- Kevin Harvick teased a possible NASCAR return.
- He has now set a condition for his return.
- Harvick is pushing for the return of a California-based racetrack.
Merely a week ago, during a sit-down with former Stewart-Haas Racing driver Tony Stewart, FOX Sports analyst Kevin Harvick raised the idea of returning to NASCAR alongside him. That conversation stayed in the air, but Harvick now appears to be placing conditions on whether that return ever gets off the ground.
In a story that caught many off guard, Stewart returned in February 2026, taking the wheel of a Ram truck for Kaulig Racing at Daytona. The appearance began as a one-off tied to a marketing push and ended in a crash, but it also opened another lane of discussion.
Stewart said “never say never” when asked about additional starts, and that response, in turn, led Harvick to revisit the idea of getting back into the driver’s seat.
Kevin Harvick vouches for the return of the California track.
Kevin Harvick has not made any starts in the NASCAR Cup Series since closing out his retirement tour in 2023. During his interview with Tony Stewart and Stewart’s wife, Leah Pruett, Harvick asked Stewart whether another race was on the table.
Stewart replied that he was “pretty sure” he would race again. From there, Harvick floated the idea of the two sharing the track again, stating that the idea of racing together would be something he would welcome.
However, that return, if it happens, is more likely to be pushed into next year rather than the current season. Harvick, who now balances duties as a FOX Sports analyst, CARS Tour promoter, and track promoter at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway, said he would enter a Truck Series event if it were held at his home track in Kern.
He stated, “I vote for having a truck race at Kern. If it’s at Kern, I’ll run the race.”
Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway is an auto racing complex in the Bakersfield, California, area that features multiple layouts, including a paved oval, a dirt oval, and a motocross track. The venue has hosted a range of events, including NASCAR and CARS Tour West races.
Since 2013, Kern Raceway has hosted an annual ARCA Menards Series West event, except in 2021. The track also runs a NASCAR Weekly Series program across four divisions, including Limited Pro Late Models, Spec Racer, Crown Vic, and Enduro. The Raceway has hosted events from several non-NASCAR series, including the CARS Tour West, Lucas Oil Modified Series, and SRL Southwest Tour.
Kevin Harvick’s current commitments
Racing in a truck or any other NASCAR division would require him to manage his time with his current commitments, which look like a full-time job. As of now, Harvick has fully shifted from NASCAR Cup Series competition into roles as a broadcaster, team owner, and mentor, with his main focus placed on FOX Sports. He serves as a lead analyst and color commentator in the NASCAR Cup Series broadcast booth alongside Mike Joy and Clint Bowyer.
He also operates KHI, a management agency working with drivers including Josh Berry, Ty Gibbs, Shane van Gisbergen, and his son Keelan Harvick. In 2026, KHI is partnering with Rackley W.A.R. to field entries for Keelan.
Although retired from full-time racing, Harvick has returned to the seat for selected Late Model events in 2026 under the Kevin Harvick Inc. banner. His schedule includes appearances in the No. 29 car at venues such as Tucson Speedway, Kern Raceway, Stateline Speedway, Evergreen Speedway, Tr-city Raceway, Colorado National, and the Las Vegas Bullring. He is also entered in major short-track events, including the Wenatchee 200 and the Masters of the Pros 200 at Owosso Speedway.
Harvick hosts a weekly FOX Sports NASCAR podcast titled “Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour,” a digital series that recaps races and includes guest interviews.
He also co-hosts the FS1 program “SPEED With Harvick and Buxton.”
Harvick remains a partner and promoter at Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, California, a facility that was renamed in his honor in late 2023.
He is also heavily involved in the development of his son Keelan’s career. In February 2026, it was announced that 13-year-old Keelan signed a long-term agreement with Toyota Racing Development (TRD).
