Kevin Harvick disqualified for windshield violation after runner-up finish at Talladega

Kevin Harvick’s runner-up finish at Talladega has been disqualified after NASCAR found his car had a windshield violation. Harvick’s windshield fasteners were not secured for the entirety of the race. Harvick will have a DQ in his final Talladega race.

When the race was over, Kevin Harvick found himself coming up short. However, no one saw this coming. He thought he had a “great race” afterward. On pit road, he seemed to be in good spirits despite the heartbreaking loss to Ryan Blaney.

NASCAR disqualified Harvick after his fasteners were found to not be secure.

NEWS: The No. 4 car has been disqualified at @TALLADEGA for violating rules involving windshield fasteners.

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 1, 2023

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.”

So, this race ends in more heartbreak. Or perhaps relief. Imagine if Kevin Harvick wins this race and then gets disqualified by NASCAR? There would be a fan tribunal at Talladega to reinstate the win. In all seriousness, this is tough to see.

Harvick is on his way out of the Cup Series. His retirement is just a few races away. When he looks back on this last season, I think he’ll be content with it. He appears to have a cool head about making his exit. It still stinks to see his final Talladega race, one where he went down to the wire with Ryan Blaney, end like this.

Kevin Harvick has a rough ending at Talladega

Over the course of his NASCAR Cup Series career, Kevin Harvick has raced at Talladega Superspeedway 46 times. He’s had a victory there, he’s had these close finishes there. This will be his only disqualification at the track.

Perhaps this makes it somewhat better? It will definitely be a trivia question for future NASCAR fans. The day was almost perfect. He had an awesome paint scheme, which would have looked even better covered in confetti. Survived all day to make it to the front.

Up until Riley Herbst was spun out, Kevin Harvick even felt like he was going to win. Without anyone behind him, his momentum just didn’t carry through as Byron pushed Blaney. Then again, perhaps it actually is better this way. Having a win taken away would have been too difficult after what he’s been through this season.

A really tough end to the day for Harvick and his team. So, five more races to get that checkered flag, though.