CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Kevin Harvick became a father on Sunday, a day after his wife flew home unexpectedly from Daytona International Speedway.

Keelan Paul Harvick was born Sunday in North Carolina. He is the first child for Kevin and DeLana Harvick.

"Waiting on Keelan was the longest nine months of my entire life," Kevin Harvick said in a statement. "But time literally stood still when I held our baby for the first time. I've accomplished a lot in my life that I'm proud of, but those moments don't hold a candle to becoming a father and seeing that little face looking up at you.

"DeLana and I are just amazed by how special and rewarding this is."

DeLana Harvick had been in Daytona leading into Saturday night's race, but returned to North Carolina for precautionary reasons. Harvick had Kenny Wallace on standby during the race in case he needed to get home.

Harvick completed the race, but finished 23rd because he was involved in a late accident.