Kevin Harvick may have stepped back from full-time NASCAR competition, but the 2014 Cup Series champion reminded everyone why he’s a racing icon with an impressive return to action at the SoundGear 400 at Kern Raceway. Competing in the opening round of the 2025 CARS Tour West Super Late Model season, Harvick delivered a vintage performance, finishing second in the 125-lap showdown, narrowly missing out on victory to Dawson Sutton.
A Homecoming to Remember
Racing at Kern County Raceway Park—a track he owns in his hometown of Bakersfield, California—Harvick piloted the Hendrick Motorsports-backed No. 29 car. The 49-year-old thrilled the crowd by taking the lead on Lap 23 and holding it through multiple restarts, showcasing the talent and tenacity that defined his NASCAR career.
The turning point came on Lap 92, when Sutton, Harvick’s Rackley WAR teammate, made a decisive move after a restart. Despite Harvick’s efforts to close the gap, Sutton held him off to secure the win, finishing half a second ahead of the veteran racer.
Harvick reflected on the weekend with pride, posting on X:
“What a weekend! I can’t thank the fans, sponsors, and every single employee enough for making this event so special. Racing hard against @dawsonsutton26 was an absolute blast, and I’m proud to come home with P2. It’s events like this that remind me why I love this sport. Here’s to putting West Coast racing back on the map!”
Dawson Sutton’s Star Rises
For 18-year-old Dawson Sutton, the victory at Kern Raceway was a confidence-boosting moment ahead of his first full-time campaign in the NASCAR Truck Series. After making waves in seven Truck Series starts in 2024—including a top-five finish at Kansas Speedway—Sutton is poised to break out in 2025. Beating a racing legend like Harvick on a high-profile stage further cements Sutton’s reputation as one of motorsport’s rising stars.
Harvick’s Gratitude and Future Plans
Although Harvick competed in a Rackley-Willie Allen Racing car, he credited HendrickCars.com and Rick Hendrick for their sponsorship and support, saying:
“I’ve got to thank HendrickCars.com and Rick Hendrick for coming on board. It’s been an absolute thrill to be back in the car and racing in front of my home fans.”
The race marked Harvick’s first competitive outing since stepping away from full-time NASCAR racing nearly two years ago. Following his emotional retirement in 2023, Harvick chose to prioritize family time, but his return to motorsports in 2025 signals a renewed passion for racing. With plans to take part in select events this year, Harvick hinted that more thrilling moments could be on the horizon.
Looking Ahead
Kevin Harvick’s runner-up finish at Kern Raceway is proof that age is just a number for the veteran driver. His homecoming performance not only reignited his competitive spirit but also highlighted his enduring connection to the fans and the sport. Meanwhile, Dawson Sutton’s victory serves as a clear sign of the next generation’s arrival, blending Harvick’s legacy with the promise of the future.
With more adventures planned for Harvick and Sutton gearing up for his Truck Series campaign, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for motorsports fans.
