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.”
Harvick wins Darlington (WSOC)
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.
Thank you to the heroes that have supported and continue to support everyone during this COVID 19 crisis!
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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Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing Kevin Harvick celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing A sign thanking people working during the coronavirus pandemic is displayed in a turn at Darlington Raceway Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. NASCAR, which has been idle for 10 weeks because of the pandemic, makes its return with the Real Heroes 400 Nascar Cup Series auto race Sunday. (AP Photo/Jenna Fryer) (Jenna Fryer/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing Checkered flags line a street outside Darlington Raceway Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. NASCAR, which has been idle since March 8 because of the coronavirus pandemic, makes its return with the Real Heroes 400 Nascar Cup Series auto race Sunday. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing A crew member for driver Kevin Harvick watches during the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing A part of the Darlington Raceway grandstand is void of fans Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. NASCAR, which has been idle since March 8 because of the coronavirus pandemic, makes its return with the Real Heroes 400 Nascar Cup Series auto race Sunday. No spectators are allowed, and race teams are only permitted 16 individuals per car, including the driver, owner, crew chief, crew members, spotter and hauler driver. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing The name of Cindy Sheets covers the name of driver Clint Bowyer before the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. The names of health care workers across the country have been substituted for the drivers' name above the door on each of the 40 cars. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing Kevin Harvick celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing Kevin Harvick celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing Kevin Harvick does a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing Matt Kenseth waits for the start of the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing A parking lot is empty at Darlington Raceway Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. NASCAR, which has been idle since March 8 because of the coronavirus pandemic, makes its return with the Real Heroes 400 Nascar Cup Series auto race Sunday. No spectators are allowed, and race teams are only permitted 16 individuals per car, including the driver, owner, crew chief, crew members, spotter and hauler driver. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing Members of Kevin Harvick's team celebrate after winning the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing Kevin Harvick (4) and Brad Keselowski (2) compete during the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing Driver Jimmie Johnson carries a camera as he walks to his car for the start of the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing Crew members for driver Kyle Busch wait with his car before the start of the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing Driver Brad Keselowski walks to his car for the start of the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing A sign at Darlington Raceway displays a message thanking front-line workers Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. NASCAR, which has been idle since March 8 because of the coronavirus pandemic, makes its return with the Real Heroes 400 Nascar Cup Series auto race Sunday. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing Cars go through a turn at Darlington Raceway during the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Jenna Fryer) (Jenna Fryer/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing Driver Ryan Newman walks to his car for the start of the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing Cars pass by empty seats during the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing A sign directs people to a screening station outside Darlington Raceway Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. NASCAR, which has been idle since March 8 because of the coronavirus pandemic, makes its return with the Real Heroes 400 Nascar Cup Series auto race Sunday. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing Driver Ryan Newman gets his temperature taken as he arrives at Darlington Raceway before the Real Heroes 400 NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. NASCAR, which has been idle for 10 weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic, makes its return at the track Sunday. (AP Photo/Jenna Fryer) (Jenna Fryer/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing Crew members and officials wait in the pit area before the start of the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing Kevin Harvick (4) drives during the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Kevin Harvick wins in NASCAR’s return to racing Jimmie Johnson (48) and Alex Bowman (88) come down a straightaway during the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson/AP)
