Kiefer Caps Bud Nationals With Modified Victory at Bakersfield
By Steven Blakesley BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2026) — Austin Kiefer of Corona, Calif., led the way in the 40th annual Budweiser Nationals on Saturday night at Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway, winning the $1,500-to-win Karl Kustoms IMCA Modified feature to cap a weekend of dirt track action. Kiefer set fast time for the Karl Kustoms IMCA Modifieds before winning his heat race and the dash. Brad Pounds claimed the other heat race before joining Kiefer on the front row of the 25-lap feature. Kiefer controlled the main event from the pole and drove to the $1,500 victory, with Pounds finishing second. Robby Sawyer was third, followed by Friday night winner Gavyn Manning and Tyler Bannister. Kiefer also earned the commemorative trophy as the overall Bud Nationals Modified champion. Both nights served as qualifiers for the 2027 Fast Shafts All-Star Modified Invitational. Manning’s $1,000 Friday victory and Kiefer’s Saturday triumph put both drivers on the eligibility list to attempt to qualify at next September’s Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s. Wilson Rules [Read More]
