For Tim Huddleston, co-owner of Kern Raceway and CARS Tour West, it's a move that will help kick the 2025 season into high gear.
"Both Kern Raceway and CARS Tour West are experiencing a lot of growth this year," said Huddleston. "We want to make sure that with each move forward—with the track and the racing series—we have an experienced partner that will help guide us along the way. That's what Mission Bank brings to the table."
At the start of the 2025 season, Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway announced that the historical Bakersfield Speedway would be relocated onto its property with a newly configured dirt track and the addition of expanded main grandstands.
Additionally, the SPEARS CARS Tour West evolved this season to include a new division within its series lineup—now made up of Super Late models, Pro Late models, Limited Pro Late models, and the Legends Tour West—and an expanded schedule of events and venues.
Mission Bank President and Chief Executive Officer A.J. Antongiovanni points to the partnership as a reflection of mutual underlying values.
"At Mission Bank, we look to align with community partners that share our values. Kevin, Tim, the Kern Raceway, and the SPEARS CARS Tour West are a perfect fit," said Antongiovanni. "We are all here to make our community a better place. Literally, we are living our purpose to fuel and grow Kern County. It's an honor to be a sponsor, but even more, their business bank."
For Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Cup veteran and co-owner of Kern Raceway and CARS Tour West, the relationship stems from a deep-rooted passion for the region and the communities within it.
"It's great to partner with an organization that has such a deep-rooted investment in Bakersfield," said Harvick. "As we grow the scope of our business at Kern Raceway and with the CARS Tour West, we look forward to working with Mission Bank along the way."
About Mission Bank
With $1.9 billion in assets, Mission Bancorp is headquartered in Bakersfield, California and is the holding company of four wholly owned subsidiaries: Mission Bank, Mission 1031 Exchange, LLC, Mission Community Development, LLC, and Nosbig 88, Inc. Mission Bank has eight Business Banking Centers, serving the greater areas of Bakersfield, Lancaster, San Luis Obispo, Stockton, Ventura, and Visalia, California. Visit Mission Bank online at www.missionbank.bank.
About Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway
Located in Bakersfield, California, Kern Raceway is a premier motorsports facility dedicated to fostering grassroots racing and providing family-friendly entertainment. With its competitive atmosphere and top-tier events, Kern Raceway continues to be a cornerstone of short-track racing on the West Coast. Visit www.kernraceway.com or follow Kern Raceway on social media for updates and more.
About SPEARS CARS Tour West
Founded in 2024, the SPEARS CARS Tour West, presented by Hoosier Racing Tire, is the premier stock car series of the West Coast. Under the ownership of California natives Tim Huddleston and Kevin Harvick, the series aims to create an organized, structured, and competitive place for racers on the West Coast. Competing at the best tracks on the West Coast, the CARS Tour West provides the space and platform to crown champions and elevate West Coast racing to the top levels of motorsports. For more information visit www.carstourwest.com.
SOURCE Mission Bank
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