Courtesy Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway Media Relations
Bakersfield, Calif. (February 18, 2024) – Kevin Harvick has been named Grand Marshal of opening night at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway on March 2, 2024.
The championship-winning NASCAR veteran will be in attendance to help kickoff the track’s inaugural season, including dropping the green flag during the zMAX CARS Tour West fueled by El Bandido Yankee Tequila season debut.
With a NASCAR career spanning more than 20 years, Harvick retired from full-time competition at the end of the 2023 season. With a passion for grassroots racing, Harvick announced in November 2023 that he would partner with Tim and Lisa Huddleston for the launch of Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway.
The Huddleston’s, owners and promoters of Irwindale Speedway in neighboring Los Angeles County, took ownership of the former Kern County Raceway Park and renamed the track in the Bakersfield native’s honor.
The 2014 NASCAR Champion was born and raised in Bakersfield, where he launched his driving career and cut his teeth locally at the fabled Mesa Marin Raceway. Harvick was recognized for his career and contributions to the Kern County community in 2015 when Mayor Harvey Hall proclaimed March 18 as “Kevin Harvick Day.”
“You don’t get more Bakersfield than Kevin Harvick,” said Tim Huddleston. “His work ethic, his values, his never-give-up determination—he’s the real deal. To have him partner with us and launch this new chapter at this incredible race facility is really exciting. He loves this sport, the local community, and wants to ensure there’s always a home for racing in Kern County.”
For Harvick, the newly formed partnership signals a deeper appreciation for the region, its racing history, and the drivers that are shaping its future.
“Growing up in Kern County and being a part of the local racing community was instrumental in my career,” said Harvick. “It’s always been important for me to give back to the community that gave me so much and partnering with Tim and Lisa (Huddleston) was a great way to do that. I’m excited to be at the track for opening weekend and watch the next generation of local racers compete.”
As part of the partnership, Harvick works closely with track leadership to focus on ways to provide the best possible experience for drivers, fans, and the local motorsports community.
Click on the link for tickets and info. https://kernraceway.ticketspice.com/opening-night
