Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway

Description

Configuration

Kern Raceway is measured at 0.5 mi, with 8° of banking in the track's straights and a variable banking system of 12–14° in the track's corners. Alongside the main oval, the track also features two smaller oval layouts that use part of the track's infield, with layouts of 0.25 mi and 0.125 mi.

Amenities

Kern Raceway is located in the Bakersfield, California, area, and served by Interstate 5 and California State Route 43. The paved oval of Kern Raceway has a permanent seating capacity of 6,000, with can be expanded to 17,000 with temporary seating according to track owner Tim Huddleston. Alongside the paved oval, the complex also features a 1/3 mi clay oval and a motocross track. The clay oval, formally named the Bakersfield Speedway, has a capacity of 2,704 according to The Bakersfield Californian. Like the paved oval, the track also features two smaller layouts that use the track's infield. The motocross track, formally named "Kern County Raceway Park MX", was opened in October 2014. In total, the entire Kern Raceway complex is situated on 120 acre of land according to various outlets.

Track history

Track announcement, initial foreclosure

After the closure of Mesa Marin Raceway in 2005, Larry Collins, the son of Mesa Marin Raceway owner Marion Collins, announced plans to The Bakersfield Californian in February 2006 to build a track "similar to Mesa Marin but with a slight bend in the front straight and wider radius turns". In the announcement, Collins stated that he planned to build the track on an 80 acre plot of land owned by Alan Destefani that was formerly used as an almond farm near a junction of Interstate 5 and California State Route 43. Further announcements released two months after included seating for 5,000 and the construction of "at least a dozen luxury suites"; in comparison to Mesa Marin, the track was described by Collins as "a different approach", stating hopes of implementing modern amenities to the facility. A groundbreaking date was set for March 2006; however, it was delayed by several months due to mandatory environmental impact reviews. The Kern County Planning Commission approved construction of the facility on December 14, and groundbreaking on the facility began on February 7, 2007, with an opening date set for the spring of 2008.

Financial troubles, subsequent construction halt

By May 2007, with work beginning on crash walls and grandstands, Collins stated that he was "surprised at the speed and pace" of construction. At the end of the year, although some progress was made on paving and the erection of grandstands of the now-named Kern River Raceway, all construction stopped due to financial concerns. In January 2008, the track's opening date was moved from April of that year to June due to delays in obtaining necessary permits. Two months later, three construction subcontractors filed separate liens worth over $1.7 million after a land deal organized by Alan Destefani, the main financial backer for the project, defaulted in April 2007. In addition, Collins blamed a decline in the housing market and the subprime mortgage crisis for difficulties in obtaining a loan. After stating hopes and later failing to raise $30 million in 60 days in March, Collins admitted in May that they had "went down some paths that we shouldn’t have... we stubbed our toes a little". In July, with the companies filing liens or lawsuits increasing to five, Collins publicly announced that he was seeking private investors to fund the track to raise $32 million, with Collins stating that he was "about two-thirds of the way there" in funding. However, in December, with four civil suits levied against the project and at least $7.7 million owed in liens, a $4.5 million loan granted to the track defaulted. In April 2009, the facility was put up in a foreclosure auction for April 9. After the auction was delayed to early May, Enos Lane Farm Properties, LLC, the developer of the facility, declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy to cancel the auction in hopes of finding a potential buyer. After a potential $19 million deal with Fresno-based company CALA Holdings fell through by mid-2010, the track was officially foreclosed in June of that year, with a private investor group led by Joe Salas buying ownership of the facility.

Project revitalization, first events

After a year and a half of no work being completed on the facility, in February 2012, a group of four investors led by businessmen Dan Smith and James Vernon purchased the facility, now named as the Kern County Raceway Park (KCRP). In later interviews, Vernon's granddaughter stated that James had "literally gave his last dollar — until he had no more — to see KCRP open". According to Vernon, for over 30 days at the beginning of construction, focus was solely directed towards removing tumbleweeds. By April, work resumed on the track's infrastructure, with Smith stating that "[Kern County] has bent over backwards to help" complete the project. The following month, an opening date was set for October of that year, with work beginning on the erection of a four-story structure housing concession stands and suites. Work began on the facility's drainage systems by June, with Smith stating that the owners were "hopeful" of opening in late October. However, after delays in completing the drainage system, including a three-week delay due to removing a "clogged 48 in pipe of mud and debris", Vernon admitted in late August that he did not expect KCRP to open in late October. In November, paving of the track was completed.

On December 8, NASCAR announced the scheduling of a NASCAR K&N Pro Series West (now known as the ARCA Menards Series West) race at KCRP on October 26, 2013; at this point, the facility had a planned opening date in March 2013. In January 2013, Vernon announced further opening delays to April due to additional work that owners felt was necessary "to be right when we open". It was further pushed back from April 20 to May 4 due to delays in obtaining permits in widening State Route 43. The first open test occurred on April 13, with testers Brian Richardson and Eric Richardson giving positive reviews towards the track's facilities and the track's similarity to Mesa Marin Raceway. On April 24, the official opening was delayed for a fourth time to May 18 due to more work needed for race-ready conditions; however, they planned to host a practice session open to spectators on May 4 regardless. In later interviews, Vernon stated that the delays were caused by unexpected high costs, which was eventually offset from further funding from businessman Charlie Beard; Beard refused to disclose the total cost of KCRP. According to The Bakersfield Californian's Mike Griffith, Beard invested "millions" to the project and was the driving force for the expansion of the facility to include multiple tracks.

