Keelan Harvick Likes Racing Where His Father Raced

Keelan and Kevin Were At Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway on November 8th 2025

 

Keelan Harvick, who turned 13 this past summer, was at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway on Nov. 8, where he made his debut on the 0.58-mile track. He finished eighth in a 34-car field in the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour All American 100. Corey Deuser won the race.

 

"When COVID hit, I had nothing to do, so I asked my dad if I could go to the go-kart track and I've loved it ever since," Keelan said. "I got hooked on racing and my dad has supported me since then. I didn't know I'd be this far along in just a few years, but I'm really happy to be here."

 

Keelan was on the same track his father Kevin raced early in his career, which eventually included 60 NASCAR Cup wins, the 2007 Daytona 500 championship and three Brickyard 400 victories.

 

Keelan said the tracks he likes to run the most are those like Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, for a couple of reasons.

 

"One, I just think it's neat to be on the same track he was on, and also because he knows the track and can tell me what to look out for," Keelan said.

 

What Kevin Harvick told his son about the unique Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway paved oval with an 18-degree banking was that it can be tricky.

 

"It's a very difficult track," Keelan said. "But I like that. I like being uncomfortable. It pushes you to the edge. And I like a track where you have to save tires, and you definitely have to save tires on this track. I'm pretty good at saving tires, sometimes."

 

Even tho we didn’t get the finish we wanted, my first time in a Late Model at Nashville Fairgrounds was pretty cool! I also got to check off another track Pops and I have both raced too!

I qualified 5th, but had to start 8th with the redraw. I worked my way into the top five… pic.twitter.com/L2a9yxby1k

— Keelan Harvick (@KeelanHarvick) November 11, 2025

 

 

source: The Tennessean Media

JRM’s Connor Zilisch Named Rookie of the Year

Connor to Cup in 2026

 

At the annual NASCAR Xfinity Series Awards Banquet, JR Motorsports driver Connor Zilisch was honored for achievements during the 2025 season.

 

Zilisch, who led the series in victories with ten (10), was named Rookie of the Year for his performance, which included a run of nine wins in 14 races throughout the summer. His 10th and final win of the year came at the Charlotte Roval in October.

 

Despite winning ten races, Connor suffered a heartbreaking third-place finish in the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship race.

 

“Left my heart on the track. Myself and @jrmotorsports gave 110% all year long and that is something I’ll forever be proud of. Although we aren’t going to walk out of Phoenix tonight as champions, I have already achieved more than 10 year old me ever thought I would. I can’t wait for my future in this sport and thank you to everybody who has supported me this year.❤️” Connor Zilisch

 

No offence, to Jesse Love, the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champ – Many fans have expressed their lament that despite his dominant performance all season including winning the regular season championship.– Connor was not crowned 2025 Xfinity Champion.

 

At one point he had 6 Xfinity #FastestLap awards in an 8 race span.@ConnorZilisch takes the season-end Xfinity Fastest Lap award in the #XfinitySeries with seven. He has earned a $40,000 donation to @austinhatcherfo. pic.twitter.com/iGbIvcCFhM

— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) November 4, 2025

In 2026, nineteen year old Connor Zilisch will compete full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing, joining teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen. Randall Burnett will be his crew chief, and Red Bull and WeatherTech are the primary sponsors on his #88 ride. 

source: JR MotorSports Media

Jimmie Johnson Set to Return to Hometown For NASCAR San Diego Weekend

For Johnson, the weekend symbolizes not only a return to competition, but a celebration of his roots.

 

On November 5, 2025 at BrandWeek in Atlanta, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion and Legacy Motor Club owner Jimmie Johnson announced he will return to his California roots next June, as it is his intention to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series event during the inaugural NASCAR San Diego Weekend.

 

The event, slated for June 19–21, 2026, marks NASCAR’s first-ever race at Naval Base Coronado, bringing the sport’s top stars to one of America’s most iconic coastal settings. For Johnson, born and raised in nearby El Cajon, California, the race represents a deeply personal “bucket-list” moment in a career already filled with milestone achievements.

 

 

“Growing up just miles from San Diego, I dreamed about racing here in a NASCAR vehicle someday, but I never thought it would be possible. I just came to the realization that there would be no way NASCAR could race in that city – as there would be nowhere to put a track,” said Johnson. “So, it’s just mind-blowing to me that NASCAR made this a reality. To come back home, compete in front of my community, the military, my family, and friends, and do it with Carvana and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, this is one of those full-circle experiences I will never forget. It’s a lifelong dream.”

 

For Johnson, the weekend symbolizes not only a return to competition, but a celebration of his roots.

 

“When I think about everything this sport has given me and where it all started, being able to race in San Diego at this level feels like my career has come full circle,” Johnson added. “Starting out on two wheels racing motorcycles throughout the west coast and now being able to race on four in the same region is something I never thought I would see. Additionally, my grandparents were military and are buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery nearby the base, so it’s an honor to race there – this is going to be very special.”

 

Carvana, a longtime partner of Johnson’s, will once again be along for the ride in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE for this special “SoCal” appearance. The partnership continues a multi-year relationship built on creativity, authenticity, and storytelling—values that perfectly align with Johnson’s own legacy.

 

Seven-Time’s back in SoCal. ☀️

We’ll see you in Coronado, @JimmieJohnson! pic.twitter.com/4Y0hsLI6w9

— NASCAR San Diego (@NASCARSanDiego) November 5, 2025

Carvana will unveil the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE paint scheme that will compete in San Diego in the near future.

 

 

source: Legacy Motor Club Media