After nearly eight decades of dirt track racing, Bakersfield Speedway—also known as the “Okie Bowl”—has officially closed its doors. The historic Oildale track, which has been a staple of grassroots motorsports since the late 1940s, is now transitioning its operations to Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway.
A Legacy Built on Dirt
The Birth of Bakersfield Speedway
Bakersfield Speedway first opened in 1946, just after the end of World War II, when the country was experiencing a surge in motorsports enthusiasm. Returning soldiers and mechanics who had worked on military vehicles were eager to test their skills in competitive racing, and the demand for dirt tracks was growing.
The track was founded as a 1/3-mile clay oval, designed to provide a challenging yet exciting racing surface for stock cars, midgets, and modifieds. It quickly became a go-to destination for local racers looking to prove themselves, and its Saturday night races became a Bakersfield tradition.
The “Okie Bowl” and Its Cultural Impact
The nickname “Okie Bowl” originated due to the large number of Dust Bowl migrants who had settled in the Bakersfield area during the 1930s and 1940s. Many of these hardworking men, having left Oklahoma, Texas, and other Midwest states in search of a better life, found themselves drawn to auto racing. The track became a social hub where factory workers, oil field hands, and farm laborers could come together, race, and forget about their struggles for a night.
Racing at Bakersfield Speedway was raw, fast, and fiercely competitive. The local racers weren’t just weekend warriors; they were mechanics, welders, and fabricators who built their own cars and learned to push the limits. The Okie Bowl was a place where talent mattered more than money, and where a driver’s reputation was earned through sweat and speed.
Legendary Racers of Bakersfield Speedway
Over the years, Bakersfield Speedway became a breeding ground for future racing stars. Some of the most famous names in motorsports got their start or made a name for themselves on its dirt.
• Kevin Harvick – The NASCAR Cup Series champion, born and raised in Bakersfield, began his racing career on dirt before making the jump to asphalt and eventually NASCAR’s highest level.
• Gary Scelzi – A four-time NHRA champion, Scelzi grew up around dirt racing before making a name in drag racing.
• Billy Wilkerson – A dominant force in sprint car racing, Wilkerson was a hometown hero at the speedway.
• Jimmy Sills – A three-time USAC Silver Crown champion who also raced at Bakersfield Speedway before competing at a national level.
• “The Gasman” Rick Goudy – A fan favorite in modifieds and sprint cars, known for his aggressive driving style.
Beyond these big names, the speedway was filled with local legends and working-class heroes who fought for victories every Saturday night. Racers like Larry Hood, Doug Fort, and George Snider became well-known within the community, battling week after week for bragging rights and championship glory.
Ownership Through the Years
Throughout its 79-year history, Bakersfield Speedway saw several owners, each contributing to its legacy and ensuring its survival through changing times.
• Gil Bartlett (1946–1955) – One of the original founders, Bartlett was instrumental in establishing Bakersfield Speedway as a premier dirt track in California. Under his leadership, the track gained popularity among stock car and midget racers.
• Earl Mansell (1955–1972) – A former racer himself, Mansell took over in the mid-1950s and expanded the track’s reputation. He introduced new divisions and helped establish a structured points system, drawing more competitors.
• George “Red” Looney (1972–1980) – Looney brought a new level of professionalism to the speedway, focusing on improving the facility and attracting bigger events. During his tenure, car counts increased, and the track became a proving ground for future stars.
• Blake Robertson (1980–1999) – A former racer turned promoter, Robertson modernized the speedway by upgrading the racing surface and expanding its schedule. Under his leadership, Bakersfield Speedway thrived as one of the best dirt tracks on the West Coast.
• Scott Schweitzer (1999–2024) – Schweitzer was one of the longest-serving owners, overseeing the speedway’s operations for over two decades. His commitment to the track and its racers kept it alive through tough economic times. He was responsible for introducing new classes, improving safety measures, and maintaining the speedway’s reputation as a top-tier dirt racing venue.
Schweitzer’s tenure ultimately saw the track through to its final years, and he played a key role in the transition to Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway.
A New Home at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway
With Bakersfield Speedway closing, its racing legacy will continue at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway. Harvick, who has always been passionate about preserving and growing grassroots racing, has ensured that local racers and fans will still have a premier venue to call home. Many of the divisions and events that made Bakersfield Speedway famous will now take place at Kern Raceway, providing a modern facility while maintaining the spirit of the Okie Bowl.
Located just outside of Bakersfield, Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway features both asphalt and dirt tracks, allowing for an expanded racing program and improved fan experience. The transition represents not just the end of one era, but the beginning of another, as Harvick’s vision for the future of racing in Bakersfield takes shape.
Farewell to a Racing Icon
For generations of racers and fans, Bakersfield Speedway was more than just a Saturday night destination—it was a way of life. The smell of burning fuel, the roar of engines under the lights, and the fierce wheel-to-wheel battles created memories that will last forever.
While its closure is bittersweet, the move to Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway ensures that dirt track racing in Bakersfield will not only survive but thrive in the years to come. The spirit of the Okie Bowl—one built on hard work, raw talent, and a love for racing—will never fade.
As Bakersfield Speedway waves the checkered flag one final time, its history will live on in every lap turned at Kern Raceway. The Okie Bowl may be gone, but its legacy will never be forgotten.