Big winnings for Busch champ

Kevin Harvick, the 2006 Busch Series champion, received $2,850,864 in 2006, including more than $1.3 million in race winnings ($1,345,380) as well as his share of the series point fund ($1,471,984).

The series’ $7.8 million point fund included a record $4.1 million contribution from series sponsor Anheuser-Busch. The company’s commitment to the Busch Series will increase again for the 2007 season with a point fund worth $4.5 million.

The 2006 season was the 25th anniversary of the Busch Series’ association with Anheuser-Busch, and the payouts have steadily grown during that time. The first series champion, Jack Ingram, earned a little more than $122,000 in 1982.

In 166 career Busch Series starts, Harvick’s winnings have totaled $8,611,423, third all time behind Jason Keller ($10,843,511) and David Green ($8,901,290).

Additionally, the two-time champion — Harvick also claimed the series crown in 2001 — earned $33,500 in contingency awards, including the Clevite Engine Builder Award ($20,000) and the Sunoco Diamond Performance Award ($13,500).

— Cox News Service