Kevin Harvick, the former NASCAR Cup champion and CARS Tour co-owner, competed in the latest CARS Tour Northwest race at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington, only to be narrowly beaten by his 12-year-old son, Keelan Harvick. The father-son showdown not only added excitement to the event but also highlighted the growing momentum of stock car racing in the region, underscoring the significance of the Kevin Harvick CARS Tour Northwest race.
Harvick brought his usual competitive edge, piloting the No. 29 with Busch Light’s iconic colors in the Pro Late Model division, while Keelan raced the No. 62 Morton Buildings car. Mirroring their previous contest at Kern Raceway, the younger Harvick once again managed to outperform his father, finishing in second place behind Haeden Plybon. The event featured a capacity crowd estimated at 7,000 racing fans, confirming a renewed enthusiasm for the sport in Monroe and throughout the Northwest.
Youth Triumphs in Harvick Family Duel at Evergreen Speedway
The Harvick family rivalry took center stage as fans watched the two generations compete. Although Keelan’s skills secured him a higher spot on the leaderboard, Kevin’s presence as both a competitor and co-owner created a compelling subplot to the night’s proceedings. The duo’s fan appeal was palpable, stirring memories of Kevin’s legacy as he recalled racing in the region during his storied 23-year full-time NASCAR career. This included several appearances at Evergreen Speedway in events for the Craftsman Truck and former Winston West Series.
Reflecting on the experience, Kevin Harvick emphasized the region’s vibrant community of race enthusiasts:
I mean, that’s the thing that a lot of people don’t realize—how many hardcore race fans are in the Northwest,
—Kevin Harvick, Co-owner/Cup Champion. The veteran driver also spoke fondly about returning to a region where he had not seen a Truck race since 1999, crediting the loyal Northwest race fans for the event’s high energy and success.
Attendance numbers and participation reinforced this impression, with thirty-seven cars entering the Pro Late Model race. Although several teams dropped out due to mechanical troubles or accidents across the multi-day event, the show of support remained strong throughout the weekend.
Crowd Enthusiasm and Strong Merchandise Turnout Signal Regional Growth
Fan passion was evident not just in attendance but also in the display of merchandise, as Kevin noted:
Tons of merch—Cup merchandise—from the 29 car to the four car, and just a great all-around event.
—Kevin Harvick, Co-owner/Cup Champion. Sold-out promotions and overflowing stands pointed to a resurgent market for stock car racing in the Northwest, aligning with the Harvicks’ growing popularity and the dominance of the CARS Tour on the West Coast circuit.
Harvick acknowledged the enduring draw of this kind of racing, sharing his intention to bring more CARS Tour events back to this highly receptive region. He described the atmosphere as “instantly energizing,” alluding to potential future race dates at Evergreen Speedway to meet high demand among both fans and teams.
Plans Set for More CARS Tour Races in Response to Spectacular Event
The CARS Tour co-owner described his satisfaction with the outcome:
So it was one of the best short track events that I’ve been a part of, and I’m glad it worked out that way.
—Kevin Harvick, Co-owner/Cup Champion. His remarks echoed the collective sentiment that Evergreen Speedway’s recent event was among the most well-received in recent memory, establishing a new benchmark for what the region’s fan base and participants can expect from future races.
Looking ahead, opportunities for greater father–son rivalries and high-caliber stock car action at the Northwest track appear likely, especially as the CARS Tour solidifies its role in advancing the West Coast racing scene. The success of the Kevin Harvick CARS Tour Northwest race at Evergreen Speedway has not only set the stage for more competitive matchups but has also fueled renewed excitement throughout the wider racing community, promising an exciting future for Monroe and beyond.
