Richard Childress insists slumping Kevin Harvick will be driver of No. 29 next season

Childress again says Harvick will be back in 2010

WELCOME, N.C. — Team owner Richard Childress says Kevin Harvick will be back in his car next season despite nonstop rumors to the contrary.

It’s the second time in two months that Childress has publicly had to address speculation about Harvick’s future with the team. Winless since the 2007 season-opening Daytona 500, Harvick is mired in the worst slump of his career.

Harvick is quoted in Monday’s most recent statement from Childress as saying he is committed to improving for the rest of this year and the 2010 season.