Is a 2017 Repeat Possible for Kevin Harvick? - Predictions and Odds for Toyota/Save Mart 350

Winless streaks have been a rare sight for Kevin Harvick since his move to Stewart-Haas Racing in 2014.

Harvick made the switch from Richard Childress Racing, which he had raced for since his debut in 2001.

The move worked out incredibly well, with his first Cup Series championship coming at the end of 2014.

He has only missed the Final Four in one occasion, and has finished inside the top 3 four times.

The 2014 champion had a relatively difficult start in 2017, however.

Despite sitting fourth in points, Harvick arrived at Sonoma, round 16, still winless.

Fast forward to 2019 and the scenario is relatively similar.

Also check out our predictions for the Toyota/Save Mart 350.

How to Watch

What: Toyota/Save Mart 350

Where: Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, CA

When: Sunday, June 23rd at 3:00 PM EST

How: FS1 (TV) | Performance Racing Network (Web radio)

Recapping Kevin Harvick’s 2017 Start

Harvick kicked off the season leading the most laps at Daytona, but finished 22nd in a fuel saving run.

He again came close to winning at Atlanta, scoring the pole and leading the most laps.

A pit-lane speeding penalty dropped him to an eventual ninth place finish.

The 2014 champion scored two more poles and had a good run of top 5 and top 10 finishes.

Still, the Stewart-Haas driver did not score a win through the first 15 races, with a best finish of second.

The Cup Series made its annual trip to Sonoma in Harvick’s home state of California for round 16.

He had never won at the track before, his best results being a second and two third place finishes.

On the other hand, Harvick did figure among the drivers with a road course win.

It came at Watkins Glen back in 2006.

With a late-race driver, Harvick moved to the front and battled for the win.

He overtook Brad Keselowski and went to take the checkered, finally taking the first victory of 2017.

Is This Kevin Harvick’s Longest Drought at Stewart-Haas Racing?

If Harvick doesn’t win at Sonoma, it will be his longest drought to start a season since joining Stewart-Haas.

However, it won’t mark his longest winless streak with the team.

The win at Sonoma back in 2017 snapped a sequence of 20 races without a win.

The 2014 champion finished eighth in points in 2016, tying his worst result since 2009.

Harvick’s last win going into 2017 had come at the second Kansas race in 2016, round 31 of the season.

The current streak is at 17 races.

His most recent win came at the second Texas race last season, round 34.

Failing to win at Sonoma would make it 18.

In other words, Harvick has three more shots at avoiding that unwanted record.

A Look at Kevin Harvick’s Chances for 2019

Road course races are always unpredictable.

With cautions often breaking the momentum, pit strategy becomes even more important.

Having a fast car doesn’t always translate into a good result.

Harvick does have a solid record at road courses and also at Sonoma more specifically.

While his pace hasn’t been as stellar this season, he has been fairly consistent.

The 2014 champion is fifth in points, having scored five fourth place finishes as his best results.

Harvick has a series-leading three poles, while his three stage wins are the third best mark.

His only significant drop is in laps led, with 282, only the seventh best in 2019.

So, even if the drought goes on for a bit longer, it’s not the end of the world.

The Stewart-Haas driver is a lock for the playoffs and should be in contention for another title.

Odds for Kevin Harvick at Sonoma – Winning, Top 3 Finish

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