Young Keelan Harvick, son of NASCAR star Kevin Harvick, revealed an unexpected favorite among race car drivers. When asked who his top pick among all the racing stars was, he confidently stated that it was none other than Ty Gibbs, the grandson of legendary NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs.

And while this revelation might raise a few eyebrows, especially since many would assume a budding racer like Keelan would lean towards the renowned Formula One driver Max Verstappen as he had followed the F1 races for a while in Italy.

But apparently, Keelan Harvick’s admiration for Ty Gibbs seems to stem from a more personal connection than just his professional record. He goes on to describe Gibbs as “cool” and mentions that they share dinners from time to time, indicating a friendship that goes beyond just the racetrack to personal meetings. This is not unlikely in the NASCAR scene, as everyone does know everyone pretty well, but would this camaraderie end up playing a significant role in shaping Keelan’s preferences?

Interestingly enough, Keelan Harvick’s past interest in Formula One took a shift of sorts, and that caused a change in his racing loyalties. He admitted that he hasn’t followed the F1 scene closely in over a year and, in that time, has been more involved with NASCAR and has shifted his focus. This transition from international racing to the American stock car scene shows that this young star, like many in the NASCAR family, has an interest in racing in general, not just any one kind.

But all said and done, Ty Gibbs is a good choice as a driver for Keelan to pick, as the driver has had a good season so far! With a chance at the playoffs, Gibbs is setting the stage to be a great role model for the young drivers who might be looking to join the NASCAR scene.

The influence of personal connections in racing for Keelan Harvick

Ty Gibbs is not just another driver or just the grandson of Joe Gibbs; he has made a name for himself by working hard on his performance and showing consistency on the tracks. The No. 54 Toyota driver currently sits at the 11th position of the playoff standings and has won the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship, so it’s no wonder that young Keelan Harvick would find an idol in him!

So far the JGR driver has had a good season at the Cup Series 2024. While he is yet to break through for his first Cup win, the young driver has shown flashes of brilliance, with nine top-10 finishes and five top-5s. His overall points are 587; it could be that the f2 DNFs he received may have held him back from an even better point position. Which he can make up for at the upcoming race at the Richmond Raceway!

As Keelan navigates his own path in the motorsport world, the connections he builds will undoubtedly influence his journey, much like they have for many before him. The world of racing is not just about speed and skill; it’s also about the bonds formed along the way, making it a truly unique and vibrant community.

As he continues to make waves across the NASCAR Cup Series, one thing is for sure, Ty Gibbs has got what it takes to be a great role model for aspiring youths like Keelan Harvick. So, if you’re a fan of racing and want to see what influences the potential next generation of stars to shine, you better keep an eye out for Ty Gibbs and the rest of the NASCAR Cup Series field as the playoffs approach.