12/7/2025
Five Flags Speedway
Keelan Harvick Turns in Memorable Performance En Route to Snowflake 125 Victory
Keelan Harvick Turns in Memorable Performance En Route to Snowflake 125 Victory
By Chuck Corder
5flagsspeedway.com reporter
Teenagers will find any excuse to stay up late.
Keelan Harvick is no different. The 13-year-old was still bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 3:30 Sunday morning at Five Flags Speedway. Keelan had a good reason and an even better story once the checkered flag flew in the Allen Turner Snowflake 125 at the 58th annual Snowball Derby presented by FloSports.
Keelan became not only the youngest driver to win the Snowflake, but the youngest champion in Snowball Derby history. He eclipsed Hunter Robbins, who captured his first ’Flake as a 14-year-old in 2005. His head-turning victory had his dad, former NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick, beaming with pride.
The two embraced in Victory Lane as father whispered meaningful words after son removed his camouflage helmet.
“This is really cool,” said Keelan, whose eyes lit up as big as saucers when he realized his accomplishment. “Me and my dad watched the Snowflake from last year. We saw everybody coming out of (the turns) low and straight. That's what I did.
“I’m so glad I get to share this with my team. I wanted to get this win for these guys. They all work so hard.”
Fifteen-year-old Tristan McKee finished runner-up and defending Derby champion Kaden Honeycutt rounded out the podium.
Honeycutt dominated the first 75 laps before a competition yellow allowed teams to make adjustments.
“Every time we put tires on, it tightens the car so much,” Honeycutt said. “But it’s nothing to hang our heads about. My guys worked their tails off. (Keelan and Tristan) were really good on the drive off.”
Keelan’s Rackley W.A.R. team made the most of their time in the pits under the controlled caution. He first took the lead on Lap 77 when he slid by Honeycutt with ease.
A few laps later, though, was nearly Keelan’s demise. Following another caution, he struggled on a restart and his opponents pounced on the youngster’s mistake.
“Wrong gear,” he admitted plainly.
Keelan fell from first to fourth in a blink and watched Tristan take the lead on Lap 83. He was undaunted, however. Keelan climbed back to second by Lap 90 and began cutting tenths off Tristan’s lead.
The two friendly rivals carried their season-long battle on the CARS Tour into their first Snowflake. The pair broke away from what was left of the 37-car field, as Keelan inched closer to Tristan with every revolution.
He made a smooth pass, inside of Tristan on Lap 101 to regain the lead and didn’t relinquish again down the stretch.
“(Keelan) had more drive off the corner when it came down to it,” Tristan said. “I needed a little bit more forward drive. We came up a little short.”
Keelan proved to be a quick study when opportunity came knocking on Lap 115. Following the last caution of the night, Keelan did not fumble that restart and kept Tristan at bay
Article Credit: David Kranak Photos
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