5. Richmond 2003 – Kevin Harvick vs. Ricky Rudd
The Setup:
In September of 2003, Kevin Harvick was consistent enough to be a championship contender. There was no way he could triumph over Matt Kenseth without a little bit of luck, but he was making the most out of a rather strong year highlighted by an Indy win. Late in the going at Richmond, he looked like he could have won big again, as his No. 29 was one of the strongest cars on the track. But that switched in a hurry.
The Fallout:
One party called it a cheap-shot. The other said that it was a messed-up entry. Any way it’s painted, Ricky Rudd knocked Harvick askew, and he was unable to save it as he went straight into the wall. Understandably, he was angry for the right reasons as his title hopes were derailed. He sped onto pit road and bumped into the No. 21 of Rudd before both crews tried to keep the drivers in check. Harvick wouldn’t be denied a chance at venting some frustrations, so on his way out he climbed up on Rudd’s Ford before jumping on the hood with a few crew members. It was a tense situation, sure, but one thing Harvick needed to keep in mind: Rudd’s a tough old rooster, and there’s no doubt he would have humbled Harvick quickly.
Next: Darlington 2011