Kevin Harvick kicks off playoffs with Darlington victory

He won the first race when NASCAR reset after the COVID-19 pandemic in May, and now he has won after the points were reset for the playoffs at the same track.

Kevin Harvick led the final 13 laps Sunday, September 6th, in the Cook Out Southern 500, capitalizing off leaders Chase Elliott and Martin Truex Jr.’s misfortune while the two drivers battled for the win and sustained damage in the closing laps.

“Anytime you can win the Southern 500 is a good day,” Harvick said. “This is one of the most prestigious races in our sport and this is one the most prestigious racetracks in our sport, so anytime you can win at Darlington it’s a big deal, but, man, Southern 500.”

The victory was Harvick’s second in the Southern 500 and third in the Cup Series at the raceway.

The win guarantees Harvick a position in the next round of the playoffs.

Austin Dillon finished second to Harvick, a few car-lengths behind the 2014 series champion.

Joey Logano, Erik Jones and William Byron collected positions third through fifth.

OUTLOOK
The next race for the Cup Series is the Federated Auto Parts 400 scheduled for Saturday, September 12th at Richmond Raceway.

SOURCES
Ford Performance
Racing-Reference.info