We all know what impact family has in the NASCAR world. The proverb ‘Like father like son’ doesn’t get more truthful anywhere else! May it be Lee Petty and Richard Petty, or the Earnhardts, the sport has seen father-son duos making an impact, with sons keeping the legacy alive. In the current times, the Gen-Alpha racers have got something in them that’s beyond comprehension!
We see 20-year-old Jessie Love taking the Xfinity Series by storm, and 18-year-old Connor Zilisch being far beyond just being a ‘generational talent’. But, there are a few drivers much more looked upon. Like Brexton Busch rocking the dirt racing world. With his Golden Driller win at the Tulsa Shootout 2024 A-Mains event, the 9-year-old’s domination is mind-boggling to witness. But, we also have a 12-year-old prodigy who recently ran a late model race, and the results are astonishing!
Happy Harvick’s surprise champ for NASCAR
Recently Kevin Harvick’s wife, DeLana Harvick, warned the public about the “mini Kevin Harvick,” saying, “He’s got the same fire,”. Keelan Harvick, the 12-year-old son of NASCAR icon Kevin Harvick, is taking the racing world by storm, and his story is winning hearts all around the globe. Keelan has been on the rise, scaling through the ranks, starting from go-karts and Legends racing to Pro Late Models, a giant leap toward realizing his ambition of a NASCAR career.
His dad, Kevin, a retired NASCAR Cup Series champion, has been leading the way, sharing the seat in cars built by Kevin Harvick Inc. and Rackley W.A.R. But it hasn‘t been all easy. Keelan‘s journey has had its highs and lows, demonstrating the determination of a third-generation driver determined to make his own mark.
One of Keelan‘s largest achievements was in November 2024 at Florence Motor Speedway, where he competed in his first Limited Late Model event. Among seasoned veterans, he ran a clean race and placed solidly eighth, a feat that made his dad beam with pride. “Nice job, bud,” Kevin boasted on social media. But a heartbreaking setback soon came to Keelan. He was ready to make his highly anticipated CARS Tour Pro Late Model Series debut at New River All-American Speedway, co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Hours earlier, a bout of stomach flu caused him to pull out. “I’m not feeling well enough to race,” Keelan shared. The news devastated fans called it a “shocker to the racing industry.”
The racing world got another glimpse of Keelan’s journey when he posted on X on March 24, 2025, sharing a video of his No. 29 car at Kern Raceway. His P3 performance caught fans’ attention, especially with a nod to Lionel Racing: “@Lionel_Racing any way we can have this car offered in 1/64?” That post created a tidal wave of support, with fans rallying behind the young driver. Keelan‘s path, from his debut in Florence to his Kern Raceway outing, demonstrates he‘s got the skill and grit to step into his dad‘s shoes, despite the setbacks along the way.
P3 in my first Late Model Stock race. Lots to learn, but had a blast! #62 #keeplearnin #keepdiggin pic.twitter.com/PVRAwwL5ZV
— Keelan Harvick (@KeelanHarvick) March 24, 2025
On March 18, 2025, he made his debut at his dad’s track, Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway, in the CARS Tour West 100-lap Pro Late Model race. “I’m just here to learn,” Keelan told during practice, showing his humble approach. He recalled his dad’s advice: “he told me to get in the car and floor it.” Sadly, his engine blew on lap 32, forcing him out of the main event. Still, his effort impressed many. Keelan’s determination shone through, and he’s already looking ahead to racing alongside his dad at the same track on May 31.
Driving the No. 62 Chevrolet for Rackley W.A.R., Keelan started 15th in a 31-car field. He worked his way up to ninth before a late-race spin in the 125-lap event. “I’m really excited. I think that it’ll be a new learning curve for me, especially because I’ve never driven it, but I think it will be fun.” Keelan told ahead of the race. A Rackley W.A.R. team member said, “He drove a smart race for his first time out.” A team spokesperson added, “He’s got a bright future, no doubt.”
Now, let’s talk about the fans and they’re absolutely loving Keelan’s progress!
Fans give Keelan Harvick enough moral support
One fan wrote, “Freakin’ awesome Keelan! Keep on diggin’ and working hard like we all know you’re going to buddy! That win will be just around the corner. ” This response embodies the enthusiasm surrounding Keelan‘s prospects. Supporters notice his perseverance and feel that a win is near, particularly after his impressive performance at Florence Motor Speedway in November 2024, when he placed eighth in his Limited Late Model debut. His tenacity at Kern Raceway, even with an engine failure, is what keeps their hopes alive.
Another supporter commented, “That is a great finish for your first late model stock car race you are doing a great job.” This fan is clearly impressed by Keelan at Florence, a track known for its tough competition and national stage like the South Carolina 400. It’s a reminder of how far he’s come in such a short time, earning respect in a field of veterans while driving his father’s No. 62 Hunt Brothers Pizza Chevrolet, a number tied to his family’s racing legacy.
A third fan added, “Looking forward to seeing you beat your dad at Owosso Speedway!” This playful comment shows the excitement for Keelan’s future races, especially the upcoming father-son showdown at Kern Raceway on May 31, 2025, as announced. Fans are eager to see if Keelan can outpace Kevin, a NASCAR icon, in what promises to be a thrilling family battle at Kevin Harvick’s own track in Bakersfield, California, where Keelan has already raced.
Finally, a nostalgic fan shared, “You know you are making me feel old I remember when your daddy was racing and you were a baby and now your old enough to race against him.” This reaction hits emotionally, reflecting on Kevin’s legacy as a multi-time NASCAR champion who began racing go-karts in 1982. It celebrates Keelan’s growth as a third-generation racer, now competing in Pro Late Models and set to face his dad, a full-circle moment for longtime NASCAR fans who’ve followed the Harvick family for decades. Keelan’s journey is just beginning, but with fans like these, he’s got a whole community cheering him on!
The post Fans Rally Behind Kevin Harvick’s Prodigy After Another Step Blossoms Towards His Inevitable NASCAR Career appeared first on EssentiallySports.