Source: Harvick, RCR agree to extension

Source: Harvick, RCR agree to extension

News conference scheduled for Friday at RIR to announce deal
By David Newton, NASCAR.COM
May 2, 2006
07:11 PM EDT (23:11 GMT)

CONCORD, N.C. -- Kevin Harvick's long-term future at Richard Childress Racing appears secure.

RCR owner Richard Childress and Harvick have scheduled a news conference for Friday at Richmond International Raceway to announce a contract extension for the driver of the No. 29 Chevrolet, a source close to the situation said on Tuesday.

The news conference is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET.

Harvick, who spent Tuesday testing at Lowe's Motor Speedway, had been a target to drive for Toyota when the Japanese-based manufacturer enters the Nextel Cup Series in 2007.

He said two weeks ago he wanted to remain at RCR, with which he has a seven-year relationship driving in the Busch and Cup series, and that he'd like to have a deal by Richmond.

Owner Richard Childress said Friday that he hoped to have a deal within two weeks, possibly within a week. Childress was not available for comment on Tuesday.

Harvick, 30, leads the Busch Series and is seventh in Cup points heading into Saturday's Crown Royal 400. He has six Cup victories since replacing Dale Earnhardt after the seven-time Cup champion was killed on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500.

One of those victories came two races ago at Phoenix International Raceway while Childress was on a safari in Africa.