Kevin Harvick reflected on the immense pressure he experienced as a NASCAR driver during a pivotal moment in the sport’s history at Rockingham Speedway in February 2001. This emotional time came just a week after the tragic death of NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Sr. in a crash at the Daytona 500, an event that profoundly impacted the sport and its athletes.
Harvick described that period as “the most people, the most pressure, the most everything” he had ever faced during a live edition of “Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour” at Daytona International Speedway. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Earnhardt’s passing, following which Harvick stepped into the driver’s seat of the Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, making his Cup Series debut.
In honor of this significant milestone, FOX Sports and NASCAR Studios will present the documentary “We’ve Lost Dale Earnhardt: 25 Years Later,” which is scheduled to air on Thursday at 10 p.m. ET on FS1, right after the 2026 Daytona 500 qualifying duels. Harvick reflected on the weight of the moment, stating, “It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years,” and shared that he was called to step into high-pressure situations just days after Earnhardt’s death.
He further elaborated on the uncertainty of that time, recalling how he sat waiting for news and grappling with questions about the future of Richard Childress Racing and the sport itself. He acknowledged the lasting impact of Earnhardt’s absence, noting, “It’s just missing a big piece of what was so important to NASCAR racing,” emphasizing the significant role Earnhardt played as a leader and a fundamental figure in the sport’s identity.
The aftermath of Earnhardt’s accident led to critical advancements in driver safety measures. Harvick commended NASCAR for its ongoing commitment to enhancing safety protocols, which have continuously evolved to protect drivers and teams. He noted, “Our sport has evolved because of that accident,” highlighting the proactive approach NASCAR has taken in response to safety concerns, including improvements to race tracks and driver equipment.
“We’ve Lost Dale Earnhardt: 25 Years Later” will air on Thursday, February 12, at 10 p.m. ET on FS1, while the much-anticipated 2026 Daytona 500 is set for Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX. This anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of Earnhardt’s legacy, as the sport continues to honor his memory and the significant impact he had on NASCAR.