Alex Gould/Special for The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Harvick vs. Harvick: Son Steals Victory from NASCAR Legend Father

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Swaraj Patil | Last updated Jun 1, 2025 2:18 PM ET

Picture this: a 12-year-old kid beating his NASCAR champion dad in front of thousands of fans. That's exactly what happened on May 31, 2025 at Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway in Bakersfield, California.

Keelan Harvick went head-to-head with his famous father Kevin in what everyone called the "Battle of the Harvicks." It was the CARS Tour West Pro Late Model doubleheader. Both drivers started near the front with Keelan claiming pole position and Kevin driving the iconic No. 29 Hunt Brothers Pizza late model.

Kevin started strong, showing why he's a NASCAR legend. He passed his son early on and looked like he had the race in the bag. But with just six laps left, things went sideways - literally. Kevin got tangled up with another driver and spun out.

That crash gave young Keelan his big chance. He was sitting in fifth place when his dad wrecked, suddenly finding himself in the lead. When the race restarted for the final time, Keelan didn't choke. He drove like a pro and won by over a second.

The best part came after the race. Someone asked Keelan what advice he had for his dad. His response? "Don't crash." Kevin just laughed and said he probably should follow his own advice about actually finishing races.

HE DID IT!@KeelanHarvick wins the Battle of the Harvicks and scores his first @CARSTourWest victory at @KernRaceway! pic.twitter.com/2NwCcgMhCe
— NASCAR Regional (@NASCARRegional) June 1, 2025

It was one of those perfect racing moments - a proud dad watching his son make history while probably wondering where he went wrong. Keelan became the youngest winner ever in the series, and Kevin got the best Father's Day gift early.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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