Keelan Harvick Scores First Pro Late Model Victory, Beats Father Kevin in Thrilling Bakersfield Showdown

Keelan Harvick Scores First Pro Late Model Victory, Beats Father Kevin in Thrilling Bakersfield Showdown

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – In a historic and emotional night at Kern County Raceway Park, 11-year-old Keelan Harvick etched his name into racing lore by claiming his first Pro Late Model victory—by beating none other than his own father, NASCAR champion Kevin Harvick, in the closing laps of a sensational race that left the crowd on its feet.

The younger Harvick, already well-known in junior racing circuits, demonstrated composure well beyond his years as he held off several seasoned competitors in the 75-lap feature. But the final 10 laps stole the spotlight, as Kevin Harvick—racing alongside his son for the first time in a Pro Late Model event—closed in rapidly, challenging Keelan for the lead in a thrilling father-son duel.

What followed was a sequence of tight, respectful racing that brought fans to their feet and pit crews to the edge of their seats. With just three laps to go, Kevin briefly nosed ahead in Turn 2, but Keelan didn’t flinch. The younger Harvick crossed back underneath his father in Turn 3 and retook the lead as the two raced side-by-side. The final lap saw Keelan fend off one last attempt from Kevin before pulling ahead on the front stretch and crossing the finish line first.

As Keelan exited the car in Victory Lane, the crowd erupted in cheers. His helmet came off to reveal a wide grin as he was immediately embraced by his father, who couldn’t have been prouder.

“It’s hard to even describe this feeling,” Keelan said, beaming. “I’ve looked up to my dad my whole life, and to race against him—let alone beat him—is something I’ll never forget. This is the best night of my life.”

Kevin Harvick, who retired from full-time NASCAR Cup Series racing in 2023, was all smiles despite finishing second.

“I never thought I’d be that excited to lose a race,” Kevin said with a laugh. “But watching Keelan out there tonight—how smart he raced, how clean he raced—I’m just incredibly proud. He earned it. That was all him.”

The race marked a milestone moment not only for the Harvick family but also for short track racing as a whole. The Bakersfield crowd, well aware of the local roots of the elder Harvick, gave the younger Harvick a standing ovation as he celebrated his victory.

Keelan’s path to this moment has been years in the making. From early days in karting and Bandoleros to Legends cars and now Pro Late Models, he has quietly built a reputation as a focused, intelligent driver with natural talent. Saturday night’s win further cements his trajectory as one of the sport’s most promising young stars.

Veteran driver and family friend Ron Hornaday Jr., who was in attendance, called the race “one of the most heartwarming and electrifying moments I’ve ever seen in short track racing.”

“This is how legends start,” Hornaday said. “You’ve got a kid racing his hero—and beating him fair and square. It’s not just a win; it’s a statement.”

The event also brought out numerous fans and fellow racers to Kern County Raceway Park, many of whom stuck around long after the checkered flag to congratulate the Harvick family. Social media quickly lit up with videos of the final laps, with many calling it one of the most special moments in recent grassroots racing history.

As for what’s next, Keelan remained humble.

“I’m just taking it one race at a time,” he said. “I’ve got the best team behind me and the best teacher in the world. I just want to keep learning and having fun.”

With his first Pro Late Model win now under his belt—and a victory over his father to sweeten the deal—it’s clear that Keelan Harvick’s racing journey is only just beginning. And based on Saturday night’s electric performance in Bakersfield, the future of racing has never looked brighter.