Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway in Bakersfield has unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 schedule, marking the 81st year of dirt track racing at this well-known Kern County venue. The newly announced Kevin Harvick Kern Raceway schedule, shaped by the continued partnership of promoters Tim Huddleston and Scott Schweitzer, will feature a total of 19 racing nights at the one-third mile track on Enos Lane near Interstate 5.
Season Launches with the Winter Clash and USAC Events
The season is set to commence on February 20-21 with the Winter Clash. Friday’s opening event signals the start of the 2026 IMCA championships, while the following day will host the season debut for the USAC Western States Midgets, providing excitement for both drivers and fans alike.
March Brings the Southwest Shootout and Full IMCA Schedule
The action continues into March with a two-night Southwest Shootout on March 20-21, featuring a complete slate of IMCA points racing. Throughout the season, the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, and American Stocks will compete for championship titles at the speedway. In addition, traveling divisions such as the Racesaver 305 Sprint Cars, So-Cal Dwarf Cars, and California Lightning Sprints will make appearances, further diversifying the competition.
Season Highlights and Memorial Races
Several standout occasions are planned, with the schedule showcasing notable memorial events and special shows. The Richie McGowan Memorial will be held on June 27, followed by the Mike Moshier Classic on August 29. Another anticipated highlight comes on September 12 with the first-ever Night of Destruction on the dirt track, promising a unique spectacle for attendees. The Budweiser Nationals, a multi-day event, are scheduled for October 9-10, ensuring a packed fall calendar.
Detailed 2026 Kevin Harvick Kern Raceway Schedule
The full 2026 calendar for Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway includes the following race nights and feature divisions:
February
20 – IMCA Modifieds, Sport Mods, Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, American Stocks
21 – USAC Western States Midgets, IMCA Modifieds, Sport Mods, SoCal Dwarfs
March
7 – IMCA Modifieds, Sport Mods, Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, American Stocks, Mini Stocks
20 – IMCA Modifieds, Sport Mods, Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, American Stocks
21 – Racesaver Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, American Stocks
April
11 – IMCA Modifieds, Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, American Stocks, California Lightning Sprints
18 – IMCA Modifieds, Sport Mods, Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, American Stocks
2 – Racesaver Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, Sport Mods, American Stocks, SoCal Dwarfs
9 – IMCA Modifieds, Sport Mods, Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, American Stocks, Mini Stocks
30 – Racesaver Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, Sport Mods, American Stocks, SoCal Dwarfs
June
13 – IMCA Modifieds, Sport Mods, Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, American Stocks, SoCal Dwarfs
27 – Richie McGowan Memorial: IMCA Modifieds, Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, American Stocks
July
25 – IMCA Modifieds, Sport Mods, Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, American Stocks
August
29 – Mike Moshier Classic: IMCA Modifieds, Sport Mods, Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, American Stocks
September
12 – Night of Destruction: Hobby Stocks, American Stocks
26 – IMCA Modifieds, Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, American Stocks, SoCal Dwarfs
October
9-10 – Budweiser Nationals: IMCA Modifieds, Sport Mods, Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, American Stocks, SoCal Dwarfs
November
24 – Jason Leffler Memorial USAC National Midgets, Sport Mods
Anticipation Grows for the Jason Leffler Memorial Season Finale
The season will come to a close on November 24 with the Jason Leffler Memorial, an event featuring the USAC National Midgets and Sport Mods. This memorable occasion caps off a comprehensive lineup, spanning established championship series and crowd-pleasing speciality races.
A Look at Kern Raceway’s Role in Regional Motorsports
Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway continues to be a center for grassroots motorsports on the West Coast, drawing drivers and fans to its accessible location at 13500 Raceway Blvd near Enos Lane and I-5. The 2026 season, with its blend of traditional competitions and new attractions, reaffirms the venue’s significance in both the local racing scene and the broader dirt track community.
