Kevin Harvick slams Tyler Reddick's 'pathetic' apology to Chris Buescher

NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick remained unconvinced by Tyler Reddick's apology following a collision that significantly affected Reddick and Chris Buescher's positions at Darlington Raceway.

Buescher led at Darlington Raceway with just 10 laps remaining when Reddick boldly maneuvered to overtake Buescher's No. 17 Mustang and seize the lead. But Reddick's move didn't go as calculated, causing him to lose control and collide with Buescher, sending them both into the outside wall. 

The incident was a heart-wrenching blow for both drivers, destroying their victory plans. They were compelled to make an unscheduled pit stop, effectively terminating their race. Ultimately, Brad Keselowski emerged as the winner, while Reddick had to settle for 32nd place, and Buescher finished at No. 30. 

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Buescher, visibly furious at the missed opportunity for victory, wasted no time confronting Reddick as soon as he exited his vehicle. Approaching Reddick's car, Buescher pressed him in the chest multiple times while expressing his frustration, insisting that Reddick needed to race more responsibly. 

Reddick offered an apology, but the intensity of the situation was evident. The 23XI Racing driver said, "I tried to back out. The last thing I wanted to do was wreck your car. I'm sorry."

Denny Hamlin characterized the exchange as a heated yet respectful shouting match, acknowledging the raw emotions involved. However, Harvick remained skeptical about the sincerity of Reddick's apology, suggesting that more action might be needed to rectify the situation on the latest episode of his NASCAR podcast on FOX. 

"I hated that interview," said Harvick. "I don't like when these guys go down the road of apologizing so much that it's just pathetic. That's how I feel. I just wish they would apoligize and say 'I have to do what I have to do to try to win the race, it didn't workout I'm sorry.' BUt don't over apologize please," he ended, telling Reddick to apologize off camera next time. 

Harvick commended Reddick for his spirit on the track and respected the 28-year-old's audacious move in South Carolina. He voiced his admiration for Reddick's driving style but also expressed concern that excessive apologies might distract from the goal of doing everything possible to win races.

While the rest of the panel touted Harvick for what they viewed as coaching Reddick, the seasoned 21-year NASCAR veteran offered further perspective, particularly regarding Reddick's crew chief. Harvick suggested that if he were part of the crew, he would take Reddick aside and advise him to repeat the same aggressive action in future races. 

Harvick then emphasized the importance of drivers going to extreme lengths to secure victory, implying that such tactics are sometimes necessary in the competitive world of NASCAR racing. Also, how fans would understand drivers who risk potentially causing a late-race wreck if they have to throttle as hard as possible to earn a late win in a tight race down the final stretch.