In an electrifying Kevin Harvick vs Keelan Harvick race at Hickory Motor Speedway, 12-year-old Keelan Harvick outpaced his father, NASCAR champion Kevin Harvick, to seize victory in the CARS Pro Late Model Tour event. This marked Keelan’s second triumph over his father, reinforcing his rapid ascent in the world of youth racing and delivering a memorable father-son battle on the track.
Keelan’s Commanding Performance Shines at Hickory
Keelan Harvick started the highly anticipated race from pole position, showcasing impressive confidence and skill by leading 99 of the 100 laps. His control of the competition was clear from the outset as he fended off all challengers, including his seasoned father. Kevin Harvick, a celebrated Cup Series winner, began the race from fourth and made a determined push in the closing stages, but ultimately crossed the line in third place behind his son.
This milestone marked Keelan’s first victory in the CARS Pro Late Model series. Notably, it added to his resume, following a prior win in a CARS Tour West event. The dynamic between the father, Kevin, and son, Keelan, remained at the forefront as fans witnessed both competition and personal connection unfold in real time.
Keelan Reflects on Racing Against His Father
In his victory lane interview with Flo Racing, Keelan was asked whether he expected to prevail so convincingly over his legendary father. The young winner responded candidly:
“Not as bad as this, but like he said, he’s out of shape and old. So, it’s kind of hard not to.”
—Keelan Harvick, Winner
Keelan’s win further distinguishes him as the only driver to have claimed checkered flags in both the East and West divisions of the CARS Tour series. With humility and gratitude, he credited Kevin Harvick for his ongoing mentorship, saying:
“It’s really cool to win on the East and West. It’s two different series. It’s really cool that my dad can be a part of both of them and help just me out as a driver and just coach me through everything,”
he said. —Keelan Harvick, Winner
The Road Ahead: More High-Stakes Races Await
Looking forward, Keelan has secured a place in the Throwback Classic 276 at Hickory, set for August 2. This event promises fierce competition, with the Pro Late Models winner earning $30,000 and the Late Model Stocks victor taking home $50,000, raising the stakes for all participants.
Pride and Perspective from Kevin Harvick
Despite finishing third, Kevin Harvick embraced the special experience of sharing the racetrack with his son. He openly acknowledged Keelan’s improvement and described the unique bond that has grown through their shared competitions:
“It’s just so special to be able to do what we’re doing right now. It’s not anything that I had really thought about or planned. And even though he kicks my butt, it’s fun to be on the same racetrack. It creates new conversations that we didn’t really have in Legends cars and go-karts. And just to see the progression. I think it happens faster when we’re racing together,”
he said (via Shorttrackscene.com). —Kevin Harvick, Former Cup Series Champion
Earlier in June, the pair faced off in the CARS Tour West Mission Bank 250, where Kevin initially led the first leg but saw victory slip away in the second segment after an on-track incident that allowed Keelan to claim the top spot. The evolving rivalry is as much about racing as it is about family pride and mutual respect.
A Defining Moment for Father and Son in Motorsports
Keelan Harvick’s unforgettable win at Hickory Motor Speedway against his father Kevin Harvick not only adds to his growing reputation on the racetrack, it also deepens the father-son connection that captivates fans. As Keelan prepares for future high-stakes events, the motorsports community will closely follow this remarkable duo, eager to see how their journey continues both as competitors and as family.
