CONCORD, N.C. — Kevin Harvick’s son, Keelan, the 13-year-old race car phenom, turned heads Tuesday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Cook Out Summer Shootout Series, outqualifying a field of seasoned racers across NASCAR and IndyCar in the Pro Legends division.
Competing against NASCAR Cup Series drivers Bubba Wallace and Shane Van Gisbergen, as well as IndyCar star Scott McLaughlin, the young Harvick showcased his burgeoning talent in Legend Cars, securing a top qualifying spot that left the motorsport world buzzing.
Keelan, driving for Joe Ryan Racecars, posted a blistering lap time, edging out McLaughlin, Van Gisbergen, and Wallace, who trailed closely behind.
The achievement is particularly remarkable given Keelan’s age and the caliber of his competitors, all of whom are established professionals with years of experience on larger stages, having race wins in the top levels of NASCAR and IndyCar.
McLaughlin, in a lighthearted social media post, noted the qualifying order and jokingly mentioned being owed a lobster dinner, presumably from friends Wallace and Van Gisbergen, underscoring the friendly banter among the drivers.
The Cook Out Summer Shootout, a 10-race grassroots series on Charlotte’s quarter-mile frontstretch oval, is known for its tight competition and as a proving ground for young talent. Keelan’s performance Tuesday highlighted his potential as a future star, a testament to the racing pedigree instilled by his father.
Kevin Harvick, a former Cup Series champion with 60 career wins, has guided Keelan’s development, fostering a competitive edge through karting and Legend Car racing. Keelan’s recent victory in a CARS Tour West Pro Late Model race at Kern Raceway, where he bested his father, further underscores his rapid rise.
Kevin Harvick’s son is just so impressive. I mean, just wow.
Outqualifying drivers like Wallace, a two-time Cup Series winner, Van Gisbergen, a road course ace, and McLaughlin, an IndyCar standout, marks a significant milestone for Keelan.
The Pro Legends division demands precision and aggression, skills Keelan has honed under his father’s mentorship. His ability to compete with and surpass such talent at 13 speaks to both his natural ability and the rigorous preparation he’s undergone.
As the Summer Shootout Series continues, Keelan Harvick’s performance serves as a reminder of the sport’s next generation emerging. With Kevin’s guidance and a fearless approach, the young racer is carving his own path in motorsport’s competitive landscape.
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Keelan Harvick is a superstar!
