Thirteen-year-old Keelan Harvick, son of celebrated NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick, captured national attention on December 7, 2025, by making history at the Allen Turner Hyundai Snowflake 125 at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida. The victory not only marks a milestone for the Harvick family but cements a new chapter in father-son racing, showcasing the bright future for the younger Harvick.
The excitement surrounding this race wasn’t just about racing—it was about breaking barriers and overcoming adversity under the glare of the spotlight and through stormy weather delays. Kevin Harvick’s dual role as a mentor and supporter shaped a night that saw his son become the youngest winner in the storied history of the Snowflake 125, reaffirming the lasting bond and legacy of father-son racing.
Keelan Harvick Shatters Age Records with Dramatic Comeback
Against the backdrop of days of heavy rain, which had disrupted operations at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, the return to racing action brought its own drama. Early Sunday morning, Keelan Harvick, who was just 13 years, four months, and 29 days old, electrified the crowd with a striking victory in the Snowflake 125 Pro Late Model event.
Harvick’s triumph was earned, not given. Beginning his effort from the 15th starting spot, he skillfully worked his way up through the field, exhibiting composure and racing intelligence usually seen in experienced veterans. When a round of pit stops reshuffled the order, Keelan emerged at the front with 50 laps to go, yet faced mounting pressure as the race entered its final stages.
A critical restart with 46 laps remaining threatened to undo his advances, as a minor mistake saw him fall back to fourth. Despite doubts raised by critics regarding his ability to withstand pressure, Keelan Harvick’s response was both rapid and mature. He built momentum once again, and with 24 laps left, he overtook Tristan McKee to reclaim the race lead, demonstrating calculated aggression and poise under fire.
One final challenge waited with a restart ten laps before the finish. Unfazed, Keelan stayed focused and held on for the biggest win of his career, beating out runner-up Tristan McKee and third-place finisher Kaden Honeycutt, the reigning Snowball Derby champion.
Insight from the Young Champion and His Father
After the race, Keelan Harvick expressed heartfelt gratitude to his support team and family, further underscoring the significance of the moment for those closest to him.
“Like I said, just to win it for my guys that put in a lot of hours for me to be able to do this. All my family, my sponsors, it just wouldn’t be possible without all of them.”
– Keelan Harvick, driver.
The victory reflected more than raw talent; it was the result of persistent learning and preparation, much of it alongside his father. Keelan detailed a key strategy that made a difference in his race approach:
“Me and my dad watched the Snowflake from last year. We saw everybody coming out of (the turns) low and straight. That’s what I did,”
– Keelan Harvick, driver.
Kevin Harvick, known for his intensity and accomplishments on NASCAR’s main stage, was visibly elated by his son’s poise and execution, celebrating a legacy being passed forward in racing’s demanding arena.
Weather Creates Drama—Delayed Start Adds to the Challenge
The 2025 Snowflake 125 faced considerable challenges long before engines roared. The Pensacola area endured persistent rain showers, postponing the race’s start from its scheduled 6 p.m. slot to 1:41 a.m. the next morning. This delay, paired with shifting track conditions, tested teams and drivers, requiring mental and physical endurance. The adversity only added to the magnitude of Keelan’s achievement, turning his victory into a story of not just speed, but resilience and adaptability.
Veteran Preston Peltier Sets the Stage for the Snowball Derby
As Keelan Harvick’s remarkable run energized fans, veteran racer Preston Peltier took center stage in the buildup to the weekend’s main event, the Snowball Derby. Delivering a stunning 16.240-second pole-winning lap for the 58th annual race, Peltier reaffirmed his seasoned skill—standing out even after rain postponed qualifying by an entire day.
“I’m old, but I’m still fast,”
Peltier said humorously after qualifying, adding,
“I just wanted to give it one more try, and here we are. I can promise you the car is better than me.”
– Preston Peltier, pole-sitter.
Peltier’s achievement highlighted a field brimming with a mix of experience and rising stars. Ty Majeski, a two-time past Derby winner, secured the second qualifying slot, while Hudson Bulger, Jake Finch, and Spencer Davis filled out the top five, hinting at a highly competitive grid for the forthcoming 300-lap showdown.
Fierce Competition Forces Notable Names Into Last Chance Qualifier
Qualifying night brought unexpected twists to the paddock. Cup Series regulars Kyle Busch, Erik Jones, and Noah Gragson failed to secure starting spots based on time, forcing them into the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ)—a high-pressure, 25-lap fight for just four transfer spots. Busch demonstrated his competitive drive by leading from the pole to clinch a berth in the big race. Alongside him, Stephen Nasse, Derek Griffith, and Jake Garcia also transferred, while technical troubles eliminated Gragson’s No. 30 entry before the LCQ began.
The remaining starting positions were filled through provisionals, with Matthew Craig earning his spot by points in the Deep South Cranes Blizzard Series and Gavan Boschele advancing via the ASA Southern Super Series. Such intense qualifying drama has only added more storylines to the upcoming main event.
Legacy, Impact, and the Future of Father-Son Racing
Kevin Harvick and his son Keelan’s achievement at Five Flags Speedway brings renewed focus to the importance of family mentorship and competitive spirit in motorsports. By becoming the youngest champion in the Snowflake 125’s long history, Keelan has set a benchmark for future young drivers and highlighted the ongoing influence of legendary figures like Kevin Harvick.
The emotional energy and passion displayed throughout the night signal a bright era ahead for short-track racing. With a grid set by a dynamic mix of established stars and promising newcomers, and fueled by stories of perseverance and mentorship, fans are looking forward to more history being made—not just by the Harvicks, but by all whose dedication drives the sport forward.
