Military Appreciation Night Set to Roar at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway with CARS Tour West Showcase

The stars of the CARS Tour West are ready to light up Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway this Saturday night as Military Appreciation Night brings one of the biggest stock car showcases of the season to Bakersfield.

After an intense Friday practice session that saw teams unloading speed and dialing in setups under the Central Valley sun, anticipation is building for a stacked night of racing featuring the Spears CARS Tour West headline divisions alongside a full slate of local favorites and fan-favorite support classes.

The spotlight shines brightest on the Spears CARS Tour West Pro Late Models, where rising young talent Keelan Harvick is set to take on a tough field that includes Bakersfield-area standouts Taylor Mayhew and Buddy Shepherd. Friday’s practice sessions showed just how competitive the field could be, with teams searching for every bit of speed ahead of Saturday’s main event under the lights.

The CARS Tour West Limited Pro Late Models are also expected to provide plenty of fireworks. Current points leader Kenna Mitchell enters the weekend carrying momentum into Kern Raceway, while Tanner Huddleston and Christian Bazen look to defend home turf against one of the strongest touring fields of the year.

Adding to the packed evening will be action from the always-entertaining INEX Legends, Crown Vics, Spec Racers, and the wildly unpredictable Trailer Race that routinely leaves fans talking long after the checkered flag falls.

Friday’s practice gave fans an early preview of what’s to come, with drivers pushing hard to find the limit around the fast half-mile oval. Crews worked late into the evening making adjustments as the competitive tone for Saturday’s showdown was clearly established before race day even arrived.