Time flies by so quickly. Although it’s been more than a year since Kevin Harvick retired from full-time racing, it only feels like yesterday. And now, his son, Keelan Harvick, is carving his own path in the racing world. At just 12 years old, he’s proving that talent runs deep in the Harvick family.

But while Keelan is brimming with confidence, his mother, DeLana Harvick, is feeling every bit of the nerves. In a hilariously relatable way, she took to social media to express just how overwhelming it is to watch her son transition into professional racing. As Keelan takes on new challenges, DeLana is learning that being a racing mom might be just as intense as being a racing wife.

Racing genes run deep, but so do mom’s nerves!

Kevin and DeLana Harvick’s 12-year-old son, Keelan Harvick, is stepping into the spotlight this weekend. He is making his debut in the CARS Tour Pro Late Model Series at New River All-American Speedway on March 1. Undoubtedly, the parents will be proud of Keelan for carrying the family’s racing legacy forward.

Keelan’s journey in racing has been nothing short of impressive. Starting with go-karts, he quickly progressed to Legends cars. In 2024, he secured 27 race wins and clinched the INEX Young Lions Asphalt National Championship. Earlier this month, he achieved his first Limited Late Model victory at Florence Motor Speedway. The second-generation Harvick led every lap and finished four seconds ahead of his competitors. Quite impressive!

As Keelan prepares for his Pro Late Model debut, DeLana Harvick, humorously expressed her maternal nerves on social media. She shared a meme featuring a GIF of an overflowing spoon of Pepto-Bismol. In response, NASCAR reporter Claire B. Lang tweeted, “DeLana – can’t even imagine how you handle that as a mom. ❤️ Your boy sure can do an interview tho – if what dad taught him about driving is as good as your media interview training skills – he’ll be just fine 🙂 Just sayin’ LOL.”

DeLana isn’t a stranger to high-speed racing. She was an active participant in Kevin Harvick’s career, frequently appearing on his pit box during Cup races. But while being the wife of a racer comes with its fair share of adrenaline-fueled moments, being the mother of one is an entirely different experience. Watching her husband battle it out on the track was nerve-wracking. But seeing her 12-year-old son take the wheel brings a whole new level of emotions. No amount of experience in the racing world can truly prepare a parent for watching their child navigate the intense world of professional motorsports. Even fans are concerned about Keelan making his debut at such a young age.

With all that being said, the New River All-American Speedway holds special significance for Keelan Harvick. He made his full-fendered debut there last year in a Street Stock. He also claimed victory in a Legends car race the same evening. Known for its abrasive surface, the track presents challenges in tire management, a skill Keelan is eager to master. Reflecting on his previous experience, he noted, “I raced the Street Stock there with Ron Hornaday and that did not go good. So I’m going to have to do a little bit better of a job of saving my tires.”

As Keelan embarks on this new chapter, the support and guidance from his family, combined with his burgeoning talent, suggest a promising future in racing.

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Harvick vs. Harvick – A father-son showdown in the making

The Harvick family’s racing legacy is about to take an exciting turn later this year. On May 31, Kevin Harvick and his 12-year-old son, Keelan, will go head-to-head for the first time in a competitive setting. This will happen at the Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway in Bakersfield, California. The CARS Tour West Pro Late Model event promises to be a thrilling generational battle. Both father and son eager to prove themselves on the track.

For Kevin, this moment is deeply personal. “Racing Keelan in my hometown for the first time is a pretty cool dad moment,” he shared, reflecting on the unique opportunity. Meanwhile, Keelan, full of competitive spirit, quipped, “I hope I come out on top, because if not, he won’t stop bragging about it.” Their friendly rivalry will undoubtedly add an extra layer of excitement to an already intense event.

Adding to the historic moment, Hunt Brothers Pizza, Kevin’s longtime partner, will serve as the primary sponsor for both Harvick cars. The family-owned company has supported Kevin since his early days at Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) and is now backing the next generation. The father-son battle at Kern Raceway marks just the beginning. Fans can look forward to more on-track duels between the Harvicks throughout 2025. The events will make it a must-watch storyline for racing enthusiasts.

With the Harvick genes running strong, Keelan is proving he’s more than just the next in line, he’s a serious contender. His upcoming battles against his father will test his skills. But, if his recent performances are any indication, he’s more than ready.