Kevin Harvick Reflects on Pivotal 2014 Phoenix Cup Win

Kevin Harvick, a NASCAR legend and 2014 Cup Series champion, has reflected on his most significant Phoenix Raceway win. In an episode of "Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour," the retired NASCAR star highlighted his November 2014 victory as the most crucial. That race, taking place just before the Championship 4 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, was a do-or-die situation for Harvick and his Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet.

Under the previous playoff format, Harvick needed this win to advance to the Championship 4 race. He led a race-high 264 of 312 laps, effectively putting an end to his competitors. Harvick stated, "Our main rivals in that race were really us. We pretty much smoked 'em that day."

This Phoenix win was instrumental in Harvick's quest for the championship. The 2014 season marked the introduction of NASCAR's win-and-you're-in, elimination style playoff format. Entering the final race at Homestead, the highest finisher among the four championship contenders would win the title. Harvick, after securing his Phoenix win, went on to claim the first and only Cup Series championship.

Without that Phoenix win, a championship in 2014 would have been impossible for Harvick. Therefore, Harvick believes that his 2014 Phoenix victory was his most important moment.