By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
CONCORD, N.C. –Kevin Harvick dominated most of the All-Star Race, but problems on pit road cost him a shot for the $1 million prize.
In the final stage of the race, Harvick set the pace of the field, but a loose wheel became apparent. As Harvick worked his way down the pit lane, the caution flag flew for contact between Austin Dillon and Erik Jones.
While on the pit lane, a lengthy stopped occurred as the team went around and tightened all 20 lugnuts on the No. 4 Ford Mustang.
“It’s terrible. We shot both of our feet off with an absolute dominate car,” he said. “The guys did a great job preparing the race car, but we just weren’t ready to make a pit stop on pit road tonight.
“They just need to be ready to race. They’ve done it all year. You can’t show up and have it be a disaster. They’ve been great all year. Tonight, wasn’t great, that’s for sure. We spotted the whole field and started tailback with 15 laps to go.
Although tonight was not “happy” on pit road, Harvick knowing his crew led by Rodney Childers will go back to the shop and come to the track better prepared.
“They’re experienced enough. They know it didn’t go the way they wanted it to go. They’ll go back and be ready. That is the great part about having an experienced pit crew is that they can go back to fix it. They better fix it.”
Luckily, Harvick was able to rebound for a second-place finish.