CONCORD, N.C.—
Last season wasn't exactly a banner year for Richard Childress Racing. Only one RCR driver made the Chase for the Cup, but things are already looking up, starting with some exciting news off the track.Kevin Harvick is fresh off a second consecutive third place finish in the Sprint Cup standings. But before Harvick could talk about his outlook for this season, Happy announced that he and wife DeLana are expecting.
“We had planned on announcing everything the day of the Shootout and I just thought we were far enough along, and I had to ask permission, but we just didn't want to deal with it when we got to Daytona, so just let the initial buzz die down about the time we get back to Daytona. I get amped every time I talk about it. It's been such a secret, it's like you now finally get to let the cat out of the bag so it's exciting.
While Harvick's mood is obviously upbeat, his teammate Jeff Burton is as focused as he's ever been on racing. After failing to meet expectations a year ago with just two top five finishes, Burton has vowed to be more involved than ever in his race team.
“When I was my best was when I was heavily involved. I've gotten to the point now where I don't even know what springs are in the car and that's not who I am. I tried to play racecar driver and do it the way some other people do it, but that doesn't work for me. I need to know what's going on. I need to be involved in it. There's ownership in that. I wanna be part of the problem. I am part of the problem, but I want to be part of the problem and be a part of it when it's right. That's ownership.
The always candid South Boston native, Burton hopes to help Childress grab a Cup title for the first time since 1994. RCR will field nine full time teams, three Cup, three in the Nationwide Series, and three in the Truck Series.
