Keelan Harvick, just 13, is preparing for his biggest challenge yet at the Snowball Derby in Pensacola, aiming to break the Chase Elliott Snowball Derby record as the youngest winner in the event‘s storied history. Racing at Five Flags Speedway, Harvick hopes to follow in the tire tracks of some of NASCAR’s most notable champions.
Rising Star Takes on a Legendary Race
A year after entering the world of full-bodied stock car racing, Keelan Harvick is set to make his qualifying attempt for the Snowball Derby. The Snowball Derby is one of the most prestigious events in the stock car community—past winners include established legends like Donnie Allison, Darrell Waltrip, Kyle Busch, and Chase Elliott. The list of champions also features Erik Jones, Ty Majeski, and Noah Gragson, proving just how fierce and competitive this event is for drivers hoping to add it to their resume.
The race is revered as a proving ground where even accomplished competitors might never see a victory, highlighting just how high the stakes are for young talent like Harvick. The pressure is intensified by the legacy of 2011, when Chase Elliott captured the title at age 16, becoming the event’s youngest winner to date and setting a benchmark for aspiring racers.
Pursuing a Historic Feat at Five Flags Speedway
Should Keelan Harvick pull off a win, he could reset the record books for the youngest winner, surpassing Elliott’s mark by a significant margin. Harvick’s No. 62 Rackley WAR Chevy arrives in top-tier condition, but it’s the skill Keelan has demonstrated all season that truly puts him in contention. His remarkable growth and adaptability may be the deciding factors as he attempts not only to qualify, but contend for the win on race day.
Harvick is no novice—his race wins extend across both East and West coasts in competitive series like the CARS Tour. He’s also set to compete in the Snowflake 125 Pro Late Model race, where his proficiency in the PLM class has turned heads. His qualifying performances have been a highlight this season, suggesting he could even claim the pole position before the main event begins.
Young Talent Excels Against Big Names
Over the past year, Keelan has gone toe-to-toe with his father, former NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick, in late model races—often coming out ahead when uncontested by accidents or mechanical issues. This feat is even more impressive considering Kevin’s continued sharpness in the discipline, despite racing less frequently as he approaches his 50th birthday.
Keelan’s reputation is further burnished by praise from prominent drivers including Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch, both of whom have seen his abilities at work in Legends Cars and late model events. Zilisch, at times, has served as both a fellow competitor and mentor, offering direct insight into Keelan’s steady ascent within the motorsports world.
Aiming for the Unthinkable
The real test will come if Keelan secures a spot on the Snowball Derby grid. His ability to challenge seasoned racers—like three-time CARS Tour champion Carson Kvapil, with whom Keelan dueled at the South Carolina 400 to a remarkable P5 finish after overcoming an on-track incident—demonstrates that his age is no barrier to elite competition. If Keelan delivers on race day and claims victory, he would set a record likely to stand for many years, rewriting Snowball Derby history in front of peers and motorsport legends alike.
As the motorsports community watches, all eyes are on Five Flags Speedway, where the youngest Harvick could etch his name alongside the greats and establish a new benchmark, continuing the Derby’s tradition of producing NASCAR’s next stars.
