Harvick signs long-term contract extension with SHR

SHR announced on Thursday that Harvick had signed a long-term contract extension with the organization. The length of the contract was not specified.

“It was a big decision to join Stewart-Haas Racing and it has turned out to be my best decision,” Harvick said in a statement. “I came to Stewart-Haas Racing to win championships. We have one, but that only made us hungry for more. I’m very happy to have my future secure with a team so dedicated to winning.”

Despite reports to the contrary, Hendrick Motorsports never extended a contract offer to Harvick this season, sources confirmed to Motorsport.com.

Harvick will continue to drive the team’s No. 4 entry and remain paired with crew chief Rodney Childers, who signed a multiyear contract extension last June. Harvick and Childers have won nine races together.

“Kevin’s results speak for themselves, and in addition to those numbers, he brings a presence to our team that makes everyone want to work harder,” said Tony Stewart, co-owner of SHR with Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation, the largest CNC machine tool builder in North America.

“Kevin Harvick has made Stewart-Haas Racing a better team and he will continue to be an integral part of our future.”

Harvick joined SHR in 2014 after 13 Sprint Cup seasons and his impact with the organization was immediate. In his debut year with SHR, Harvick won eight poles, five races and led 2,137 laps en route to his first Cup championship.

Last season, Harvick won three races and earned career-bests in top-fives (23), top-10s (28) and laps led (2,294) before finishing second in the championship.

“When you have talented people who consistently deliver results, you hold on to them,” Haas said. “Kevin Harvick is an exceptional talent and we’re very proud to have him a part of Stewart-Haas Racing for years to come.”