Kevin Harvick’s departure from full-time NASCAR racing after the 2023 season marked the end of an era. But for the man nicknamed ‘The Closer,’ it also signaled a new beginning. Post-retirement, Harvick hasn’t hung his helmet yet. He has traded NASCAR’s superspeedways for grassroots asphalt, to give his career a new direction. Along with that, his ventures include teaming up with Dale Earnhardt Jr. to form the Cars Racing Tour, which revives late-model racing and provides aspiring racers a platform to showcase their talents.

But Kevin’s passion for racing isn’t limited to himself. His 12-year-old son, Keelan Harvick, has already begun paving his own path in motorsports. Keelan, who is considered one of the most promising young drivers, has been gaining experience and turning heads on short tracks nationwide. And now the father-son duo will be going head to head in a high-stakes race which Chase Elliott was the inaugural winner of back in 2013.

Harvick vs Harvick: A $25,000 showdown

The Masters of the Pros 200 at Owosso Speedway, one of the most prestigious late model events in grassroots racing, will put Kevin Harvick against his son Keelan. Rackley W.A.R., with whom Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) partnered earlier this year, will field two cars for the Harvicks in the 13th annual running of the event.

This will be Keelan’s first year piloting Pro-late models and the young driver has acknowledged the difficulties that come with it. Speaking to NASCAR.com, Keelan Harvick said, “[My dad] is really big on being smooth and trying to be consistent. That’s really helped me through my career. I would love to win a lot, but this is brand new competition, and it’s going to be really hard to adapt.”

Scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, the race will feature a $25,000 grand prize and has a rich history of attracting NASCAR stars. Chase Elliott, who won the inaugural Masters Green Jacket in 2013, solidified the event’s popularity as a proving ground for national talent. Past winners include John Hunter Nemechek, Harrison Burton, and grassroots icon Bubba Pollard, among others.

John Hunter Nemechek, for instance, became the event’s first repeat and back-to-back winner in 2015 and 2016. His dominance during those years showcased his exceptional talent, setting the stage for his successful transition to the NASCAR ranks. Nemechek’s victories were hard fought, with competitors like Hall of Famer Sterling Marlin and future NASCAR standout Ty Majeski adding to the depth of the competition.

Kevin and Keelan will face off against a competitive grid of regional superstars. The event will symbolize a moment where the Harvick legacy comes full circle. While Kevin’s stacked career sets a high benchmark, Keelan’s presence embodies the continuation of that legacy. As for the off-track legacy, Harvick continues to bridge underdog talent with top-tier platforms with his racing series ventures.

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Rackley W.A.R. and Harvick partnership for fueling grassroots motorsports

The partnership between Rackley W.A.R. and KHI, formed earlier in 2025, has been a significant step in elevating grassroots racing programs. Under the collaboration, Rackley W.A.R. has upgraded its NASCAR Truck Series program while simultaneously benefiting from Harvick’s experience in late-model racing.

Kevin Harvick’s involvement extends beyond just racing; he serves as a consultant for the team’s Truck Series program, which includes full-time development driver Dawson Sutton. The Harvick family is equally involved in Rackley W.A.R.’s late model operations, with Kevin and Keelan competing in both Super Late Model and Pro Late Model events under the team’s banner.

This strategic partnership is to strengthen grassroots racing and provides a solid pathway for young upstarts. For the Harvicks, it’s also a way to stay connected to the sport they love while giving back to the racing community.

As the Masters of the Pros 200 approaches, anticipation builds for a thrilling contest between father and son. Will Kevin’s decades of expertise one-up Keelan’s youthful energy to take the crown? Let us know in the comments.