This Saturday night, racing legend Kevin Harvick and his 12-year-old son Keelan will square off for the first time in a spirited competition at their hometown venue, Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, California. The much-anticipated Kevin Harvick father-son race at Kern County Raceway highlights the CARS Tour Mission Bank 250, promising high energy and family rivalry as both generations prepare to contest the spotlight.
Family Rivalry Takes Center Stage in Bakersfield
Scheduled for May 31, the showdown—cheekily dubbed ‘Battle of the Harvicks’—ushers in a new era for both racers and marks a sentimental return for Kevin Harvick to the track where his iconic NASCAR journey began. The elder Harvick, once a dominant force in the Cup Series and now a FOX Sports commentator, steps out of retirement for this special event to both mentor and compete against Keelan, who is forging his own path in motorsports. The event is a key stop in the growing CARS Tour West expansion, captivating racing fans far beyond California.
The excitement was evident even before the race, with NASCAR sharing a playful promotional video on social media. In the clip, Kevin and Keelan trade good-natured banter about their chances, each quick to blame the other for a potential Lap 1 mishap. In the highlight, Kevin Harvick said,
“There’s no chance I’m spinning. There is no chance. Not even possible,” argued Kevin Harvick.
Keelan, displaying his own confidence and wit, fired back,
“Like you said, I race every week. You’re in booth shape,” Keelan responded.
The pair laughed off the question of who would spin first, both agreeing they had never lost control on the opening lap, ending the segment with a humor that fans appreciated. These lighthearted moments underscore the close-knit competition that defines their relationship, setting the stage for an emotionally charged race night.
A Premier Event Showcasing CARS Tour Stars
The Mission Bank 250, beginning at 9:50 p.m. ET, headlines a night packed with high-octane action at Kern County Raceway Park, drawing in top talent from the CARS Tour West Series. This race not only spotlights the Harvick family but also includes competitors from across the West Coast, making it a standout stop for drivers and NASCAR fans alike. The event’s significance is heightened by Kevin Harvick’s own promotional group, which co-owns the series alongside Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks—names synonymous with stock car racing excellence.
Beyond Kevin and Keelan, other regional series such as the Spears SRL Southwest Tour will feature on Saturday’s schedule, giving fans a full evening of motorsports thrill. The event further cements the role of Kern County as a hub for racing innovation and legacy, where seasoned champions and rising talents share the same tarmac.
In recent interviews, both Harvicks were questioned about the possibility of Kevin returning to the Cup Series. They each declined, shifting the spotlight to Keelan’s potential in NASCAR’s top tier. Both predicted that, within the next four years, Keelan could be eyeing a Cup Series appearance—reflecting optimism and a clear passing of the racing torch.
Keelan Harvick’s Growth and the Road Ahead
Keelan Harvick’s rapid ascent in motorsport has captured attention beyond his father’s legacy. After gaining experience in European karting circuits, Keelan now consistently competes in both U.S. and international late model series, quickly adapting to the demands of stock car racing. This ongoing transition is made possible by Kevin Harvick’s guidance—serving at once as mentor, competitor, and his son’s biggest supporter.
The race at Kern County marks the beginning of a series of father–son contests. According to Kevin,
“We’re gonna do this seven more times in different parts of the country where we race against each other. Follow the CARS Tour East and West, and, so we will be all over racing this summer and towards the end of the year and we will continue to run some of these races for the next couple of years as long as it’s fun.”
This commitment sets the stage for several more head-to-heads in 2025, spanning events in both the CARS Tour East and West divisions. For Keelan, these races are invaluable for development, providing experience under pressure alongside—and against—a former Cup Series champion.
Recent performances have demonstrated that Keelan is eager to establish his reputation on merit. His competitive runs in Pro Models, the CARS Tour, and other late model circuits signal that he is more than just Kevin’s son: he is a rising contender with ambitions of his own. Though only 12, Keelan’s adaptability and drive suggest a promising future as both a driver and a possible Cup Series star.
What the Harvick Showdown Means for Kern County and Beyond
The energy surrounding the Kevin Harvick father–son race at Kern County Raceway is more than just a family affair—it represents a fusion of tradition, mentorship, and ambitious racing goals. Kern County’s role as the backdrop to this generational contest amplifies the prestige of local racing, providing fans with rare access to both a decorated champion and a promising newcomer.
With the Harvicks’ continued presence and future matchups planned across the country, Bakersfield’s Mission Bank 250 becomes not just a sentimental homecoming, but a pivotal moment in the evolving narrative of NASCAR families. The racing world will be watching closely as Kevin and Keelan push each other, harnessing rivalry and respect to fuel motorsports’ next great story.
