Harvick crashes then confronts Johnson post race at Chicago

(Photo:Greg Engle)
(Photo:Greg Engle)
(Photo:Greg Engle)

Defending NASCAR Champion Kevin Harvick went from a favorite to a longshot in one lap Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway.   In NASCAR’s first of ten races Harvick was running near the front and led two laps before disaster struck near the midway point of the race.

The trouble began for Harvick on a restart after a caution on lap 133. Harvick was on the inside line starting second when Jimmie Johnson, who got a big push from fifth place Joey Logano, drover under Harvick and onto the apron as the field raced towards turn 1. Johnson came back onto the track and his Chevy made contact with the Chevy of Harvick. The two continued but Harvick’s car began smoking from a tire rub.  Instead of pitting, Harvick elected to stay out and the smoke seemed to lessen as he move the car back and forth in an attempt to straighten the fender. But on lap 137 the left rear tire blew as Harvick was entering turn 3.  The Chevy spun backwards and made hard contact with the wall bringing out the caution.

With heavy damage to his car, Harvick slowly made his way to the garage.  The crew spring to work as Harvick climbed from the car and stood nearby.  MORE>>>

Greg Engle
About Greg Engle 7421 Articles
Greg is a published award winning sportswriter who spent 23 years combined active and active reserve military service, much of that in and around the Special Operations community. Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.