

Joanne Homer, of Diamondhead, Mississippi, right, gets a model car signed by 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick prior to the races at the Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola on Friday, June 28, 2024.
Kevin Harvick may have retired from NASCARās premier series in 2023, but his competitive spirit and love for sports remain as strong as ever. From co-owning the Charlotte Checkers hockey team to mentoring his son, Keelan Harvick, on the racetrack, the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion has seamlessly transitioned into his post-racing life. And judging by recent events, heās still making a significant impact wherever he goes.
A Pep Talk and Superstition: Harvickās Winning Formula
Ahead of the Charlotte Checkersā recent home game against the Bridgeport Islanders, Harvick stepped into the teamās dressing room to deliver a motivational yet humorous pep talk. Sporting his iconic charm, he joked about the teamās pink jerseys, saying, āIf you look good, play good.ā But Harvick didnāt stop there. Tapping into the teamās superstitions, he lightheartedly confessed, āI did not want to be responsible for breaking the streak,ā referencing Richie, the teamās equipment manager who has been part of the Checkersā winning ritual.
The pep talk seemed to work wonders as the Checkers secured a decisiveĀ 6-2 victory, extending their winning streak to five games. The standout performance came from John Leonard, who notched a hat trick, solidifying the teamās dominance in the league. Harvickās visit wasnāt just about moraleāit coincided with aĀ Saturday Neon NightĀ game organized by the Kevin Harvick Foundation. The event raised an impressiveĀ $38,204 through a jersey auction, further showcasing Harvickās knack for blending philanthropy with passion.
Father-Son Bond: Racing and More
Kevin Harvickās post-racing life isnāt just about team ownership; itās deeply intertwined with his son Keelanās burgeoning racing career. The father-son duo is often spotted at sporting events, most recently cheering on theĀ Carolina PanthersĀ at an NFL game. But their strongest connection lies on the racetrack.
Keelan, now part of Rackley W.A.R.āsĀ Super and Pro Late Model programs, is following in his fatherās footsteps. At just 12 years old, Keelan has already shown immense promise. Earlier this year, he finishedĀ 8th in the South Carolina 400, driving the Hunt Brothers Pizza Chevrolet #62. Speaking about his sonās development, Kevin said:
āNow he knows he can do it, so everything will start to slow down. Itās a matter of repetition at this point.ā
Keelan, on his part, is just as enthusiastic, sharing after his South Carolina 400 performance:
āI feel really good. I canāt wait for the next one.ā
Broadcasting and Beyond
While mentoring Keelan, Harvick is also carving out a successful career in broadcasting. After joiningĀ Fox SportsĀ as an analyst in 2024, Harvickās insights and experience have added a fresh perspective to NASCAR coverage. With theĀ Daytona 500Ā fast approaching, fans can look forward to hearing Harvickās expert take on the season opener while he balances his roles as a team owner and proud dad.
Can Harvickās Magic Continue?
As the Charlotte Checkers dominate the AHL, fans are asking: can Kevin Harvickās ownership streak continue? While sports streaks are notoriously unpredictable, Harvickās track record of successāin racing, team management, and philanthropyāsuggests that his impact will be felt for a long time.
Whether heās rallying a hockey team, mentoring a young racer, or bringing NASCAR to life in the broadcast booth,Ā Kevin Harvickās post-racing career is a winning streak of its own. As Keelanās racing star continues to rise, itās clear the Harvick legacy is only just beginning.
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