Who is the Charlotte doctor Kevin Harvick honored during Darlington win?

CHARLOTTE — A special tribute to frontline workers during the Darlington Real Heroes 400, included a local Doctor. NASCAR Driver Kevin Harvick had Charlotte doctor Josh Hughes’ name on his car, as he won Sunday’s race.

All the drivers did something similar to honor individual frontline workers who’ve inspired them, but the bond between Harvick and Hughes is more than admiration.

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Dr. Hughes worked an overnight shift before speaking with Channel 9 from his home Tuesday afternoon. He and many other frontline workers are putting in long hours.

Hughes gave credit to many others, including receptionists, security guards, and janitors at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. He said, “There’s a lot of people that make it work that are, that don’t get the credit. I’m happy to represent them. I’m humbled to do so.”

Hughes’ name was in the spotlight Sunday when his friend won the race. Harvick referenced the name taped over his own name over the driver’s window of his race car. Harvick also spoke about Hughes and gave him a shout out on live television and said, “Thank you, Josh. We’re thinking about you.”

Hughes seemed flattered, mildly embarrassed, but overall proud of that moment. He said, “When he started saying my name and talking about me, I just…it was incredible.”

When Hughes isn’t donning a mask and gloves and Harvick a helmet and fire suit, they spend time together. That time includes exercising or bike rides to get Hughes’s mind off of work.

“Getting out, exercising, just getting your mind off of it really seems to help me anyway,” said Hughes.

Harvick frequently praises his friend’s work and said Hughes is faced with many unknowns on almost a daily basis, including the risk of infecting his family.

Harvick said, “To deal with this from a mental aspect is very challenging for them, so any conversation I can have to get his mind off of this has been great over the last 8 weeks.”

Hughes said the Emergency Room is still getting busy at times with patients, including COVID 19 patients.

He didn’t seem worried as North Carolina and Charlotte reopen, but he wants people to use caution as they venture out more and more. He described it as compassion for others and said, “Continue to listen to the experts and again, just be courteous and think about others.”

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