The excitement of March Madness will ignite the dirt track at Kevin Harvick Kern Raceway in Bakersfield this Saturday night, March 7. Race fans can expect six thrilling divisions in action as round two unfolds, making the venue a central hub for grassroots racing this weekend.
A Full Racing Lineup for March Madness
Six competitive divisions will battle at Kern Raceway: IMCA Modifieds, Sport Mods, Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, American Stocks, and Mini Stocks. The event promises a packed schedule, with the grandstand gates opening at 4:30pm. Hot laps will start at 5:00pm, leading up to opening ceremonies at approximately 6pm. Following this, fans will enjoy heat races and main events for each division.
Those wanting to catch all the action at the Kevin Harvick Kern Raceway can take advantage of advance ticket savings. General admission is $18 online, which includes all fees, or $20 at the gates. Kids aged 6-12 get in for $10 in advance or $12 at the gate, while children 5 and under are admitted free. Parking at the speedway is complimentary, making the event even more accessible for families and motorsports enthusiasts. The track itself is conveniently located at 13500 Raceway Blvd, close to Enos Ln and Interstate 5, adding to its appeal for local and visiting fans alike.
Notable Drivers and Divisional Showdowns
Storylines abound as several race fans will have their eyes on both established contenders and rising stars. In the recent Winter Clash, Antioch Speedway’s Andrew Pearce secured a $750 victory in the IMCA Modifieds season opener. Previous track champions Gavyn Manning and Brad Pounds suffered an early exit after a collision but are expected to vie for redemption in Saturday’s 30-lap feature.
Tyler Bannister, the reigning 2025 IMCA Sportmod Champion, showed promise during his A Mods debut, finishing third on opening night. His momentum adds to the anticipation of this weekend’s battles on the dirt.
Jason Bannister, crowned champion for 2024, kicked off the IMCA Sportmod season in February with a $600 victory and will push for back-to-back wins in the upcoming 25-lap contest. Meanwhile, the opening night for IMCA Stock Cars saw Jacob VanEssen rise above the competition. Ricky Childress, Jr. captured the Hobby Stocks win, while Carson Conway crossed the line first for American Stocks. All three divisions are set for 20-lap feature events on Saturday, enhancing the spirit of competition among racers and fans alike.
Mini Stocks and Grassroots Competition
Mini Stocks will make their season debut this weekend, marking their first of at least two scheduled appearances through 2026. Fans have seen racers like Jason Cook, Jr. and Ryland McCoy claim recent victories in the Mini Stock class, adding another layer of intrigue to the field. The Mini Stock races are seen as a proving ground for local talent, maintaining Bakersfield Speedway’s tradition of supporting grassroots motorsport.
Community and Venue Details
Organizers are encouraging the community to come out and experience the unique atmosphere of Kevin Harvick Kern Raceway, a destination renowned for its accessibility and family-friendly environment. The venue sits at 13500 Raceway Blvd, near the intersection of Enos Ln and Interstate 5 in Bakersfield, making it easy to reach for local fans and traveling enthusiasts alike. For up-to-date information and ticket details, event-goers can visit the official website at www.BakersfieldSpeedway.com or follow the venue on social media.
The March Madness event at Kevin Harvick Kern Raceway reinforces Bakersfield’s dedication to dirt track racing, offering a platform for both seasoned champions and emerging racers. With its broad lineup, accessible pricing, and historical reputation, the raceway is set for another electric evening of motorsports.
