For the first time, racing legend Kevin Harvick will be competing against his 12-year-old son, Keelan Harvick, at Kern Raceway in Bakersfield, California this Saturday, bringing the heartfelt excitement of Kevin Harvick racing against son Keelan in CARS Tour to center stage. This rare father-son faceoff adds an emotional dynamic to the CARS Tour West event, promising a memorable experience for racing fans and marking a significant moment in the Harvick family legacy.
Father and Son Set to Make History at Kern Raceway
Keelan Harvick, the young prodigy eager to carve his own legacy, will pilot the No. 62 Hunt Brothers machine while his father, Kevin Harvick, will drive the No. 29 late model. It is more than just a competition for Keelan; it is about honoring the family tradition in motorsports and stepping into the high-pressure world that made Kevin Harvick a NASCAR Cup Series champion. As the event nears, anticipation is growing among fans and the racing community about witnessing this unique familial showdown at Kern Raceway.
During a recent interview focused on their unique dynamic, Kevin Harvick said,
“It’s going to be very unique. I would tell you that Keelan is very competitive, and I would tell you that the trash-talking has been ongoing since we decided this was what we were going to do.”
—Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Sharing the racetrack with his son in his own hometown wasn’t something Kevin Harvick had envisioned following his retirement from full-time racing. The sentiment around this occasion is palpable, as Bakersfield prepares to witness the Harvicks go head-to-head, blending competition with family pride.
“It would be great for the series and the fans and the town and everybody to do that, and also for us as a family to kind of break that ice and get that first race under our belt would be quite an experience,”
Kevin Harvick added. —Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
This father–son rivalry comes at a time when Kevin Harvick plays a significant role both on and off the track. Alongside Justin Marks, Jeff Burton, and Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., Harvick co-owns the CARS Tour. Both father and son are currently collaborating with Rackley W.A.R. in preparation for the 2025 racing season, with plans to join the Super Late Model and Pro Late Model ranks. Additionally, Kevin Harvick is also taking on responsibilities as a consultant for the team’s NASCAR Truck Series efforts.
Kevin Harvick Highlights Standout Drivers for Nashville Superspeedway Event
Looking ahead to the Cup Series, Kevin Harvick shared his thoughts on the upcoming race at Nashville Superspeedway, scheduled for Sunday, June 1. With the event marking the 14th race of the season, Harvick pointed to several drivers as ones to watch at the 1.33-mile oval, including Brad Keselowski, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, and last week’s victor, Ross Chastain.
In an episode of his Happy Hour Podcast, Harvick commented,
“I think that the No. 6 (Brad Keselowski) being back on track is a huge moment. Being able to finish a race, get a top five, have the speed they’ve had for the last few weeks. I think that William Byron will be frustrated and motivated. Ross Chastain, he’s been to Victory Lane at this track. I think that those guys, and we’ve seen it happen with others, can take that momentum of what they’ve been doing… and produce some results there.”
—Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
He further observed,
“I think that that No. 11 car (Hamlin) — he was in the mix, capable of being in contention to win that race last week, and they didn’t get the car full of fuel, ran out of gas, had to come to pit road, didn’t get the results. So, I think that those guys could be tough to beat if they continue to have the performance in their car like they’ve had,”
he added. —Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
The event, officially named Cracker Barrel 400, will see 300 laps of intense competition. Fans can watch the race live on Amazon Prime Video from 7 pm ET or listen to the action via PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, ensuring plenty of ways to follow the excitement at Nashville Superspeedway.
What This Means for the Sport and Fans
The matchup between Kevin Harvick and his son Keelan in the CARS Tour is more than just a race—it is a rare celebration of generational talent, family tradition, and community spirit in motorsports. With leadership roles held by figures like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Burton, and the Harvicks’ close involvement in the growth of racing organizations such as Rackley W.A.R. and the CARS Tour, the Bakersfield event is set to deliver both competitive thrill and emotional resonance. Fans and fellow drivers alike will be watching closely, as the Harvick family writes a new chapter at their home track, while the broader NASCAR community turns its gaze to Nashville for the next major Cup Series showdown.
