Something is amiss at Stewart-Haas Racing. Through four races in 2021, they have just one driver in the top-18 in points.
That’s Kevin Harvick. But, even though he started the year with three straight top-10s, they can’t feel good after Las Vegas. That’s a place they usually run in the top-5. Instead, they went backwards almost immediately, struggled all day long and finished 20th, one lap down.
Yet, he was still the best of the SHR Fords.
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say we expected to see growing pains from two of the drivers. Cole Custer and Chase Briscoe are the future; and patience will be key.
Aric Almirola, on the other hand, needs to try putting on his shoes in a different order, or something to change his luck. He finished dead last after a broken part sent him into the wall. He’s languishing 28th in points.
Phoenix will be another litmus test for this organization. But, instead of gather notes for the season finale, they’ll be looking to gather some hope for the next few months.