While Kevin Harvick filled up his coffers with prize money and trophies from NASCAR, he knew he would call it quits from the sport one day. What would happen then? Would a career filled with racing just see Harvick relinquish himself to luxury? The 121-time Cup Series winner thought otherwise, partnering up with Dale Jr. when the two racing legends invested in the CARS Tour. With his investment, Kevin Harvick saw a way of solidifying his racing legacy.

The CARS Tour West Pro Late Models compete alongside the always-exciting Legend Cars in this two-division event. Kevin Harvick and his son Keelan are taking to the track. As part of a bigger vision shared with Dale Earnhardt Jr., Harvick wants to revive and structure the West Coast racing so that racers like his young one Keelan can flourish.

What plans does Kevin Harvick have for his young son to continue the legacy?

Yes, Kevin and Keelan Harvick will be side by side in action at Friday’s Star Nursery Classic. Kevin is racing in the Pro Late Model division, while Keelan will navigate the Legend Cars division. The race represents more than the competition—it’s part of a shared family journey rooted in the CARS Tour West, co-founded with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Harvick explained their vision. In an X post shared by Legends Nation, he said, “One of the big reasons we really started the West Coast series was because of the passion. It just didn’t feel like it was as structured as it needed to be out there. We had a lot of momentum with the CARS Tour on the East Coast, and we thought, ‘Why not try it here?”

The West Coast expansion has proven a hit, even crowning several champions in its first season. With plans for a highly organized schedule and new classes in 2025, Kevin Harvick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. aim to offer a diverse, competitive landscape where young drivers can develop their skills. Kevin notes, “Keelan and I’ll spend a lot of time out there. He’s going to run some Pro races out there as well.” To that end, Harvick himself will compete in the CARS Tour West’s Super Late Model event at Kern County Raceway on January 25, kicking off a new era of father-son racing adventures.

At just 11, Keelan Harvick has already made a name for himself. Having been racing since the age of 7, he’s racked up a formidable resume. It includes wins in the US Pro Kart Series and a recent victory at Southern National’s Speed Week, where he secured two out of three Legend Car races. His No. 62 Legend Car, backed by Hunt Brothers Pizza, iRacing, Realtree, and the influential Joe Ryan Racecars team, is becoming a familiar sight in victory lanes. The father-son duo take to the Rackley W.A.R.’s Super Late Model and Pro Late Model programs, with Harvick Sr. also working as a consultant for the team’s Truck Series ambitions.

The structure they’re building involves a progressive ladder system. This enables young racers to ascend from Legend Cars to Pro Late Models and eventually, to elite levels of racing. This system provides a structured path for developing talent—a concept Harvick describes as critical for helping drivers “see how bright their lights can shine” on bigger stages. In this shared journey, Harvick and Earnhardt Jr. are creating a platform that instills confidence in young drivers.

Keelan Harvick’s rise in the legend CARS circuit and future aspirations

Keelan Harvick’s path hasn’t been typical. His two wins at Southern National’s Speed Week were a sign of his progress and his ability to handle the challenges thrown at him. In this demanding sport, Keelan is learning how to deal with pressure, competition, and skill with Kevin’s help. Backing Keelan’s journey is Justin Marks who is also the owner of Trackhouse Racing. Marks’ belief in his promise has led to more than just sponsorship. Keelan Harvick‘s Legend Car having been marked with Trackhouse’s logo speaks plenty.

The support isn’t just about marketing, it’s about Marks’ commitment to nurturing young talent. He’s even hinted that the father-son duo might join Trackhouse Racing one day. Marks wants Kevin to be part of the management team once his driving career with Stewart-Haas Racing is over.

There’s no better place to train for young racers than Legends Cars. Compact and only 46 inches tall, these cars have an impressive power-to-weight ratio that can challenge even seasoned drivers. Learning to drive a Legend Car isn’t just about learning how to drive; it’s about learning how to compete. Keelan is learning from both the track and his dad, gaining real-world experience few young drivers his age get.