Harvick Holds Off Earnhardt for NASCAR Phoenix Win (Video)

Kevin Harvick survived a succession of late restarts to win Sunday's The Profit on CNBC 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

In his first season with Stewart-Haas Racing and his first with crew chief Rodney Childers, Harvick entered the race as an overwhelming favorite and delivered, despite the best efforts of Daytona 500 winner Dale Earnhardt Jr., who chased Harvick’s No. 4 Chevrolet to the checkered flag.

Harvick led 224 of the 312 laps at the one-mile track, including the final 24, leaving Earnhardt to battle with front row starters Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano, who finished third and fourth, respectively, for Team Penske.

The victory was a record fifth for Harvick at Phoenix, and it was his 24th career win in 468 career starts.

“Man, this just solidifies so many things and so many decisions,” said Harvick, who left Richard Childress Racing after 13 seasons to make the move to Stewart-Haas. “It’s been so much work with all the time and effort that these guys (the crew) have put in--but what a race car.”

In Harvick’s view, the victory vindicated his decision to change teams.

“Rodney Childers has just done a phenomenal job of putting this team together,” Harvick said. “These guys all want to win. That’s why they came here. That’s why I came here, too.

Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson finished fifth and sixth, with Ryan Newman, Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch and Jamie McMurray completing the top 10.

Video Source: Fox Sports