are right.”