Feeding The ‘Fields Need For Speed

After the closing of Bakersfield’s beloved Mesa Marin Raceway back in 2005 due to a change in property owners, Race fans near and far were filled with disappointment.

Then in 2006 a plan for a new race track came about which was set to be finished in 2008, but due to the poor economy that year it wasn’t able to be completed.

Finally after years of anticipation Bakersfield will be welcoming a new track, Kern County Raceway Park. The new raceway is located just off of the I-5 near Taft highway and Emos Lane at 13500 Raceway Blvd. According to the track website, they have many exciting events planned.  The track will be hosting a variety of cars including NASCAR pro late models and mini stock cars just to name a few.

Although we still have the dirt track Speedway off of Chester Ave in north Bakersfield, or as us locals call it the “Okie Bowl”, the new raceway will bring another form of racing to the table. I anticipate great things from this new attraction, and I hope that not only race fans come out to enjoy it.  Finally Bakersfield will once again have the chance to come out with friends and family, enjoy good food and cold drinks, feel the wind carried from the momentum of the cars, smell the rubber from the tires, and feel the adrenaline from the intensity of the race. Whether you were one of the many Bakersfield Local’s who’s childhood was filled with memories of the great times at Mesa Marin Speedway, or a local who’s interest in this new attraction has been spiked, I can guarantee a great experience!