Bakersfield, CA – Bakersfield’s Winston Cup star gave the 10,000 hometown fans their money’s worth with a drive from the rear of the 28 car field to win the “Big Five Series” Oasis Air 75. Harvick, who won the IROC race earlier in the day at California Speedway got to Mesa Marin Raceway only minutes before the start of the 75 lapper and started at the rear of the field.
Jason Selvidge and Bobby Aldridge brought the field to the green. Aldridge jumped out to the lead where he held the point for 26 laps. Mike Riale then took over the lead chased by Aldridge, Mike White, Brian Richardson, and Selvidge. By lap 36 Harvick was up to 8th as he methodically moved through the pack, sometimes low coming off the turns, sometimes on the outside through the high banks.
Riale held the point, with the action fierce in his mirrors, as by lap 50 it was Riale, White, Richardson, and now Harvick.
By lap 60 Harvick was up to third, then moved by White to second with 12 to go. With 8 to go Harvick made his move past Riale and then the races were for second and fourth as Richardson battled Riale for second, and White and new track record holder Gary Elmore.
Crossing the line at the checkers it was Harvick, Riale, Richardson, Elmore, White, Gene Fife, Aldridge and Selvidge.
Harvick did his patented smoke show for the crowd who was nearly exhausted from the excitement of the 75 laps of great racing.
Early in the evening Mayor Harvey Hall proclaimed this day in Bakersfield as “Kevin Harvick Day” and it sure was his day.
In the SRL Maax Lites/CAM SuperModifieds, AJ Russell of Clovis won the 30-lap main event. Defending Champion Jim Tartaglia of Reedley gave chase the entire race but was only able to muster a 2nd place finish followed by David Tuey of Bakersfield.
In the Street Stocks Defending Champion Josh Horn picked up his first win of the season. Graduates of the ChevronTexaco High School Series finished 2nd and 3rd – Jaron Parks, formerly of the Valley High Team and Josh Robinson, formerly of North High.
Where but in Bakersfield and at Mesa Marin Raceway would you see the Mayor, a former racer and championship racecar owner introduce the top brass of nine public agency departments to drive in a 12-lap main event in cars built by students at the correctional school?
The 911 Race For Youth “Chiefs” were ready for the task. Kern County Parks and Recreation Director Bob Addison was able to jump out front of Bakersfield Fire Chief Ron Fraze, who ultimately tangled with the turn 4 crash wall. BPD Chief Eric Matlock was able to move into 2nd place and hold it until the end, while Auto Club District Manager and Sponsor of the 911 series, Jeff Goldsmith picked up a 3rd place for the Kern County Fire Dept. Ed Jagels came in a solid 4th place, followed by K.C. Resource Management Director Dave Price III. In his rookie race Captain Ely Molina survived an early spin to finish 5th and Sheriff Carl Sparks picked up 6th place. Assistant Superintendent of Schools John Lindsay, the defending winner of this event in 2001, was move forward quickly, but got caught up and had to park it along with Chief Fraze.
