Keelan Harvick, continuing the racing legacy of his father Kevin Harvick, is set for an eagerly anticipated return to the NASCAR circuit in 2026, making headlines within the motorsports community. With the focus on the “Kevin Harvick NASCAR return,” the 13-year-old phenom is poised to drive the No. 62 with Rackley WAR, marking a significant chapter for both the Harvick family and the sport.
Youthful Homecoming: Keelan Harvick’s Ascendancy in Stock Car Racing
Keelan Harvick’s journey over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable. The prodigious driver first drew attention at age 12, suiting up for Kevin Harvick Inc. in the No. 62 Hunt Brothers Pizza Chevrolet in late November 2024. This early debut fueled speculation across NASCAR about the younger Harvick’s ambitions and potential to make his own mark beyond his father’s long shadow.
By 2025, Keelan had already captured critical acclaim within the industry by clinching his inaugural limited late-model win. In that race, he led every lap from the pole position with KHI Racing, setting a precedent for his budding career. Now 13, Keelan’s name continues resonating in the pits and garages, as his decision to return to the No. 62 in 2026 further cements the idea that he is not just following a path, but paving his own.
Official Announcement: Reunion with Rackley WAR and KHI
Pride and excitement surrounded the official word from Rackley WAR as the partnership for another season was made public. The team announced:
“@rackley_war is set for another year of chasing wins with KPH @KeelanHarvick returns to the RW No. 62 with plans of taking on new challenges and new tracks in 2026.”
— Rackley WAR, Team Announcement
This development means Keelan will once again join forces with his father’s KHI Racing and Rackley-Willie Allen Racing in pursuit of new accolades. The continuity in machinery and team support offers the young driver a familiar base, coming after a breakout season competing in full-bodied stock cars. Keelan’s impressive repertoire from 2025 includes multiple Pro Late Model victories, a high-profile win at North Wilkesboro Speedway, and an admirable runner-up finish at the Masters of the Pros 200 at Owosso Speedway.
For Keelan, getting back into the No. 62 is a return to the environment where he’s thrived. For Kevin Harvick, this collaboration highlights not just the family’s racing lineage but also the mentorship and vision that has helped shape Rackley WAR’s rise in NASCAR, echoing the journey he undertook decades earlier.
History of the Harvick-Rackley WAR Partnership
The alliance between Kevin Harvick and Rackley WAR didn’t materialize overnight. Their collaboration began in 2024, when Kevin brought his extensive track record to bolster the Truck Series program, mentoring rookie Dawson Sutton and guiding the progression of the team. Keelan, meanwhile, was simultaneously making a name for himself in both Super Late Model and Pro Late Model competitions under the Rackley WAR banner.
As the 2025 season unfolded, the synergy became clearer: Kevin stepped into a key advisory capacity behind the scenes, lending expertise as Keelan flourished on the track. In this context, Keelan’s 2026 return felt less like an unexpected twist and more like the logical continuation of a multi-generational story, blending time-honored experience with fresh talent.
This latest move ultimately strengthens the family bond and the organization’s drive for success, extending a legacy that has resonated with American fans and shaped NASCAR’s ongoing narrative.
Breakout Performances: Proving His Mettle on the Track
Throughout 2025, Keelan Harvick became a frequent presence not just at victory lane, but on the scorecards of iconic tracks. His campaign included headline-worthy moments, such as a win at North Wilkesboro Speedway and a near-triumph as runner-up at the Masters of the Pros 200. These achievements underscored his ability to adapt quickly, challenge seasoned competitors, and deliver under pressure.
One of his most notable milestones came earlier this month at Five Flags Speedway. Starting deep in the field during the Snowflake 125, Keelan methodically worked his way through traffic, ultimately seizing control of the race with less than thirty laps to go and holding onto the lead to win at just 13 years old.
Father’s Pride: Kevin Harvick Weighs In on Keelan’s Development
For Kevin Harvick, the experience of watching his son’s rapid progression has been deeply rewarding. Reflecting on Keelan’s breakthrough performance at the Snowflake 125, Kevin said:
“I think when you look at the progression of just him going through traffic,”
— Kevin Harvick, Racer and Father
He elaborated further:
“When he was trying to set somebody up to pass him, all those things are the types of things that I liked about tonight. I love the fact that he won against a great field of cars. That’s what we try to do, we try to run the competitive races because you learn more.”
— Kevin Harvick, Racer and Father
These moments encapsulate the mutual respect and competitive spirit present between father and son, especially as they occasionally find themselves racing against each other. Their first direct on-track battle at Kern County Raceway Park ended with each taking a win in the twin 75-lap contests. Additional clashes at Evergreen Speedway in Washington and Hickory Motor Speedway saw Keelan consistently contending at the front — notably dominating the pro late model feature at Hickory for his first CARS Tour win, with Kevin further back in the field.
What This Means for NASCAR and the Next Generation
Keelan Harvick’s confirmed return for 2026 signals more than another chapter for the Harvick family; it highlights the continued rise of young talent shaping the future of NASCAR. With Kevin Harvick’s championship background providing guidance and the support structure developed at KHI and Rackley WAR, Keelan is positioned to be a key figure as the sport evolves.
His accomplishments at such a young age draw new audiences and inspire the next wave of competitors. If his trajectory holds, fans can expect to witness more landmark moments as the Harvick name continues to resonate from grassroots late models to the highest levels of the sport.
NEWS: @rackley_war is set for another year of chasing wins with KPH 🚨@KeelanHarvick returns to the RW No. 62 with plans of taking on new challenges and new tracks in 2026. pic.twitter.com/MHEv0V1sA6
— Rackley WAR (@Rackley_WAR) December 28, 2025
