On February 28, 2026, Mason Massey became the headline story at Kern Raceway in Bakersfield, California, making a memorable ARCA Menards Series West debut by winning the Oil Workers 150 after a dramatic pair of overtime restarts. With this victory, the Georgia native not only brought Bill McAnally Racing back to victory lane, but also established himself as an emerging force in ARCA West competition, showcasing why “Mason Massey ARCA West winner” is now a term to watch this season.
Massey’s Daring First Win in Bakersfield
Driving for Bill McAnally Racing, Mason Massey faced down some of the toughest competition the ARCA Menards Series West has to offer during the season opener at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway. In a field stacked with previous champions, Massey’s debut was anything but ordinary, as he had to outduel Newport Beach’s Sean Hingorani—who was determined to keep the trophy in California—over the course of two intense overtime restarts.
The Oil Workers 150, presented by the West Coast Stock Car / Motorsports Hall of Fame, tested both Massey’s skill and composure as he found himself in a late-race showdown with Hingorani, piloting the Central Coast Racing No. 13 Toyota. The decisive moment came when Massey took advantage of a restart, running side by side with Hingorani before executing a bold move in turns three and four to gain the lead.
“I don’t know man we got kind of tight there towards the end. It got tight on me and I had to make something happen on that restart there with (Sean Hingorani). He was really fast. I just had to run him up a little bit and get by him. He did a good job racing me clean,”
Massey said.
“I just had to go earn it out there and had to make it happen. I still can’t believe it. Hopefully two-for-two next week at Phoenix. It’s a really good track for me.”
– Mason Massey, Driver
Early Race Developments and Standout Performers
The contest began with Jade Avedisian grabbing pole position, showing strong speed in qualifying, yet it was Hingorani who led the opening lap, quickly seizing momentum from the outside lane. Through early restarts, Hingorani maintained his advantage up front, with 2025 champion Trevor Huddleston moving to second. Meanwhile, Robbie Kennealy experienced trouble, slowing with a mechanical issue on lap 59, while Las Vegas rookie Mia Lovell spun, bringing about the halfway break.
After that intermission, Massey charted his way forward, overtaking Huddleston for second. The battle intensified as Lovell spun again while contesting position with Jaiden Reyna, which triggered a caution and reset the field for the final charge to the finish.
Battling to the Finish and Final Standings
In the closing stages, Massey made his move by utilizing the inside line to shoot past Hingorani along the backstretch. The pair made slight contact in turns three and four, even going three-wide momentarily with 15-year-old local prospect Taylor Mayhew, but Massey emerged with the lead.
On the first overtime restart, Hingorani tried to reclaim top position in turns one and two, but Massey defended, keeping his competitors at bay. The final caution came when Lovell and fellow rookie Julian DaCosta tangled, resulting in a second overtime. As the field regrouped, Massey accelerated away, securing his first ARCA West win for himself and Bill McAnally Racing.
Central California’s Eric Nascimento, Jr. rallied to finish second, with Mayhew climbing to a well-earned third—an impressive result after starting at the rear. Huddleston crossed the line fourth, and Hingorani rounded out the top five.
“It’s super cool. Starting in the back wasn’t ideal obviously. I kind of played the patience game and worked our way up slowly. We were there at the end. I couldn’t be more happy about my team, my spotter Spencer Davis, and everybody who helps out on this MMI machine. Pretty good for the first race,”
Mayhew said. – Taylor Mayhew, Driver
What Massey’s Breakout Victory Means Going Forward
Mason Massey’s stunning debut win at Kern Raceway not only signals his arrival as a contender in the ARCA Menards Series West, but also injects fresh excitement into the 2026 season. Battling past experienced rivals like Sean Hingorani and Trevor Huddleston, Massey’s performance highlights the emergence of new talent and fierce competition in the series.
Fans and fellow participants will be watching closely as the series heads to Phoenix, especially after Massey’s statement about chasing back-to-back victories. The outcome at Kern Raceway also demonstrates the importance of resilience and decisive moves under pressure, with rookies like Taylor Mayhew and Mia Lovell also making headlines. The ARCA West landscape has clearly become more unpredictable, promising plenty of action and storylines for teams, fans, and racing enthusiasts alike.
