NASCAR official explains violation that led to Kevin Harvick’s disqualification at Talladega

NASCAR Cup Series managing director Brad Moran has provided his explanation as to why Kevin Harvick’s team was disqualified from last weekend’s race at Talladega. The No. 4 car finished in second place, but his strong run didn’t last because of windshield fastener violations.

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.”

In the video, Moran explained the concerns with Harvick’s car, leading to the DQ:

#NASCAR Cup managing director Brad Moran explains the violation Kevin Harvick’s No. 4 team had with the windshield fastener last week at Talladega and displays photos showing the issue. pic.twitter.com/0KacdcxIXT

— Dustin Long (@dustinlong) October 7, 2023

Seven fasteners were either missing or loose during Harvick’s run at Talladega. NASCAR considers the violations both aero and safety issues.

Following NASCAR’s decision, Harvick’s crew chief, Rodney Childers, released a statement on Twitter.

“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.”

It was a disappointing end to Harvick’s fantastic second-place run at Talladega. Making it even more frustrating is that the driver’s career in the NASCAR Cup Series is coming to an end. He will retire following the 2023 regular season.

Kevin Harvick speaks on goals in final five NASCAR races

With just five races remaining, Harvick wants to make the most of his final moments behind the wheel. Speaking with FOX’s Bob Pockrass, the driver explained his remaining goals in the 2023 season … and his career.

“There’s way more to it than just winning and losing,” Harvick said. “It’s the most interesting thing I’ve ever been a part of because there’s so much more to it. And it would take me hours to sit here and explain it to everybody. 

“Everything that comes with the whole picture this year is much more complex than a win or a loss — in how you represent yourself and the things that you say, and the things that you do, and all that goes with it.”

This weekend, the NASCAR Cup Series heads to the Charlotte Road Course. The green flag waves at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8. Coverage for this weekend’s race comes via NBC.