Kevin Harvick got the first win of his career at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2001. In February of that year, he took over the 3 car after Earnhardt's fatal accident, and the number was changed to 29. Fittingly, 3 races into his career, he took that car and team to Victory Lane in a tear-jerking moment on March 11th, 2001.
Over the years, Harvick has run well at Atlanta. Very well, in fact. In five of the last six races, he has led more than 100 laps per race. Last season, he led 292 of 325 laps before a late race penalty for speeding on pit road relegated him to a 9th place finish. But he has never won in Atlanta other than that 2001 win.
Until today.
And today, he won in convincing fashion. He led 64 of the first 80 laps, winning stage one. Overall, he led a race-high 181 of 325 laps, and got his 38th career win. And on his victory lap, he flashed three fingers out the window, just as he did in 2001.
Here is footage of that first win, where he edged out Gordon by inches.
Congratulations to Kevin Harvick, Rodney Childers, and the entire Stewart-Haas Racing team on today's great win! For full race results, click here.