NASCAR: Harvick signs Stewart-Haas extension

Kevin Harvick is 100 percent not joining Hendrick Motorsports next season. In fact, the 2014 Sprint Cup champion isn't going anywhere after announcing a long-term extension with Stewart-Haas Racing on Thursday morning.

The new contract arrives after several months of rumors that the 40-year-old was mulling an offer to leave Stewart-Haas Racing over a decision to shift from Chevrolet to Ford in 2017.

Harvick had repeatedly denied those accusations and completely put the story to rest by announcing his new deal.

"It was a big decision to join Stewart-Haas Racing and it has turned out to be my best decision," Harvick said in a news release. "I came to Stewart-Haas Racing to win championships. We have one, but that only made us hungry for more. I'm very happy to have my future secure with a team so dedicated to winning."

Only a fringe contender with Richard Childress Racing during his first 12 seasons, Harvick has blossomed into one of NASCAR's elite with SHR. In addition to his 2014 championship, he finished second to Kyle Busch in last year's title battle and is once again leading the standings through a third of the 2016 season.

Since joining the organization, Harvick has won nine times in 84 starts and earned 42 top-5s. The numbers alone made it important for Stewart to retain Harvick for the foreseeable future.

"Kevin's results speak for themselves, and in addition to those numbers, he brings a presence to our team that makes everyone want to work harder," Stewart said. "Kevin Harvick has made Stewart-Haas Racing a better team and he will continue to be an integral part of our future."

Harvick will continue to drive the No. 4 and will remain paired with crew chief Rodney Childers whom signed an extension himself during the offseason.