Ford exec says “no doubt” Harvick will drive a Ford next season

Kevin Harvick in a Ford?

Ford Performance boss Dave Pericak did not mince words when it comes to Kevin Harvick's status for 2017. "There is no doubt in my mind," Pericak said.

"He will be in a Ford." Despite rumors Chevrolet would like to keep Harvick in their camp, Pericak insists the 2014 champion will drive a Ford next season. Enlisting the services of Stewart-Haas Racing is just the latest bold move made by Pericak, who took over Ford's racing arm 16 months ago. With Chevrolet having a stranglehold over half of the Sprint Cup field Pericak acknowledged it was time to even the odds.

"We've always said we're here to win races," Pericak added.

"We're not just here to have fun. We have to have more than just a couple bullets in the chamber every time you show up on the weekends. So we're going to strengthen all the way across the board and adding a championship caliber team like Stewart-Haas is putting more bullets in the chamber."

As for the bigger picture, Pericak sees plenty of progress for the Blue Oval brigade — from rookie Ryan Blaney's ability to get up to speed so quickly to the gains at Roush Fenway Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports. Motorsport