KCRP formally opened on May 18, 2013, with David Mayhew and Cole Custer winning the first feature events at the track. At the time of the KCRP's opening, the facility had three oval layouts, measured at 0.5 mi, 0.25 mi, and 0.125 mi. The track received positive reception from Mayhew and NASCAR senior director Bob Duvall, with both praising the track's amenities and racing product. Ahead of the 2014 racing season, multiple renovations were completed, including adding 1000 ft of catch-fence in preparation for winged sprint racing and the construction of a RV viewing area outside the third and fourth turns of the track. In October, a motocross track was opened and work began on a 1/3 mi dirt oval. The dirt oval opened on September 4, 2015, and featured two smaller layouts alongside the 1/3 mi main layout. In October 2016, Larry Collins, one of the original investors of KCMP, replaced a resigning Lee Baumgarten as the general manager of KCMP. Upon his appointment, Collins announced hopes to expand the facility's weekly local racing events. In 2017, the dirt oval was reconfigured, with the first and second turns made wider; the change was described by Griffith as turning the shape of the track from "essentially a tri-oval" to a true oval. In December 2017, KCMP was listed for sale at $15 million by the track's owners; at the time, the track had a reported value of $40 million. In an analysis article for the Californian, Griffith stated that the facility struggled with getting enough entries for its races, which he stated led to the potential listing of KCMP alongside a decline in local racing popularity and the Kern County economy.

Tim and Lisa Huddleston purchase

In November 2023, the purchase of KCMP by duo Tim Huddleston and Lisa Huddleston was publicly announced. With the purchase, the facility was renamed to "Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway" in tribute to NASCAR Cup Series driver and Bakersfield local Kevin Harvick, who joined the track's leadership team. In 2025, the operations of the nearby dirt oval Bakersfield Speedway, which closed prior to the 2025 season, moved to the dirt oval at Kern Raceway. As a result, the dirt oval rebranded to the Bakersfield Speedway name and underwent renovations, which included the installation of new crash walls, bleachers, and catch-fence.

Events

Racing events

Kern Raceway currently hosts local NASCAR-sanctioned events. Since 2013, Kern Raceway has hosted an annual ARCA Menards Series West event (with the exception of 2021). The track also hosts an annual NASCAR Weekly Series season across four divisions, including Limited Pro Late Models, Spec Racer, Crown Vic, and Enduro. Kern Raceway also has hosted numerous non-NASCAR sanctioned series, including the CARS Tour West, the Lucas Oil Modified Series, and the SRL Southwest Tour.

Non-racing events

From 2021 until 2023, Kern Raceway hosted a charity concert named the Concert for the Causes, which donated to local Kern County non-profit organizations.

