In the world of racing, knowledge is passed down like a family heirloom, with younger generations learning from the legends before them. But for 12-year-old Keelan Harvick, that tradition comes with a twist—one that caught his father, NASCAR champion Kevin Harvick, completely off guard.
In the Harvick household, racing is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life. But even for a NASCAR legend like Kevin Harvick, some moments catch him completely off guard. One of those moments came when his 12-year-old son, Keelan, was asked a seemingly simple question: Who gives him the best racing advice—his dad or Clint Bowyer?
Kevin Harvick’s Son Keelan Flouts His Dad, Opting for Clint Bowyer for Racing Tips
For most up-and-coming racers, having a father who is a NASCAR champion would be the ultimate blessing. But not for 2014 Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick’s son, Keelan. When it comes to turning to his father for racing advice, he doesn’t immediately go to dad but, approaches his uncle.
In a humorous and playful moment, Keelan brazenly acknowledged that his go-to source of racing advice was not his father but his dad’s good friend and former racing teammate, Clint Bowyer. The surprise response left Kevin perplexed, creating a humorous exchange that highlighted the playful, competitive spirit of the Harvick family. “Definitely Clint,” Keelan responded when asked whom he goes to for advice on racing. The response left Kevin stunned but amused. “Wow! Yes! He’s been up here trying to…” Harvick trailed off before jokingly warning his son, “Buddy, you’re in trouble.”
But that was only the beginning. Bowyer, never shy about creating some controversy, had been hanging with Keelan, talking about more than just line and pit strategies. From Kevin Harvick‘s account, Clint had been inquiring into the young driver’s personal life—i.e., girlfriends and phone numbers.
“He’s been up here asking you how many girlfriends you have and whose phone numbers you have,” Kevin joked, already anticipating the pandemonium that would ensue once Keelan’s remarks circulated. “As soon as they see this, that’s gonna pick up. It’s gonna happen, Keelan, I’m telling you.” The loving repartee between the two men was further enhanced when Kevin, being as much a competitor as a runner, hinted at a potential headline-making event to come. “Then when you run your dad out of the way in Bakersfield, California, on his home track, it’ll blow up.”
It’s a fun but very real prospect. Keelan, continuing his dad’s line, has been building a reputation on the karting and other young racing circuits. With every lap he completes, he inches closer to perhaps going head-to-head with his dad—or at least making his own impression in the sport. However, if it actually happens and blows up will still remain the task of time to unfurl.
But the humorous moment wasn’t finished. The discussion soon turned to another hot topic—Keelan’s hair. While sitting out a rain delay, Kevin couldn’t help but speculate what his wife, DeLana Harvick, would have to say when she saw her son on television. “The worst part about this is Keelan was here today and up in the booth and it rained, so now we’re in the rain-filled piece of it and your mom is going to be watching this on TV. And what’s the first thing she’s gonna say?” Without hesitation, Keelan answered, “My hair.” Kevin laughed, well-knowing his wife. “Yeah, she’s not gonna like it, is she? She’s gonna assume if your hair’s not done, you were lazy this morning. So now we’re both in trouble.”
The father-son exchange to be had was a balance of humor, familial ribbing, and passion for racing. Although Kevin Harvick might be a champion at NASCAR, around the house he’s simply a dad—one teased, laughed at, and occasionally overshadowed by the increasing self-confidence of his son. And though Keelan takes cues now from Clint Bowyer, it can be safely bet that every circuit he competes on bears witness to lessons that he learned along the way from his dad, even if he doesn’t credit him.
Keelan Harvick’s Meteoric Ascent: From Karting Champion to Stock Car Phenom
It seems like only yesterday Kevin Harvick was winning races in the NASCAR Cup Series, but now he is toasting to a different type of victory—his son’s. Barely a year since Kevin retired his firesuit, his 12-year-old son, Keelan Harvick, is already making a name for himself in stock car racing and showing that there is a deep vein of talent in the Harvick family.
Following an amazing 2024 season in which he won 27 races in 49 starts and the INEX Young Lions Asphalt National Championship, Keelan was primed for his next challenge—full-bodied stock cars. And he didn’t waste any time making his presence known. In November 2024, he made his Limited Late Model debut at Florence Motor Speedway, finishing in a solid eighth place against veteran drivers. But in just three months, Keelan mastered the craft, returning to the same track and dominating the Icebreaker event, leading every lap from pole position and winning by an astonishing four seconds.
His beaming dad, Kevin Harvick, couldn’t help but beam with pride, taking to social media to post: “Proud of @KeelanHarvick!” Florence Motor Speedway also took notice of the young star, posting: “Keelan Harvick leads the field of Limited Late Models to start the 2025 season at Florence Motor Speedway!” Keelan’s meteoric ascent is to be expected. Having sharpened his craft through karting competition on both the U.S. and European sides, he knows the thrill of the chase well. Now that he prepares to embark on a hectic regimen of Pro Late Model racing on both coasts, the sporting world takes note.
But his most thrilling challenge may be yet to come—racing wheel-to-wheel with his own father on the circuit. Whatever happens, one thing is for sure: the Harvick dynasty is just beginning.
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