NEW TRACK ANNOUNCED IN KERN COUNTY; COLLINS FAMILY INVOLVED

BAKERSFIELD, California -- On June 8th, the racing community and the entire Kern County community was shocked by the news that Mesa Marin Raceway would be closing its gates after 28 years of operation. Today, an announcement that may have delivered similar shockwaves, but ones that were met with elation by the more than one hundred Mesa Marin supporters, members of the media and local public officials on hand for a luncheon at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace.

At today’s luncheon, Mesa Marin Raceway founder Marion Collins expressed gratitude to all those who had supported Mesa Marin Raceway over the years.

Mayor Harvey L. Hall and Supervisor Ray Watson were then invited on stage as both made brief comments before they unveiled a rendering of “Kern County’s New Home to NASCAR”. A new paved half-mile tri-oval, which is a joint venture between the Collins Family and the Destefani Family of Bakersfield

Following Mayors Hall’s and Supervisor Watson’s announcement, the audience was then pleasantly surprised to hear Kevin Harvick via phone from North Carolina over the Crystal Palace’s sound system.

“I’m glad to see the racing tradition continue in Bakersfield, and I look forward to coming back to race in front of my hometown once again.” Harvick commented.

Harvick then went on and expressed interest in being part of the first race to be held at the new track.

Following Harvick’s phone interview, Larry Collins the General Manager of “Kern County’s New Home to NASCAR” was invited to the podium.

“On June 8th when we made the announcement of the closing of Mesa Marin, we had no idea that we would be back in the racetrack business", stated Collins.

"Immediately after the announcement on June 8th, we began to understand how much racing meant to our community, and the willingness of no less than seven different groups who inquired about working with us on a future raceway project." Collins continued.

"A casual conversation with the Destefani Family about a new track, sent the wheels in motion and we found a great fit in working with the Destefani’s” Collins continued.

"With the sport of NASCAR growing to great heights, and the growth of our community growing at unprecedented levels, the time is right for a new motorsports venue." Collins added.

The new track is planned on 80 acres, which is owned by the Destefani’s at the intersection of Interstate 5 and Highway 43, just 20 minutes from downtown Bakersfield.

Details of the new project include; a half-mile banked tri-oval racetrack, a full service pit lane, vehicle and pedestrian tunnel access to the pit area, a smaller oval inside the half-mile, a 1/8 mile drag strip adjacent to the oval, corporate suites, paved parking, children's playground, an industrial park, electronic scoring system, and a polymer based asphalt racing surface.

Planned opening is 2007, with a full schedule of events featuring NASCAR weekly racing, NASCAR Grand National West and Southwest Series, the SRL Late Model Series, the High School Racing Series, Supermoto, ASA Speed Trucks, Sport Compacts and more.

"The track is designed to be versatile, we want to offer a dynamic schedule of events and activities on these grounds and offer people many uses and many great days and nights of family entertainment." Collins said.

“We can’t thank the Destefani Family enough for their desire and efforts to bring NASCAR racing back to our community.” Collins concluded.

For more information please go to www.kerncountynascar.com.

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