Kevin Harvick Kern Raceway will come alive on Saturday, February 28, as the ARCA Menards Series West launches its 73rd season with the Oil Workers 150 Presented by West Coast Stock Car Motorsports Hall of Fame. Taking place under the lights at 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT), this event promises fierce competition as returning champions, rising talents, and storied teams gather to chase victory at a venue steeped in both family legacy and modern racing prestige.
Big Names and Championship Experience Headline the Field
This year’s ARCA Menards Series West season ignites with star power. Trevor Huddleston, the reigning champion and a dominant force in 2025, returns to defend his title. Huddleston’s strong connection to the track runs deep, with his father, Tim, managing Kern Raceway, and Trevor having swept both championship races there last year. The family’s influence and experience are expected to once again be a significant advantage at this high-stakes opener.
Series stalwart Hailie Deegan, who etched her name in history as the first-ever female winner in the ARCA West series in 2018, reunites with Bill McAnally Racing for a renewed championship push. Deegan, piloting the No. 16 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet, is joined by teammate Mason Massey, who will drive the No. 19 Brunt Boots/Mongoose Power Solutions Chevrolet. Both aim to mount a serious challenge for the series title throughout the season, making the Bill McAnally Racing squad one to watch.
Former Bounty Rookie of the Year Robbie Kennealy is another returning contender, eager to build on his recent experiences, which include a 15th-place run at the General Tire 200 in Daytona. Kennealy leads the Jan’s Towing Ford team, joined by promising 15-year-old Cole Denton, positioning the crew for a strong pursuit of the rookie crown in 2026.
Series Champions and Newcomers Add to the Competition
Two-time series champion Sean Hingorani returns after a brief absence, bringing with him an impressive record of seven wins in just 29 starts. Hingorani, whose victories at Kern Raceway in April 2023 and October 2024 remain fresh in fans’ memories, is poised to reclaim his place among the front-runners. His championship pedigree makes him one of the most anticipated entries in this year’s contest.
Nitro Motorsports bolsters the competitive field with three entries. Full-timers Mia Lovell, in the No. 15 Pine Health Toyota, and Julian DeCosta, in the No. 25 Austin Canvas and Awning Toyota, are joined for select events by Jade Avedisian in the No. 70 Mobil 1 Toyota. Avedisian’s standout performance at New Smyrna Speedway, where she captured a super late model feature and finished seventh in the ASA STARS National Tour opener, signals her readiness to contend on the ARCA West stage.
Cook Racing Technologies, recognized as the 2023 team owner champions, bets on emerging talent with 15-year-old Taylor Mayhew—son of series veteran David Mayhew—in the No. 17 MMI Toyota, and Jaiden Reyna, a decorated INEX Legends Car Young Lions national champion, debuting in the No. 42 MMI Chevrolet. Both drivers aim to make a strong impression from the outset.
Jerry Pitts Racing and Other Teams Field Strong Lineups
Jerry Pitts Racing brings forward the talents of 2024 Bounty Rookie of the Year Eric Johnson, Jr. in the No. 5 Sherwin-Williams Toyota, and Gavin Ray, returning in the No. 7 Component West Toyota. Johnson delivered consistent top-five finishes at Kern last season, while Ray achieved a strong sixth-place result at the 2025 season opener, underscoring the team’s depth and readiness.
The full roster of teams and drivers, including established names like Mason Massey and youthful contenders such as Cole Denton and Taylor Mayhew, ensures the 2026 season at Kevin Harvick Kern Raceway will offer excitement for both longtime enthusiasts and new fans alike.
Event Details and How to Watch
The Oil Workers 150 Presented by West Coast Stock Car Motorsports Hall of Fame marks the eighteenth series race ever held at Kern Raceway and the 1041st overall contest in ARCA Menards Series West history. Along with launching the season, this event serves as a preview for the 2026 season finale—which will return to the same track for the first time since 2018, adding further significance to the outcome of this opener.
Fans can view all the action live via FloRacing, with race audio, real-time timing, and scoring available through the ARCA Racing website. For ongoing updates, @ARCA_Racing on X will provide immediate race news and storylines throughout the night.
ARCA’s Role and Development Pathways in American Racing
The ARCA Menards Series West operates under the umbrella of the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), which has been central to grassroots stock car competition in the United States since 1953. Since joining the NASCAR family in 2018, ARCA has bridged the divide between national touring series and weekly racing circuits, allowing diverse racing talents—including future stars and proven champions—to hone their skills in highly competitive environments. The series’ long-standing relationship with iconic venues like Kevin Harvick Kern Raceway offers a vital proving ground for the sport’s future leaders.
Significance of the Season Opener and What to Expect
The 2026 kickoff at Kevin Harvick Kern Raceway carries special resonance as veterans seek to cement their legacies and newcomers target major breakthroughs. As the only track to host both the season opener and finale, Kern Raceway’s results will echo throughout the year, making every lap and every strategic decision critical. With headline names such as Trevor Huddleston, Hailie Deegan, Sean Hingorani, and a host of talented rookies, this year’s ARCA Menards Series West promises a memorable, high-energy showdown that will set the competitive tempo for the rest of the season.
