TALLADEGA, Ala. (April 16, 2011) —Kevin Harvick returned to NASCAR Nationwide Series racing action at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in hopes of capturing his first series win that the 2.66-mile track. The No. 4 Armour Vienna Sausages Chevrolet Impala fielded by Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) posted great practice runs early in the race weekend, completing final practice at the top of the leader board.
The No. 4 team headed into race day with confidence knowing they had one of the fastest cars in the draft. KHI co-owner Harvick started the Aarons 312 in the 11th position and quickly headed towards the front. Along with the help of drafting partner and KHI teammate Clint Bowyer, Harvick sailed to the front of the field allowing him the opportunity to lead four of the 117 laps of the race.
Shortly after working his way to the front of the 43 car field, Harvick alerted crew chief Bruce Cook that they were facing a potential engine issues. On lap 21 Harvick pulled the car off the track and into the garage for his KHI crew to diagnose the problem. The team lifted to hood and realized their day had come to an end, along with Harvick’s hopes of capturing a Nationwide Series win at Talladega Superspeedway.
The NASCAR Nationwide Series will be back in action next Saturday, April 23 at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway for the Nashville 300. The No. 4 KHI Chevrolet Impala will return for Nationwide Series competition at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway for the Subway Jalapeno 250 on July 1, 2011. Catch the action live on ESPN and MRN at 7:30 p.m. EST.
STATS RECAP
Race Info
April 16, 2011
Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway
Race: 7 of 34
Driver: Kevin Harvick
Started: 11th
Finished: 39th
Race length: 117 Laps/311.22 Miles
Track layout: 2.66-Mile
Shape: Tri-Oval