BY: KHKR
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (February 24,2025)—Bakersfield-based Mission Bank has been named the official business bank of both Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway and the SPEARS CARS Tour West, presented by Hoosier Racing Tire, racing series.
The partnership will bridge Mission Bank’s financial expertise and acumen with the expanding business objectives of Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway and the SPEARS CARS Tour West.
For Tim Huddleston, co-owner of Kern Raceway and CARS Tour West, it’s a move that will help kick the 2025 season into high gear.
“Both Kern Raceway and CARS Tour West are experiencing a lot of growth this year,” said Huddleston. “We want to make sure that with each move forward—with the track and the racing series—we have an experienced partner that will help guide us along the way. That’s what Mission Bank brings to the table.”
At the start of the 2025 season, Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway announced that the historical Bakersfield Speedway would be relocated onto its property with a newly configured dirt track and the addition of expanded main grandstands.
Additionally, the SPEARS CARS Tour West evolved this season to include a new division within its series lineup—now made up of Super Late models, Pro Late models, Limited Pro Late models, and the Legends Tour West—and an expanded schedule of events and venues.
Mission Bank President and Chief Executive Officer A.J. Antongiovanni points to the partnership as a reflection of mutual underlying values.
“At Mission Bank, we look to align with community partners that share our values. Kevin, Tim, the Kern Raceway, and the SPEARS CARS Tour West are a perfect fit,” said Antongiovanni. “We are all here to make our community a better place. Literally, we are living our purpose to fuel and grow Kern County. It’s an honor to be a sponsor, but even more, their business bank.”
For Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Cup veteran and co-owner of Kern Raceway and CARS Tour West, the relationship stems from a deep-rooted passion for the region and the communities within it.
“It’s great to partner with an organization that has such a deep-rooted investment in Bakersfield,” said Harvick. “As we grow the scope of our business at Kern Raceway and with the CARS Tour West, we look forward to working with Mission Bank along the way.”
