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Monday, November 9, 2026Nov 9

NASCAR: All hail Gordon, Harvick refuses to play mind games

Series points leader Jeff Gordon waves to the crowd during driver introductions before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Phoenix International Raceway, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Avondale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
Series points leader Jeff Gordon waves to the crowd during driver introductions before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Phoenix International Raceway, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Avondale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso) Series points leader Jeff Gordon waves to the crowd during driver introductions before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Phoenix International Raceway, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Avondale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (AP) – Kevin Harvick has made a predictable habit of trying to rattle his opposition when the stakes are at their highest.

With Jeff Gordon sitting to his left, the reigning NASCAR champion didn’t dare play any mind games.

NASCAR’s annual title contenders news conference was a feel-good affair Thursday as all four drivers played nice and lauded each other with platitudes. It was a bit surreal when Harvick, the driver who is always good to stir the pot, said he didn’t want to make anyone angry in advance of Sunday’s season finale.

Since when does Harvick care what others think?

Apparently, when it includes Gordon.