Toyota Racing Development signs Kevin Harvick's 13-year-old son Keelan to long-term contract
CBS Sports
by
Jordan Dajani
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Toyota Racing Development (TRD) has made a significant move by signing 13-year-old Keelan Harvick to a long-term contract, marking a potential new era for the brand in NASCAR. The son of Kevin Harvick, a recently retired NASCAR legend with 60 wins and a Hall of Fame-worthy career, Keelan is already showing promise as a racing prodigy. His signing comes despite the Harvick family's historical ties to Chevrolet and Ford, making this partnership a notable shift for both Toyota and the young driver.
Keelan, who previously pursued racing in Europe, has redirected his focus toward NASCAR, aligning with his father's legacy. He has already achieved impressive feats, including winning the 2024 INEX Young Lions National Championship and setting records as the youngest winner of major races like the Snowflake 125 at Five Flags Speedway. His professionalism and dedication have left a strong impression on Toyota officials, who are confident in his potential to follow in the footsteps of other second-generation drivers such as Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott.
The partnership with TRD is a strategic move for both parties. For Toyota, it represents an opportunity to cultivate a future star and strengthen its presence in NASCAR. For Keelan, it provides a platform to develop his skills under a top-tier team, with the ultimate goal of reaching the Cup Series. The signing also highlights the growing trend of second-generation drivers making waves in the sport, drawing parallels to Kevin Harvick's own rise after replacing Dale Earnhardt in 2001.
Kevin Harvick's legacy looms large over this decision. His success and iconic status make him an influential figure in NASCAR history, and now his son is poised to carry that legacy forward. Toyota Racing Development's commitment to Keelan underscores the brand's investment in young talent, signaling a promising future for both the driver and the sport. As Keelan continues to rise through the ranks, fans of NASCAR can look forward to another potential star joining the elite stage of the Cup Series, further cementing the Harvick name in motorsports history.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/23/2026