NASCAR racing is indeed a family affair. Over the years we’ve seen the likes of Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Bill Elliott, and Kyle Busch laid down the foundation of their family’s racing legacy. This in turn was carried on by equally talented drivers like Dale Jr., Chase Elliott and Brexton Busch. Well, Kevin Harvick is now next in line with his son Keelan rising the ranks to continue this family tradition. But, before the 12-year-old could carve up his own path, he will be standing blows against his father at the Kern Raceway, Bakersfield.

This is indeed a huge moment for the father-son duo. You’ve got Harvick who’s recently retired from competitive racing, and then there’s Keelan eager and hungry to make his mark on the racing world. Well, trading paints and bumper-to-bumper action isn’t out of bounds, but Harvick isn’t keen on taking a dent in his pocket because of Keelan’s aggressive driving.

“This is not a legend car, and if you wreck my a–, it’s expensive, and I’m paying for it. So you better be sure if you wreck me, you better be for something really really good.” The veteran driver warned off his son on the Happy Hour podcast. We’ve seen the Keelan deliver some witty response aimed at his father, and so it was obvious he wasn’t going to let this one slide.

Kevin Harvick’s son’s thoughtful response

In an interview with FloRacing, when he was asked, “So I heard him say on his podcast that if you accidentally wreck him, as long as it’s, like, upfront battling for the win, it might be okay. But if it’s for, like, eighth, there might be an issue. So when you hear him say that, you’re like, oh, I can I gotta be careful now, or you’re like, hey? Once we’re out there, that guy is just another driver.” To which Keelan replied, “He’s not as much of a driver because he does pay for it, but I probably won’t hit him.”

Harvick and Keelan are going to race against each other at the Kern Raceway in Bakersfield, California for the first time in the CARS Tour West Pro Late Model series. Where, Kevin will drive the No. 29 Hunt Brothers® Pizza late model, while Keelan will pilot the No. 62 Hunt Brothers Pizza late model, a number with deep family ties. But apart from banter and the brewing rivalry, the bragging rights are also on the line. And Hravick Jr. isn’t too keen on losing against his father.

“My dad has helped me so much in my short racing career. Being able to race against him for the first time is pretty cool, and it’s something we’ve talked about for a long time. I hope I come out on top because if not, he won’t stop bragging about it.” Keelan said this in an interview with Flo Racing. Well, it’s going to take something special for Keelan to get better of the 2014 Cup Series champ who knows his way around the ovals.

Although Kevin Harvick has shown a strict side to his 12-year-old son, it’s clear that nothing can hide the impact of his mentorship on Keelan. This role not only makes Kevin a proud guide but also a proud father. 

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Kevin Harvick’s proud dad moment

Kevin Harvick just couldn’t hide his excitement and true feelings ahead of the big event at Bakersfield, “Racing Keelan in my hometown for the first time is a pretty cool dad moment. Bakersfield has meant so much in the progression of my racing career, and being able to tie that together with the beginning of Keelan’s racing career is pretty special.” 

Keelan Harvick is quickly establishing himself as a rising star in the racing world with some early achievements in his career. In 2024, he became the INEX Young Lions Asphalt National Champion after racking up an incredible 27 wins in 49 starts with 38 finishes on the podium. He made his Limited Late Model debut at Florence Motor Speedway in November 2024, driving to an eighth-place finish out of a field of 31 cars, before claiming his initial category win on February 10, 2025, leading every lap of a 50-lap race. Aside from Late Model accomplishments,  Keelan won his first karting race in the Micro Swift category at GoPro Motorplex in July 2020.

Moreover, he has garnered recognition for his talent, being named the youngest driver on FloRacing’s “20 Under 20” list, suggesting that he stands among the sport’s most promising young talents. Where the Kevin Harvick Inc. Racing took X and wrote, “Congratulations Keelan Harvick on being the youngest driver to make @FloRacing 20 under 20!”

Well, given how quickly Keelan has risen through the ranks he just might be the next big thing in NASCAR racing. But, before that he will cherish a few good races, competing against his mentor and guide at the grassroots level.