July 22, 2026

Bakersfield Summer Spectacular Set for Saturday Night

Events, Modified, News, Northern SportMod, Stock Car

By Steven Blakesley

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (July 22, 2026) — Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway returns to action on the dirt this Saturday night with the Summer Spectacular, featuring Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds, Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods, and Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars competing under Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly Racing sanction on the one-third-mile oval.

Pit gates open at 3 p.m., with grandstands opening at 5:30 p.m. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 7 p.m.

Drivers making their first start of the 2026 season will receive one complimentary pit pass. Fans can save $2 by purchasing tickets in advance through the speedway’s website. General admission is $18 online or $20 at the gate. Admission for children ages 6-12 is $10 in advance or $12 at the gate, while children ages 5 and under are admitted free. Parking is free.

Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds will battle in a 25-lap feature paying $750 to win.

Rookie Tyler Bannister enters the night atop the standings with three feature victories and top-five finishes in all eight starts this season. Gavyn Manning sits second in points, followed by Markus Frazier, Rob Sanders and Brad Pounds.

The Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods will also contest a 25-lap main event with $600 going to the winner.

Jason Bannister leads the championship standings after collecting four feature victories this season. Matthew Frazier ranks second in points, followed by Ethan Johnson, Nicholas Johnson and Alyssa Smith.

Sunoco IMCA Stock Cars make their fifth appearance of the season with Jacob VanEssen carrying the points lead after winning three of the first four events.

Billy Simkins trails by just seven markers in second, while Justin Villanueva, Raymond Noland and Austin Pugh complete the top five in the championship standings.

Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway is located at 13500 Raceway Blvd. in Bakersfield, just off Interstate 5 near Enos Lane. Fans can find additional event information and purchase advance tickets through the speedway’s official website.

bakersfieldspeedway

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Hobby Stock

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Events

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Feature

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