In the article below, from TheNASCARInsiders.com, the author speculates Clint Bowyer is gone from RCR, the #33 Cup team will be shut down and re-establishing two NATIONWIDE teams at RCR gives Richard a place to put his two grandsons. Kevin Harvick is scheduled to address the media at Richmond on Friday. Doesn't sound too good for Elliott Sadler.
Are We Watching The Demise Of Kevin Harvick Inc?
Sep 8th, 2011 by T.C. TheNASCARInsiders.com
It was announced on Wednesday that starting in 2012, Kevin Harvick Inc.s Nationwide Series program would be merged with Richard Childress Racing. Effectively, what this merger means, is that KHIs #2 and #33 NNS teams will now be run out of RCRs shop in Welcome, NC. Elliott Sadler will continue piloting the #2 and a round robin of Cup drivers will drive the #33. This announcement, combined with the recent rumors of the demise of KHIs Truck Series program, really make me wonder if after ten years in existence we arent seeing the end of what Kevin and Delana built.
If you might remember, it hasnt quite been a year since RCR announced it would no longer field its own NNS entries, and that it would combine its efforts with KHI. Now the move is being reversed.
Why Kevin and Delana are getting out now is unclear, but what is certain is why RCR is interested in having a Nationwide program back under its roof: Richards grandsons Austin and Ty Dillon. Austin is currently in his second season behind the wheel of RCRs #3 truck, and appears set to join the Nationwide Series full time for 2012. Taking control of two established teams gives RCR a leg up in giving Austin what he needs to be successful next season and beyond.
Brother Ty, who is currently rolling over the competition in ARCA (he currently has a 405 point lead in the standings), would be in line to take over the #3 truck from Austin. And it wont be long before Ty is himself running NNS races.
Something else to consider, is if this move might be an indication that Clint Bowyer could actually be departing RCR at seasons end. Weve heard that if Bowyer does leave, there is a good chance that the #33 Cup team will be shut down. Taking on multiple NNS entries would be a replacement for that team, and would allow RCR to hang on to employees they might otherwise let go.
Harvick is scheduled to address the media on Friday at Richmond, where he will hopefully shed some more light on what the future looks like for KHI. But after it appeared he could be on the road to being the next owner/driver in the Cup Series, it now looks like KHI is being dismantled.
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