References

References

1. Fenwick, Adam. (April 20, 2022). "Kern County Raceway Park: ARCA Menards Series track profile".
2. Hart, Mike. (November 29, 2023). "'Happy' Days - Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway".
3. Kristl, Mark. (April 11, 2024). "Could Kern Raceway Host Cup?".
4. Griffith, Mike. (January 23, 2025). "Bakersfield Speedway operations set to move to Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway".
5. Griffith, Mike. (March 7, 2025). "New era to begin at Bakersfield Speedway".
6. Griffith, Mike. (October 15, 2014). "Motor Sports Notebook: Hot Rod Reunion events begin Thursday; racing starts on Friday".
7. Howard, Jonathan. (November 30, 2023). "Kevin Harvick honored by hometown track in Bakersfield".
8. Walters, Shane. (November 29, 2023). "Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway: Re-brand following new ownership".
9. Glick, Shav. (October 7, 2005). "It's the End of an Era as Mesa Marin Closes".
10. Griffith, Mike. (February 13, 2006). "Western site eyed for racing facility".
11. Griffith, Mike. (April 6, 2006). "Prep work continues for race track west of Bakersfield".
12. Burger, James. (December 14, 2006). "Race complex ready to break ground".
13. Burger, James. (December 15, 2006). "Racetrack gets green flag".
14. Burger, James. (February 7, 2007). "The green flag drops".
15. Griffith, Mike. (May 17, 2007). "On the fast track".
16. Griffith, Mike. (March 13, 2008). "New raceway hits bump in the road".
17. Griffith, Mike. (May 7, 2008). "Mike Griffith: In search for money, raceway still in first gear".
18. Griffith, Mike. (January 16, 2008). "New racetrack likely will not open until June".
19. Griffith, Mike. (July 17, 2008). "Mike Griffith: Backers seek private investors for racetrack".
20. (December 28, 2008). "Year in review: Thrilling victories, crushing tragedies".
21. Wenner, Gretchen. (January 4, 2009). "Real estate column: A flurry of transactions, collapses".
22. Wenner, Gretchen. (April 1, 2009). "Raceway slated for auction block".
23. (April 7, 2009). "Raceway gets 30-day sigh of relief".
24. Cox, John. (December 26, 2009). "What a year it was in local business".
25. Griffith, Mike. (May 17, 2013). "Many bumps on road to raceway completion".
26. Wenner, Gretchen. (June 23, 2010). "With NASCAR track foreclosed on, the future is cloudy".
27. Griffith, Mike. (February 1, 2012). "Kern County Raceway Park back on track".
28. Cook, Rachel. (February 1, 2012). "Kern County Raceway Park back on track".
29. Adaskaveg, Mike. (March 25, 2021). "James Vernon: Remembering the Kern County Supporter".
30. Griffith, Mike. (May 27, 2012). "Once a dormant project, Kern County Raceway Park now coming to life".
31. Griffith, Mike. (April 18, 2012). "Warmer weather welcome sight for soggy speedway".
32. Griffith, Mike. (June 21, 2012). "Racing piques interest of Kern County Museum".
33. Griffith, Mike. (July 12, 2012). "Speedway aims to lure entries in Street Stock".
34. Griffith, Mike. (July 26, 2012). "Famoso set for 2nd round of Saturday Night Nitro races".
35. Griffith, Mike. (August 30, 2012). "ARCA driver Reed set for Hobby Stock race".
36. Griffith, Mike. (January 17, 2013). "New county raceway unveils 2013 schedule".
37. Griffith, Mike. (December 8, 2012). "NASCAR race coming to Bakersfield raceway".
38. Griffith, Mike. (March 21, 2013). "Permit issue could delay opening of raceway".
39. Griffith, Mike. (April 9, 2013). "Opening of county raceway delayed".
40. Griffith, Mike. (April 13, 2013). "Drivers feel at home at Kern County Raceway".
41. Griffith, Mike. (April 24, 2013). "Kern Raceway opening pushed back to May 18".
42. Griffith, Mike. (May 17, 2013). "Kern County Raceway Park set to open today".
43. Griffith, Mike. (May 25, 2016). "Beard got it done at Kern County Raceway Park".
44. Scaffidi, Susan. (May 18, 2013). "Raceway Park's debut a hit for NASCAR fans".
45. Lynch, Stephen. (May 19, 2013). "Mayhew rides momentum to Late Model win".
46. Lynch, Stephen. (May 18, 2013). "15-year-old Custer rolls to victory on raceway's opening night".
47. Griffith, Mike. (March 3, 2014). "5 things to watch this season at Kern County Raceway Park".
48. Lynch, Stephen. (May 19, 2013). "Officials give inaugural Raceway event a checkered flag".
49. Lynch, Stephen. (July 26, 2013). "Talk of the Town: Kern County Raceway Park".
50. Griffith, Mike. (March 3, 2014). "Kern County Raceway back for 2nd season".
51. Griffith, Mike. (September 2, 2015). "The Dirt Track to open Friday at Kern County Raceway Park".
52. Griffith, Mike. (September 4, 2015). "Drivers glad to see new dirt track at KCRP open".
53. Griffith, Mike. (August 30, 2016). "Collins to become GM at Kern Country Raceway on Oct. 1".
54. Griffith, Mike. (August 31, 2016). "KCRP looks to build weekly program".
55. Griffith, Mike. (March 17, 2017). "Re-worked dirt track makes KCRP debut".
56. Griffith, Mike. (December 6, 2017). "Kern Raceway for sale, but 2018 racing season not impacted".
57. Wilson, Lexi. (December 7, 2017). "Kern County Raceway Park listed for sale".
58. Griffith, Mike. (December 9, 2017). "Griffith: Kern County Raceway has not been fully embraced by racers or fans".
59. (November 29, 2023). "KCRP sold, renamed Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway".
60. Rutherford, Kevin. (November 29, 2023). "Kern County Raceway Park Renamed for Kevin Harvick".
61. White, Brandon. (June 10, 2025). "Pit Box: Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway welcomes back ARCA Menards Series West for second race of 2025".
62. Delforge, Vincent. (April 20, 2022). "ARCA Menards West Series – Kern County race preview".
63. Fenwick, Adam. (November 11, 2025). "2025 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series track champions".
64. Brown, Rence. (December 21, 2025). "Champions crowned before CARS Tour West finale".
65. Griffith, Mike. (July 1, 2018). "Pounds drives to emotional victory at Bakersfield Speedway".
66. Griffith, Mike. (October 25, 2020). "Bakersfield's Thorn finds victory lane at KCRP October Classic".
67. Perez, Julie Mana-ay. (May 29, 2021). "A concert for a cause: Three nonprofits come together to benefit its programs for children, adults, veterans".
68. Vartan, Kristin. (June 6, 2021). "Concert for the Causes held to aid local non-profits".
69. Franco, Jose. (May 5, 2023). "‘Concert for the Causes’ raises money for 3 Kern County nonprofits".