Kevin Harvick Makes Feelings Known on Broadcast Booth Rodeo With Dale Earnhardt Jr

“People just don’t know how good you are. You never got flustered, you never got up on the chip, you never got nervous.” When it comes to commentary, Dale Jr. doesn’t play around. He knew just how difficult it gets, and talking about NASCAR legend Rick Allen, it was clear how much admiration he felt. “Like it’s obvious when I get nervous. I could see when Steve’s nervous. I could see when Burton is nervous… I did not appreciate not only how challenging it was, but also how good you are until I got a chance to do it publicly…. I got a long way to go before I can get to where I could do that job consistently.”

That respect for commentary will come into play because this Friday night, NASCAR fans have a special treat on their hands! Kevin Harvick is stepping into the broadcast booth alongside Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the CARS Tour Late Model race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, airing on FS1 after Cup Series qualifying.

The event, is a big deal for grassroots racing, and Harvick couldn’t be more excited to team up with Earnhardt Jr., a co-owner of the series, to call the action and shine a spotlight on up-and-coming talent.

On the latest episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour presented by NASCAR on FOX. Harvick shared his enthusiasm for this unique opportunity, giving fans a glimpse into what this broadcast means for the sport. With Eric Brennan handling play-by-play, Harvick and Earnhardt Jr. are set to bring their deep knowledge and passion to the booth, making it a must-watch for short-track racing lovers. Let’s dive into Harvick’s thoughts and what’s next for this racing legend.

Harvick didn’t hold back his excitement on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, where co-host Kaitlyn Vincie set the stage for the upcoming CARS Tour event. “You’ll be in the booth with Dale Jr., Eric Brennan will be calling the action, so this is gonna be really awesome,” Kaitlyn said, highlighting the dynamic trio set to bring the race to life on FS1. She’s setting up the anticipation for a special broadcast, noting how Harvick, a 2014 Cup Series champion with 47 career wins, and Earnhardt Jr., a two-time Xfinity champion and fan favorite, will join forces with veteran announcer Eric Brennan. Their combined star power and racing expertise promise a fresh, engaging perspective for viewers tuning in to see the next generation of talent at North Wilkesboro.

Harvick jumped in, sharing his gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “It is and I think for grassroots short track racing it is a big moment and I am so thankful that everybody at FOX and Flo and all the people involved have put this scenario together, to be able to give these guys more exposure than they could’ve ever imagined in one particular race.” emphasizing the significance of this event for the CARS Tour drivers, many of whom dream of making it to NASCAR’s top series.

Harvick, who started his career on short tracks, knows firsthand how vital exposure is—having a national platform like FS1 can open doors to sponsors and bigger opportunities, potentially launching careers. His appreciation for FOX and FloRacing underscores his deep commitment to grassroots racing, a passion he’s carried since his days racing late models in the 1990s. The importance of the partnership was highlighted when  CARS Tour executive director Kip Childress said, “There’s no way to express the gratitude we have to FOX Sports, FloRacing, Speedway Motorsports and NASCAR for helping us make this possible.”

He went on to share his personal excitement, adding, “So it’s something that everybody has worked on really hard and for me personally being able to sit up in the booth with Dale one of the co-owners of the series and be able to watch all this take place, it’s going to be quite a moment though, Eric calls races every week but Dale and I are gonna invade the booth this week and be able to talk about our guys and gals so typically run in the CARS tour and look forward to a great event.” Harvick’s thrilled about the personal connection he shares with Earnhardt Jr., as both are co-owners of the CARS Tour, a series they’ve helped grow to nurture young talent. He’s looking forward to what he calls a “rodeo” in the booth—a lively, fun broadcast where they’ll highlight the drivers they’ve watched develop, sharing stories and insights that only insiders like them can provide.

Harvick’s Bold Vision for NASCAR’s Championship

Harvick’s not just making waves in the booth—he’s also stirring the pot with big ideas for NASCAR’s future. On a recent episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, he shared his thoughts on the 2026 Championship returning to Homestead-Miami Speedway, a move NASCAR announced earlier this month. “It’s good for the sport, and I think when you talk about the enthusiasm that came around with switching it back to Homestead, you see the type of intrigue that people have as to where this race is going to be,” Harvick said, as reported by.

He pointed out how Homestead’s return has sparked excitement among fans, showing how much the championship venue matters to the sport’s energy and appeal. But Harvick didn’t stop there—he proposed a bold rotation for the championship race, suggesting tracks like Las Vegas, Texas, or even Darlington could host the finale in future years. His idea is to keep fans on their toes and bring the title fight to different markets, much like Homestead’s return has done.

“I’d love to see it rotate every few years to keep things fresh,” he added in the same interview. Harvick’s vision reflects his in-depth understanding of NASCAR’s fanbase and desire to see the sport evolve while honoring its traditions.

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