Harvick's baby announcement overshadows RCR news

Kevin and DeLana Harvick, plus baby on board.
Credit: Tom Whitmore/Getty Images for NASCAR

While most drivers are unveiling new paint schemes and sponsors during this week's NASCAR media tour, Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick unveiled his own surprise Wednesday evening. Seated on stage alongside Paul Menard and Jeff Burton, Harvick shared that wife DeLana is 14 weeks pregnant with the couple's first child.

Most members of the media present, along with nearly all of the RCR employees gave an audible gasp. Driver Jeff Burton leaned over and jokingly asked who the father was.

Harvick went on to say that their decision to start a family after 11 years of marriage was the main reason KHI shut its doors at the end of the 2011 season.

Richard Childress Racing also announced that the team will field the No. 33 for the first five races of the season. Elliott Sadler will pilot the General Mills/Kroger sponsored car at Daytona while Brendan Gaughan will drive the following four races with sponsor South Point Hotel and Casino.

Max Papis will also be joining the Richard Childress Nationwide Series team to compete at Road America. Papis, a "road-course ringer," will also serve as a driver coach to his RCR teammates to aide in strengthening their road-course racing skills.

Although there has been much change since absorbing the KHI organization, RCR has a total of nine full-time teams across the three series and more than 40 corporate sponsors.