By Steven Blakesley
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (June 23, 2026) – Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway honors one of the facility’s most beloved supporters this Saturday with the 15th annual Richie McGowan Memorial on June 27. The event features Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds and Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMods.
The IMCA Modifieds will race for $1,032 to win, while the IMCA Northern SportMods will compete for a $632 winner’s share. Both divisions will utilize a draw/redraw format.
Grandstands open at 5:30 p.m., with free on-track autographs beginning at 6:30 p.m. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 7 p.m.
Race fans can save $2 on general admission tickets by purchasing in advance at BakersfieldSpeedway.com. General admission is $18 online, including all fees, or $20 at the gate. Tickets for children ages 6-12 are $10 in advance or $12 at the gate, while children ages 5 and under are admitted free.
Parking is free of charge. Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway is located at 13500 Raceway Blvd. near Enos Lane and Interstate 5 in Bakersfield.
McGowan was an important figure at Bakersfield Speedway as both a racer and competitor, alongside his daughter Tina. His memorial race has become one of the most cherished traditions on the annual schedule during its 15-year history.
Tyler Bannister has enjoyed a brilliant rookie campaign in the IMCA Modifieds and leads the points standings with two victories. 2024 champion Gavyn Manning sits second, also with two wins, followed by Markus Frazier, Rob Sanders and Justin Crockett. Defending track champion Brad Pounds won the 2025 McGowan Memorial, and Saturday’s $1,032-to-win feature could prove pivotal in the championship chase. The winner will also become eligible to qualify for the Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational at the 2026 Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s.
Jason Bannister captured the 2025 McGowan Memorial for the IMCA Northern SportMods and leads the 2026 standings. His three victories have helped him build a slim two-point advantage over Matthew Frazier. Ethan Johnson, Nicholas Johnson and Santiago Lopez round out the current top five heading into Saturday’s 25-lap feature.
Track, California State, and national points will be awarded in both Speedway Motors IMCA Weekly divisions, while IMCA Modified competitors will additionally compete for DeVilbiss Racing Chassis Western Region points.
For more information, visit BakersfieldSpeedway.com or follow Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway on social media.
Fans unable to attend in person can watch all the action live on IMCA TV affiliate TrackVision TV powered by Low Budget TV.
