Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway Mourns the Loss of Robert Rice, the “Master of Mayhem”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway Mourns the Loss of Robert Rice, the “Master of Mayhem”
(October 4th, 2025 – Bakersfield, CA) – Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway is heartbroken to announce the passing of Robert Rice, a beloved racer known to fans everywhere as the “Master of Mayhem”and the driving force behind the Night of Destruction series.
Kern Raceway CEO, Tim Huddleston, said, “On behalf of myself and my wife Lisa, it is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend, Robert Rice. Robert’s passion, energy, and showmanship made him the very soul of Night of Destruction. His love for entertaining and his commitment to this community touched everyone who came through our gates. While his absence will be felt profoundly, the joy and tradition he created will live on forever.”
Robert’s impact on motorsports stretched far beyond the arena of destruction. He was a multi-time NASCAR champion and one of Irwindale Speedway’s winningest drivers. A pioneer of skid plate racing and a decorated demolition derby competitor, he helped shape grassroots racing in Southern California.
While Kern Raceway became his home in recent years, Irwindale Speedway always held a special place in his heart, and it was there that much of his enduring legacy as the “Master of Mayhem” was built — and where he was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of racing alongside and sharing victory lane with his son, Robert John Rice.
Together with his partner, the “Queen of Destruction” Cheryl Hyland, his nephew Rider Gardner, and the amazing team at Robert Rice Racing who worked tirelessly at his side, Robert transformed Night of Destruction into more than just an event — he made it a spectacle that defined Irwindale Speedway and thrilled fans year after year.
Robert’s legacy lives far beyond the track. It is carried in the families who made Night of Destruction their tradition, in the laughter of children who grew up watching his stunts, and in the grassroots racing community he helped shape across Southern California. He will forever be part of the story of Kern Raceway, Irwindale Speedway, and motorsports history.
He is survived by his son Robert John Rice, his loving partner Cheryl Hyland, Nicole and Jesse Lutz, Jimmy Nordin, and his nephews Race and Rider Gardner.
All of us at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway will miss him deeply.
