Kevin Harvick has never been one to shy away from controversy, and during a recent discussion, the former NASCAR champion revisited his well-documented feud with Chase Elliott—one that ignited a firestorm of reactions from Elliott’s passionate fanbase.
Harvick, known for his no-nonsense attitude on and off the track, admitted that his past run-ins with Elliott led to an overwhelming amount of backlash from NASCAR’s most vocal supporters.
The Harvick vs. Elliott Rivalry
The tension between Harvick and Elliott boiled over during the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, particularly at Bristol Motor Speedway, where the two clashed in a heated on-track incident. Elliott, frustrated by what he perceived as aggressive driving from Harvick, retaliated by making it difficult for Harvick to win the race. This led to a fiery post-race confrontation, with the veteran Harvick making it clear that he was not going to back down.
The feud didn’t end there. Weeks later at the Charlotte Roval, Harvick made contact with Elliott again, sending the No. 9 into the wall. However, karma struck back when Harvick later crashed out of the race himself, much to the delight of Elliott’s fans.
Harvick on the Fan Backlash
During a recent interview, Harvick acknowledged the level of hate he received from Elliott’s fiercely loyal fanbase following their clashes.
“I had that beef with Chase, and his fans came after me hard,” Harvick admitted. “I get it—he’s the most popular driver, and they’re going to stand by their guy. But in the moment, I wasn’t going to just let things slide.”
Harvick, who built his career on standing his ground, didn’t let the fan backlash affect his approach. While the rivalry eventually cooled off, the impact of their battles lingered, especially among fans who still hold a grudge.
A Legacy of Fierce Competition
Now retired from full-time racing and transitioning to a broadcasting role, Harvick reflects on his career with no regrets. His battles with Elliott were just one chapter in a long history of intense rivalries, including past dust-ups with Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, and Carl Edwards.
As for Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion remains a fan favorite, and the rivalry with Harvick only added to his legend. While time may have softened the tensions between the two drivers, the memory of their clashes still sparks debates among fans.
Even in retirement, Harvick’s reputation as one of NASCAR’s fiercest competitors remains intact. And as long as Elliott’s fans remember their battles, he’ll likely continue to be a villain in their eyes—something Harvick is more than comfortable with.
