Did you know that the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina has twice as many father-son members as the NFL, NBA, NHL, or MLB? It is clear that NASCAR is the leader when it comes to producing second, third, and sometimes fourth generation drivers who can compete at the highest level and enrich their family legacies. The list is long, be it Bill and Chase Elliott, Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Jr., or Bobby and Davey Allison.
Retired NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick and his son Kieran Harvick are the latest father-son duo to make it onto this list. Kieran is an up-and-coming racer who recently won at Charlotte Motors Speedway, and expectations are high for the 12-year-old. While Harvick enjoys retirement, he is keeping a close eye on Kieran’s motorsports future.
Kevin Harvick wants to include Keelan in retirement activities
Kevin Harvick has left an inspiring legacy since deciding to hang up his helmet in 2023. The 2014 champion with 60 NASCAR Cup Series victories has dedicated his NASCAR career to the pursuit of excellence, which has also inspired Kieran Harvick. Blessed with natural talent, Kieran won his first go-kart race in 2020 at just eight years old and has achieved many more in the four years since.
Knowing that Kieran could be a potential superstar, Kevin Harvick has his own future in mind while enjoying a well-deserved break after retirement. When asked about his plans to race late models in 2024, Kevin Harvick of Frontstretch Grassroots replied: I had a lot of fun in the Late Model Stocks at Pensacola and the Super and of course the North Wilkesboro race next weekend.
I’m going to do 12 or 14 races next year, but I’m going to travel around the country and race where it’s convenient, where I can enjoy it, and where Kieran can be there, and where our team can be there. I’m going from California to North Carolina next year, and a few more this year. “
The 48-year-old recently took part in a Super Late Model race at Five Flags Speedway, where he finished 13th in his debut, a race won by Bubba Pollard, and he managed to lap Kevin Harvick in the process. But despite the results, Harvick enjoyed the experience of racing on a new track and driving a new car in a different environment. With no pressure to achieve results after retirement, Kevin Harvick’s motivation for competing in Super Late Model races is to get out of his comfort zone and enjoy his love of racing.
And that’s exactly what he appears to be doing. Kevin and Kieran Harvick may not be able to race together in NASCAR, but it’s heartwarming to see the former Stewart-Haas Racing driver want to get his son involved in post-retirement activities. With Kieran Harvick catching attention, the 12-year-old proved he was just as talented as his father, especially after winning the third round of the Cookout Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Just like Kevin Harvick, who won five times and placed second 11 times at Charlotte Motor Speedway, his son Kieran has shown similar talent at the same circuit.
Kieran Harvick, who won the pole position at the 1.5-mile intermediate oval, led the first four laps of the race before being overtaken by Max Reeves. However, thanks to three yellow periods at the end of the race, the tide turned and Harvick took the lead again with two laps to go. The 12-year-old then outran his rivals and won by 0.35 seconds. After the race, Kieran Harvick said, “I want to thank Max Reeves for a clean race.
This is my second year here, and I’ve always wanted to win these races.” Just a month ago, Kieran Harvick recorded another victory at Wake County Speedway in Raleigh, North Carolina. After qualifying fifth, he left 27 other cars behind to secure victory lane. With Kevin Harvick’s wealth of experience and plenty of opportunities for Kieran to prove himself, it’s only a matter of time before this young driver realizes his potential and makes a name for himself in the motorsports community. Do you think Kieran Harvick is a future superstar? Let us know in the comments!
