BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Bakersfield is set for one of its biggest open-wheel nights of the year as Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway hosts the 11th annual Jason Leffler Memorial this Tuesday, Nov. 25.
The spectacular event brings the USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midgets back to town, with the nation’s top dirt racers battling for a commanding $10,000-to-win prize. Tuesday’s event marks the second-to-last race of the USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midget season, adding major championship implications to the night’s action.
Few cars in motorsports deliver the kind of thrill these lightning-quick Midgets produce. Compact, powerful and visibly on the edge every lap, they’re widely considered the most exciting open-wheel race cars anywhere — and Tuesday’s entry list backs that up with star power.
A red-hot field is expected, including drivers who already know how to win at Kern Raceway in winged sprint car action. Buddy Kofoid, a 2025 World of Outlaws feature winner, and Corey Day, the 2023 NARC victor, are both slated to compete. They’ll join USAC’s championship-chasing regulars, where every point matters in the series’ penultimate round.
The title fight remains tight entering Tuesday: Oklahoma’s Cannon McIntosh leads the standings with 1,357 points, followed by Justin Grant (1,293), Jacob Denney (1,263), Kevin Thomas Jr. (1,257), Gavin Miller (1,148), Kale Drake (1,145) and Logan Seavey (1,094).
All will be hunting a critical victory as the championship picture comes into focus. NASCAR Cup Series driver Ty Gibbs is also expected to join the field.
California’s own talent will be well-represented. Lemoore native Carson Macedo, a 58-time World of Outlaws winner, headlines the West Coast contingent, along with Castro Valley’s Jake Andreotti, and Bakersfield locals Jett Yantis and Broedy Graham.
The night also marks the ninth annual Western States Championship for the California Lightning Sprints, closing out their 2025 season.
The series has produced three different winners in its three appearances at Kern Raceway this year — Eric Greco, Jeff Dyer, and Bobby Michnowicz — and Tuesday’s $500-to-win finale is expected to be just as competitive. Aiden Lange of Lakewood brings a 52-point lead over Drake Cardey of Riverside into the championship decider.
With national stars, local favorites, a championship on the line, and one of the most emotional races of the season honoring four-time USAC national champion Jason Leffler, Tuesday night promises to be a can’t-miss event for race fans.
Like this:
Like Loading…