Kevin Harvick preparing for 'bitter-sweet' final start at Sonoma Raceway

Kevin Harvick has always been and always will be a West Coast guy. That’s why his final start at Sonoma Raceway will be bitter-sweet. There are a number of California-born drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. However, The Closer is putting a close on his racing career this season. A monumental moment for Harvick.

The 47-year-old is on his farewell tour. That means Kevin Harvick is preparing for his last California race in the Cup Series. It has been a week worth celebrating already. Harvick was inducted into the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame. A moment he got to share with one of his mentors and heroes in racing, Ron Hornaday Jr.

“Going back to Sonoma will be a little bit bitter-sweet just because of the fact that I will have no more time in the car to try to win and be competitive and do the things that I would give anything that I had to be on the racetrack to be able to compete, and that will be over. ” Harvick said about looking back on his career. Hear it from the man himself below.

Sonoma. The West Coast.

It's all so special for @KevinHarvick. #4EVER pic.twitter.com/UIkn1d33iI

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 9, 2023

Sonoma Raceway is a place that Kevin Harvick has raced a since the 1990s. He grew up watching drivers at that track. In his 1998 K&N Pro Series championship season, he won on the road course on his way to the title. It was his fifth and final win of the season.

He didn’t have the best of luck at Sonoma in the Truck Series as he drove for Spears Motorsports in the No. 75. Of course, Harvick took the checkered flag in the Cup Series at Sonoma in 2017. Now, he will try to pull off a win in his final start at the track.

Kevin Harvick joins West Coast HOF

When his name comes up, Kevin Harvick will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer for NASCAR. However, at times, those local HOFs can mean more. It can be more sentimental. Harvick helped induct Ron Hornaday Jr. years ago into the West Coast Stock Car HOF. Now, he’s a member of the same.

This season, Harvick has put himself into playoff position based on points. He will do his best to pull off a final win and secure his spot in the playoffs. For now, he’s doing what he’s always done. Being consistent, picking up stage points, and driving a pretty wheel.

It has to be a very emotional week for Harvick. However, if there is anyone who can turn emotion and pressure into success it is The Closer.

Kevin Harvick will line up for one final time in California and it should be a race worth watching. He isn’t the favorite to win, but that could change once the green flag drops.