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Keelan Harvick wins CARS Tour West Pro Late Model race, beats dad Kevin Harvick

JHby: Jonathan Howard06/01/25Jondean25
Keelan Harvick Kevin Harvick CARS Tour
Screenshot credit: FloRacing via X.com

Thanks to a late wreck at Kern County, Keelan Harvick outlasted his dad, Kevin Harvick, and won the CARS Tour West Pro Late Model race. Jacob Gomes, Buddy Shepherd, and Jace Hale got into each other late with the elder Harvick. That opened the door for Keelan.

The Battle of the Harvicks was one to remember. Keelan Harvick in the No. 62, Kevin Harvick in the No. 29, matching green and red Hunt Brothers Pizza cars. It was a great night for that family and for West Coast stock car racing. Things started with Keelan on the pole!

This race was fantastic if you stayed up late enough to watch. With 10 laps to go, it was a three-way dogfight between the elder Harvick, Shepherd, and Gomes. Unfortunately, the passes and crossovers, and little slide jobs got too intense. All three wrecked with Hale following and getting collected.

Sitting back in 5th place, waiting to take over the race, was Keelan Harvick. His dad got knocked out of the race, and with only a few laps left, he had the green light to do what he had to do to win the race.

Lined up next to Kenna Mitchell, Keelan had a great restart. Then he made a crossover move to get under Mitchell on the frontstretch and get to Turn 1 before the 7 car. From there, Keelan ran away with the race as the field started to beat and bang up against one another. He had a six-lap run to get the job done, and he did just that.

Kevin Harvick had to settle for P13. A tough end to his night as a driver, but a great night for him as a father. Full results here.

Keelan Harvick makes history at dad’s old stomping grounds

When your dad gets wrecked out of the race, that’s when you turn it up. Keelan Harvick had to represent for his family and get a little bit of revenge in a way on the rest of the field. During those closing laps, you wouldn’t have guessed a 12-year-old was driving that car.

Of course, the race track is now named after Keelan’s dad. Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway is where The Closer cut his teeth. So, seeing Keelan make his own bit of history there on the West Coast must be special for the entire family.

There are a number of young drivers coming up through the ranks. Brexton Busch just turned 10 and earlier this season won his first Golden Driller at the Tulsa Shootout. Then you have drivers like Max Reaves, signed by Joe Gibbs Racing. Spire Motorsports has 14-year-old Tristan McKee under a development deal. A ton of young talent who have industry support.

Of course, in Keelan Harvick’s case, he has his father and guys like Rodney Childers helping him develop. KHI has a partnership with Rackley W.A.R., which is likely where Keelan will make his Truck Series debut as long as that partnership remains in place. Most importantly, Keelan has a win over his dad in a Pro Late Model. Kevin is never going to hear the end of it.