Kevin Harvick unsure of 2011 plans, unhappy with sponsor Shell taking Penzoil brand to Penske

Harvick unsure where he’ll drive next season

TALLADEGA, Ala. — Kevin Harvick will have a new sponsor for sure next season. He could have a new team.

Harvick knows wherever he lands, he’d like to stick with Chevrolet.

Harvick’s future with Richard Childress Racing appeared to take a huge a hit after Shell Oil Company’s decision to transfer its sponsorship from Harvick to Kurt Busch starting next season. Harvick said he’s unsure where he’ll drive next year, but has had ongoing conversations with Childress.

“I don’t think there’s anything pressing time-wise for anybody, whether it’s the team at RCR or myself,” Harvick said Friday at Talladega Superspeedway.

Harvick is a free agent at the end of this season, and became the most-watched driver after Kasey Kahne announced last week he had signed a deal to drive for Hendrick Motorsports in 2012. Kahne must still find a seat for next season.

Harvick, fourth in the points standings, said it’s a “fair statement” he’ll be in Chevrolets next season. RCR, Stewart-Haas Racing, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing and Hendrick Motorsports all run Chevrolets.

“Right now, I’m driving the 29 car and we’ll see,” Harvick said. “I don’t see where anything is going. I know that Richard and I have had a lot of conversations over the last three months.”

Harvick said he has a “great relationship” with Childress and contract talks are continuing as they normally would this time of the year.

Harvick was disappointed to lose his main sponsor. RCR had used Pennzoil as Harvick’s sponsor since 2007.

“I don’t particularly agree with the way the whole situation was handled,” Harvick said. “There are sponsors that come and go and things change. This particular situation, there was a lot of business to business that took place. It’s not anything new.”

Busch, who signed a contract extension with Penske Racing on Friday, said Shell/Penzoil made his involvement in the car next season mandatory for a deal to happen. Busch has driven the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge since 2006, when he first joined Penske. Brad Keselowski will take over the beer sponsorship.

Harvick’s also an owner of his Kevin Harvick Inc., which runs Chevrolets in the Nationwide and Truck Series. He said he has no plans to switch manufacturers.

Harvick has spent his entire Cup career at RCR since making his debut in 2001 after Dale Earnhardt died at Daytona. Harvick won the 2007 Daytona 500 and has 11 career Cup victories.