In July, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick reportedly requested an early release from his contract with Richard Childress Racing (RCR).

Richard Childress and Harvick have now announced that he will remain in the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy next year.

“We want to put the rumors behind us by stating together that Kevin will drive RCR’s No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet Impala SS for the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season,” team owner Richard Childress said. “RCR continues to work on the overall performance of the No. 29 team, like we are with all of our teams, and the plan is to end the season on a high note. Kevin and the No. 29 team are also preparing for next season with the goal of making a run at the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship.”

The rumors regarding his possible exit also suggested that Shell would no longer be a sponsor since this is the final year of their contract. It appears that is also false.

Harvick was rumored to be discussing options with Stewart-Hass Racing if the team were to expand to three cars in only their second season as a team.

Perhaps the rumors stemmed from Harvick’s disappointing performance so far this year.

“While the 2009 season has not been what any of us have wanted, Richard (Childress) and I are both committed to improving the performance of the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil team for the remainder of this year and the 2010 season,” Harvick said.

Harvick has been with RCR for his entire Sprint Cup Series career after Childress’ driver Dale Earnhardt was killed during the 2001 Daytona 500 and Harvick took over behind the wheel. Harvick has had 11 victories in his 8 years of racing in NASCAR’s premier series.

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