“That’s Huge!” Ryan Blaney Shocked over Keelan Harvick’s TRD Deal Despite Strong HMS Ties

2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney shared his thoughts on Kevin Harvick’s son Keelan Harvick’s new Toyota deal.

“That’s Huge!” Ryan Blaney Shocked over Keelan Harvick’s TRD Deal Despite Strong HMS Ties

Kevin Harvick, Keelan Harvick and Ryan Blaney (Via @KeelanHarvick/X and IMAGO)

2014 Cup champion Kevin Harvick’s son Keelan Harvick proved he is one of the biggest NASCAR prospects for the future after making history by becoming the youngest Snowflake 125 winner at Five Flags Speedway. The youngster has been making significant strides in the lower division under mentorship of his father now has made a major career that shocked even Ryan Blaney.

It was announced that the 13-year-old Keelan Harvick has signed a muti-year contract with Toyota Racing Development. He is set to compete in late model races in the 2026 season in the No:62 Toyota build by Rackley W.A.R. and Kevin Harvick Inc. partnership. ExxonMobil Will serve as one of the main primary sponsors for Kevin Harvick‘s son.

Team Penske Racing’s 2023 Cup champion Ryan Blaney learned about the new while he was in the latest episode of the Door Bumper Clear podcast. He was shocked with the move, considering how the strong ties the Harvick family has with Chevy, as the younger was sponsored by HMS owner Rick Hendrick and they had Ford ties as well from Stewart Haas Racing days.

I did not have that one on my bingo card. I thought it was going to be Hendrick Motorsports. I cannot believe that. Wow, that’s huge.

Ryan Blaney said via DBC.

It seems to be wise move from the Harvick’s considering Toyota has the best youth development program among the three Cup manufactures. They have championship calibre teams in all three series with real sponsorship market presence. It’s a win-win situation for TRD as well as the young driver for the coming years.

Keelan Harvick is excited about the new chapter of his career

The 2024 INEX Young Lions National Champion Keelan Harvick is really excited about the new chapter of his racing career. Talking about it in a statement, he pointed out that he sees the TRD program deal as a privilege and is determined to learn from other racers at Toyota.

Kevin Harvick and Keelan Harvick
Kevin Harvick and Keelan Harvick (image via On3.com)

I’m really grateful to have this kind of opportunity with Toyota Racing Development. To have their support and be able to represent ExxonMobil, it doesn’t get much better. I’m still getting experience, but it’s going to be a privilege to be part of the TRD program and learn from the other drivers.

Keelan Harvick said via Jayski.com.

TRD shares similar excitement about the new addition to the roaster. They see the young Harvick has proven talent and is impressed with the professionalism of the teenager. TRD wants to develop a long-term partnership with the Harvick’s.

Everyone at Toyota and TRD are excited to welcome Keelan into the TOYOTA RACING family. Keelan has proven himself on-track, and despite his young age, has continued to be wise beyond his years with his professionalism and work ethic off of it. TRD is thrilled to partner with Keelan and his family as Keelan continues to develop his racing craft. We see a bright future ahead for him, and everyone at Toyota is proud to be part of his journey.

Tyler Gibbs said.

The comments from both sides are on point and shows they are determined to take full advantage of the partnership. It would be intrusting to see how everything is going to playout for them in the coming years, in the lower division and how long it would take for Harvick to make his NASCAR debut.

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