“Now they get to figure out what their dads have gone through,” said Kevin Harvick about his son, Keelan Harvick. Kevin retired from full-time racing in 2023 after 13 straight playoff appearances and the 2014 Championship, choosing to step back so he could focus on his family, especially his son Keelan’s budding racing career. Kevin is not only a dad on the sidelines cheering; he‘s a mentor who has been through the grind and knows precisely what it takes to win.

The Byron Outdoor Superstore 225 at Cordele Motor Speedway, a zMAX CARS Tour event, was a milestone event for the series, as it was their first-ever visit to Cordele, a track that’s famous for its tight racing and large crowds. The stakes were high, and the anticipation was electric. Anthony Damcott uncovered in an X post: “Mini Tyrrell wins the pole for the Late Model Stock Car race. In the Pro Late Models, it’s Keelan Harvick—yes, that Keelan Harvick—who will start on the pole in his first career race. #CARSTour #ByronOutdoorSuperstore225.” A 12-year-old starting on pole in his very first Pro Late Model race under the bright lights, with a packed crowd watching his every move. It was a proud moment for the Harvick family.

Keelan Harvick was so close, yet so far from winning

Keelan Harvick has had racing surround him his entire life, watching his dad dominate the world of NASCAR growing up. His latest outing at Cordele Motor Speedway had everyone‘s mouths agape. A night of pride, pressure, and a touch of heartache. This was more than just another race; this was an opportunity for Keelan to prove to the world that he is ready to lead the Harvick name forward.

Driving the #62 Rackley WAR with a throwback scheme to his father’s days as #2  in the Truck Series, Keelan was already setting himself up for a great race. The 12-year-old didn‘t just begin on pole, he began swinging up front early and letting everyone know he wasn‘t here to mess around. Keelan Harvick ran up front, but wrecks compelled a restart at Cordele, rattling the field and trying Keelan‘s concentration. For an instant, it seemed like he could pull a fairytale victory in his debut. But racing is uncertain, and at times, even the brightest of stars have to wait for their turn.

A lengthy red flag delayed the race due to the massive wreck, as Damcott noted on X: “After a VERY lengthy red flag, we’re ready to restart and (hopefully) finish off the Pro Late Model race in a reasonable time for the Late Model Stock Car race to get going.” When the green flag finally waved again, Keelan couldn’t reclaim the lead, ending the race in 5th place. The night ended with 13-year-old Tristan McKee crossing the finish line first, as Damcott shared: “13-year-old Tristan McKee WINS the @CARSTour Pro Late Model race at @CordeleSpeedway!”

The pressure is on Keelan, however, racing isn‘t all about natural ability. It‘s about having the mental toughness to cope under pressure like Kyle Larson’s monster mentality, something Kevin has been hammering into his son. Keelan has taken those words to heart. He’s been building his skills in events like the Cook Out Summer Shootout and the INEX Winter Heat at Charlotte Motor Speedway, showing he’s got the drive to match his dad’s legacy. Earlier this year, he earned a P3 finish in a Limited Late Model race, a moment he reflected on: “I was so close to winning, but I learned a lot. It’s all about getting better every time I’m on the track.”

For Keelan, it was a gut punch. Starting on pole, leading laps, and then coming up short—it’s the kind of moment that stings deep. But let’s not lose sight of what he achieved. This was his first Pro Late Model race, and he made history just by starting on pole at 12 years old. Kevin Harvick, who’s been through every high and low in racing, knows this is just the beginning. Kevin said with a smile, “He’s [Keelan Harvick] so excited for these CARS Tour battles, and I just smile and say, ‘Keep pushing, kid—you’ll get there.” That’s the spirit of a champion dad, lifting his son even after a tough night.

Keelan’s journey at Cordele Motor Speedway is a story of heartbreak, yes, but it’s also one of incredible promise. He’s only 12, and he’s already proving he’s got the talent, the grit, and the heart to make it big. With Kevin guiding him and a fire in his belly, there’s no doubt we’ll see Keelan Harvick in victory lane soon. So, what do you think—will Keelan be the next big name in racing? Let’s keep cheering for this young star as he chases his dreams, one lap at a time!

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Kevin Harvick is proud of his vision with Dale Jr. for grassroots racing

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick are reveling in their latest win for grassroots racing. These NASCAR legends are making dreams real, and it’s hard not to get emotional about it. They’ve brought the CARS Tour to a new level with a huge race at Cordele Speedway, and Harvick’s pride is contagious.

Two years ago, Harvick visited Cordele and told Dale Jr., “When I came out here two years ago in January, I went home and talked to Dale and said ‘hey, Cordele would be a great spot for our Late Model Stocks and Pros.’” Now, that vision’s alive. Harvick’s voice lit up as he shared, “To come back and see all the work they have done to the facility because I haven’t been here, and see the enthusiasm despite a little more travel, the reception has been really gratifying.” How much this means to him isn’t a secret after seeing an idea grow into something big.

For Junior, this is personal. He’s poured his heart into the CARS Tour since buying it in 2023 with Harvick, Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks. Leading 60 drivers at Cordele for its first race in 2025, he’s living his dream of lifting short-track racing. This isn’t just any event—it’s his fifth CARS Tour race since 2022, and it’s at a track he helped bring back to life.

The revitalized Cordele Speedway, now a real gem under new owners Greg and Lori Noland, is living proof of what passion can accomplish. Harvick‘s awe says it all. This series is no longer regional, it‘s a venue for potential stars to shine. Both of these veterans have done the extra work for creating something special, and it‘s up to an emotional point to witness their diligence pay off. Fans are eagerly waiting to applaud the drivers and celebrate this milestone. Here‘s to racing dreams coming true!