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.”