If there’s one thing American motorsport fans can agree on, it’s that dirt racing is the soul of the sport. Tracks like Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 and Bakersfield Speedway have been the cradle of racing legends and the lifeblood of local communities for decades. But the times, as they say, are changing. Rising costs, dwindling attendance, and ownership shakeups have been closing the gates on these hallowed grounds. It’s gut-wrenching for everyone who’s ever cheered from the stands or slung dirt from the driver’s seat.

For a while, it looked like Bakersfield Speedway—home to 79 years of grit and glory—might be next in line to fade into the past. And then, Kevin Harvick stepped in with a plan that no one saw coming but everyone can get behind.

Bakersfield Speedway’s next chapter: A move to Kern Raceway

Bakersfield Speedway is packing up and heading over to Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway Dirt Track for the 2025 season. Announced by Scott Schweitzer of Bakersfield Speedway and Tim Huddleston of Kern Raceway, the plan merges two California icons into one all-new racing destination.

This decision closes the book on the Chester Avenue track, a fixture since 1946. It’s bittersweet, no question. But the move—just 23 miles down the road—opens the door to something truly special. Kern Raceway, which started dirt racing in 2015, is getting a serious upgrade to match the occasion.

“We cannot begin to express our excitement at this opportunity to partner with Scott Schweitzer,” said Huddleston, brimming with enthusiasm to Floracing. “Kevin and I are looking forward to this chance to elevate motorsports in Kern County with a full season of dirt track racing!”

And they’re not kidding about elevating things. Kern Raceway is gearing up with over 2,000 more seats, a VIP booth, a brand-new press box, and a reworked scoring tower. On top of that, the track itself is getting a tweak—reshaping the exit of turn two into the entrance of turn three—to dial up the on-track drama.

This isn’t simply about relocating a dirt track—it’s about preserving a legacy. Bakersfield Speedway has been a proving ground for generations of racers like Indy Car Legend Rick Mears, his brother and ‘Off-road Specialist’ Roger Mears, Busch Series Most popular driver of 2000 Ron Hornaday Jr. and, of course, Kevin Harvick. And now, thanks to this partnership, its story gets to continue.

And for Kevin Harvick, this will be about more than a simple business move. Born and raised in Bakersfield, Harvick knows firsthand what this track means to the community and the sport. By investing in Kern Raceway and teaming up with Bakersfield Speedway, he’s giving back to the sport that launched his career and the town that shaped him. It’s one of the reasons why Kern Raceway was named in his honor in late 2023 when he joined in as a track partner.

It’s also a sign of the times in motorsports where partnerships and innovation are becoming the keys to survival. With Federated Auto Parts Raceway undergoing its own transition, the racing world is clearly in flux. But with leaders like Harvick and Huddleston steering the ship, the future of grassroots racing looks brighter than it has in years.

Tradition meets innovation at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway

Trending

1

Kevin Harvick Rejoices at NASCAR’s Lawsuit Loss As Tony Stewart Earns Millions of Dollars

2

Kevin Harvick Warns NASCAR Drivers About Brad Keselowski’s Silent Moves

3

NASCAR Hall of Famer Awaits Retaliation From Kyle Busch After Mocking Rowdy’s Legal Troubles in Mexico

4

Jeff Gordon Demands Answers From NASCAR After Controversial “Popularity Contest” Rule to Favor 1 Cup Series Team

5

Kyle Busch Continues to Ignore Warnings as He Lays Down His 9-YO Sons Career Blueprint

The address may be changing, but Bakersfield Speedway’s heart and soul will be making the trip intact. Fans can rest easy knowing the 2025 season lineup is sticking to the classics: IMCA Modifieds, Sport Modifieds, Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, and American Stocks. The season kicks off on March 8 with the IMCA opening night, and the schedule is packed from there with championship battles and big-name events.

Schweitzer and his team aren’t going anywhere either—they’ll still be calling the shots trackside. “Crissy, Dakota, Brody, and myself are overwhelmed that everyone at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Racing was excited to have us as a part of this state-of-the-art racing facility. We look forward to taking the dirt racing experience at Kern Raceway to the next level for all the racers, crew members, and race fans starting March 8th.” Schweitzer shared.

And that’s not just talk. The season is shaping up to be one for the books. On March 21, the Kubota High Limit Racing 410 Sprint Cars make their highly anticipated debut. Then, on September 12, the NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws rolls into town. Add to that the NARC 410 Sprint Cars and USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midgets, and you’ve got a lineup that could make even the most jaded racing fan sit up and take notice.

But it’s not all about the new and flashy. Longtime fans of Bakersfield Speedway can breathe a sigh of relief knowing cherished traditions like the McGowan Memorial (June 28), the Mike Moshier Classic (August 16), and the Bud Nationals (October 10 and 11) aren’t going anywhere. They’ll just have a new home. Mark your calendars—March 8 is when it all begins at the new Bakersfield Speedway at Kern Raceway. With upgraded facilities, a jam-packed schedule, and a renewed sense of purpose, the 2025 season is shaping up to be a landmark year for dirt track racing in Kern County.

“Partnering with Tim and Kevin on the dirt track is an amazing opportunity for us, and we can’t wait to get started,” Schweitzer said.

And really, isn’t that what this sport is all about? Holding onto the things that matter while embracing the possibilities of what’s next. So, while it’s tough to say goodbye to 79 years of history on Chester Avenue, there’s no denying the thrill of what’s waiting just down the road.