Kern County Raceway Park

Situated in Bakersfield, California, Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway is a state-of-the-art racing venue that has become a staple of West Coast motorsports. Originally opened in 2013 as Kern County Raceway Park, the track was designed as a modern replacement for Mesa Marin Raceway, offering a premier facility for NASCAR-sanctioned events and local racing divisions.

Under its new ownership in 2023, the track was renamed in honor of NASCAR champion and Bakersfield native, Kevin Harvick, solidifying its place as a hub for short-track racing in California.

A Track Built for High-Speed Competition

At the heart of Kern Raceway is its half-mile paved oval, which boasts:

–8° banking on the straightaways

–14° progressive banking in the corners

–Grandstands accommodating up to 15,000 spectators, with room for expansion to 17,000 seats

–21 luxury suites, providing an elevated race-day experience

–18 concession stands, ensuring fans have access to food and beverages

The progressive banking and elevation changes of the track provide competitive racing conditions similar to Irwindale Speedway, making it a challenging yet rewarding circuit for drivers.

A Versatile Racing Complex

Beyond the paved oval, Kern Raceway offers a variety of motorsports facilities that cater to different disciplines of racing.

0.333-Mile Asymmetrical Clay Oval

Located just north of the paved track, this third-mile dirt oval opened in 2015 and features:

–4,000-seat capacity for dirt track racing fans

–Unique turns (Turns 1-2 are tighter than Turns 3-4) for added technical challenge

–Host to major sprint car and midget racing events, including:

–NARC King of the West Sprint Cars

–USAC West Coast Sprint Cars & Midgets

Motocross & Future Developments

Adding to its versatility, the northwest side of the property features a motocross track, making it an all-around motorsports destination. Additionally, plans have been made to introduce:

–A 1/8-mile drag strip

–A 1/4-mile infield oval

These additions will further cement Kern Raceway’s position as a premier motorsports complex in California.

Diverse Racing Divisions

Kern Raceway continues to host a wide range of competitive racing divisions, making it an exciting venue for drivers at various levels of experience. The track features Pro Late Models, CITGO Late Models, Spec-Mods, Street Stocks, Mini Stocks, Legends Cars, Bandoleros, and Mini Dwarfs, ensuring diverse competition throughout the season. These divisions allow young racers to develop their skills, while seasoned drivers engage in high-intensity battles on the track. Special events have also played a role in shaping the track’s identity, with exhibitions like drifting, Super Trucks, and Thunder Roadsters adding variety to the schedule.

A Modern Facility with Top-Tier Amenities

Kern Raceway’s modern infrastructure is designed to provide both fans and racers with a top-tier motorsports experience. Key amenities include:

–Expansive Pit Areas - Large enough to accommodate transporters, race teams, and equipment.

–Luxury Suites & Grandstand Seating - Providing a premium viewing experience for spectators.

–Trackside Concessions - Offering a wide range of food and drink options. Lighting for Night Racing - Ensuring that evening races deliver an electrifying atmosphere.

Why Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway Stands Out

Kern Raceway’s combination of modern design, rich racing history, and diverse motorsports offerings makes it one of the most well-rounded racing venues on the West Coast.

What sets it apart?

A challenging, high-speed half-mile oval that delivers intense short-track battles. A dirt track component, providing a home for sprint cars and midget racing. A commitment to driver development, with divisions for rookies and veterans alike. Strong NASCAR ties, having hosted the ARCA Menards Series West and Weekly Racing Series events since 2013.

For fans of short-track stock car racing, sprint car action, and grassroots motorsports, Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway is a must-visit destination. With a modern facility, diverse race programs, and a deep connection to West Coast racing history, this track continues to be a cornerstone of Bakersfield’s racing scene.

Whether you’re a dedicated race fan, an aspiring driver, or a casual spectator looking for high-energy entertainment, Kern Raceway offers an unforgettable motorsports experience.