Kevin Harvick proud of son Keelan, as the 12-year-old racing prodigy secured another victory and took his mother on a daring ride, all while dodging the threat of being grounded. The family’s journey through the latest rounds of the Harvick Cup, with remarkable performances and personal milestones, is capturing attention in the racing world.
Young Racing Star Surprises the Field
At just 12, Keelan Harvick is quickly emerging as a motorsport phenom, already collecting wins in his debut Limited Late Model season. In May, during his third zMAX CARS Tour Pro Late Models outing, Keelan’s race ended early after a spin caused by fluid on the track, resulting in a 7th-place DNF. Despite the setback, his mother, DeLana Harvick, remained unwavering in her support and confidence, remarking,
“Proud of Bruddy…. Didn’t end the way he hoped, but he continues to learn each and every race.”
—DeLana Harvick, Mother
Keelan’s resilience and rapid progress are turning him into a subject of genuine excitement, and his family cannot help but beam with pride. His debut in the Limited Late Models came in November 2024, and within months, his collection of medals and impressive drives has grown, including one that he joked would save him from being grounded by his mother.
Family Rivalry Ignites in the Harvick Cup
In recent months, the Harvick family launched an 8-race showdown dubbed the ‘Harvick Cup’, pitting Keelan against his father, Kevin Harvick—the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion. The contest began at Kern County Speedway in Bakersfield, California, where the young Harvick outpaced his father and won the CARS Tour West event. Victories at Evergreen Speedway and then Hickory Motor Speedway followed, the latter being a milestone as Keelan clinched his first zMAX CARS Tour Pro Late Model win on a Saturday night.
With a 3-0 lead over his champion father, Keelan has impressed both his parents. As Kevin Harvick covered a Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway, Keelan prepared for another kind of challenge—convincing his mother to join him as a passenger in a late model car. Before the ride began, DeLana’s nerves were evident when she admitted,
“You really don’t know how afraid I am.”
—DeLana Harvick, Mother
The adventure came with a playful warning from DeLana:
“I’ll ground you forever. Better not jack me up.”
—DeLana Harvick, Mother. Keelan, calm under pressure, reassured her before taking his mother for a smooth spin on the dirt track. The successful ride drew laughter and relief, and Keelan’s assurance kept his driving privileges—and family harmony—intact.
Memorable Moments on the Track
This latest event echoed a long-standing family tradition. Kevin Harvick, throughout his own decorated racing career, often brought Keelan along for victory laps after wins in the NASCAR Cup Series. Now, the roles have shifted, with Keelan returning the favor and inviting his mother into the action. The ongoing family competition will continue at the fourth round of the Harvick Cup, hosted at Owosso Speedway in mid-Michigan. With 29 competitors vying for the $25,000 prize, anticipation is high for another spirited outing from both Harvicks.
The question on many minds is whether Keelan Harvick will become the next major figure in racing or if his rapid rise is the natural progression from a racing legend’s household. What is indisputable is the immense pride and cautious concern both parents carry into each race weekend.
Standout Performances and Growing Expectations
Keelan’s triumphs are fresh on the minds of motorsports fans, especially after his performance at Hickory Motor Speedway. Qualifying on the pole, the 12-year-old led from start to finish in a tightly contested 100-lap Pro Late Model event, crossing the line four seconds ahead of Carson Kvapil, who began the race in fifth and fought hard for second place. Kevin Harvick, a renowned figure in the field, finished third, no match for his son’s pace.
Kevin Harvick was open about the generational shift within their family. He conceded his position with a touch of humor, admitting, “I got my a– kicked.” The veteran racer elaborated on the unique experience of racing alongside his son:
“It’s just so special to be able to do what we’re doing right now. It’s not something that I had really thought about or planned. 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 with Legends Cars or go-karts.”
—Kevin Harvick, Father
He reflected on the broader trend of young competitors making their mark, adding,
“I knew this was going to happen. The kids have speed, it’s not just Keelan. It’s just the natural evolution of what happens from generation to generation.”
—Kevin Harvick, Father
The Next Chapter in a Racing Legacy
The Harvick family’s competitive spirit continues to capture fans’ imaginations as they look ahead to Owosso Speedway. Each event brings new opportunities for Keelan to prove himself, as well as for Kevin to witness the evolution of talent in the sport he helped shape. The story underlines how family bonds, generational rivalries, and personal drive can come together to create unforgettable moments on and off the racetrack.
Whether Keelan Harvick will ultimately emerge as one of racing’s greats or remain a remarkable young challenger, his journey is already making a powerful impact. With each race, his confidence and skills grow, and as both a son and racer, he continues to make his family—and plenty of devoted fans—proud.
