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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Keelan Harvick, the progeny of the legendary Kevin Harvick, is making quite a noise out there on the track. As expected from him, Jr Harvick is swiftly ascending the ranks in the realm of racing. At the New River All-American Speedway, he clinched a victory in a Legends division race. He executed this feat by a critical overtaking maneuver just three laps before the finish line. 

Another mention-worthy incident is that Keelan set his foot on full-size stock car racing last night. He finished a P2 there, boasting his racing technique. What surprises the NASCAR world more is that, it’s just the beginning of his career.

Kevin Harvick’s son’s Legends Feature coronation

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Former Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick’s son triumphed in a thrilling 30-lap contest, engaging in an intense duel with Jacob Staten where the lead changed hands 11 times before the final lap was completed. Keelan Harvick made the race-winning pass with three laps to go to score the win, while defending track legends champion Aiden McConnaughey drove past Staten on the last lap to finish second.

NASCAR Regional’s Instagram page posted the after-the-battle celebrations. Keelan said, “It was really hard. Good job to Jacob. He raised me clean. I just got loose up there off the last corner and just wasn’t letting that one go.” 

The two races took place simultaneously with the zMAX CARS Tour event at the Jacksonville, North Carolina venue. Kevin Harvick’s eldest child had a shot at the Street Stock feature win but a mishap with a gear shift during a crucial restart cost him the lead. The win was eventually secured by Tyler Smith, with Harvick taking the runner-up spot and Steve Wells coming in third.

Following his inaugural Street Stock race, Harvick received a wealth of commendations from his racing peers. And he rightfully deserves it.

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Other notable achievements of young Keelan

In 2023, Keelan Harvick made a prompt entry into the X30 Junior series, quickly racking up wins. His streak continued with a triumph at Fayetteville Motor Speedway in North Carolina, followed by a win at the Thanksgiving Day Legends Features race. The Thanksgiving Classic at Southern National Motorsports Park, spanning three days and featuring a variety of grassroots racing series, showcased Keelan skillfully piloting the #62 Hunts Brothers Pizza Legend car in the postponed Feature race.

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A Turn 2 incident abruptly interrupted the event on Friday, sending a car into the catch fence. The race recommenced on Saturday, with Keelan restarting from the 10th position. With determination, he carved through the competition to claim the checkered flag, securing another victory for his impressive resume. Since beginning his racing career at just seven years old, Keelan has collected numerous junior karting championships. His victory in the 2022 US Pro Kart Series is a testament to a burgeoning career that echoes the footsteps of his father, marking him as a rising talent in the racing world.

It’s fascinating how he is adding so many accolades to his name despite being just eleven years old. It would be great to watch him drive in top competitions like the Cup Series. It would do fair justice to his father’s legacy.