The 2026 ARCA Menards Series West season opened on Saturday night at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway, a half-mile paved oval hosting 22 cars. Rookie Jade Avedisian secured her first career pole position, with Sean Hingorani, Robbie Kennealy, Mason Massey, and Trevor Huddleston completing the top five starters. Mason Massey secured a thrilling ARCA victory after a tense overtime battle, highlighting the intense competition of the season’s opener.
The race began shortly before 8:10 p.m. ET with Sean Hingorani taking the lead from the start. Early on, Massey quickly advanced, passing pole-sitter Avedisian and settling into third position as the event unfolded.
Race Developments and Cautions Shape a Tense Competition
Massey began closing in on leader Hingorani after 30 laps, signaling a fierce challenge. A caution came out on lap 36 when Andrew Chapman’s car stalled in turn two, briefly regrouping the field. After the restart at lap 45, Hingorani resumed the lead, but a subsequent caution involving Robbie Kennealy on the front stretch tightened competition. Officials cleared the incident, and Hingorani led the restart with 13 laps before a scheduled five-minute break.
During the halftime, the teams were allowed to make adjustments, but tire changes remained prohibited. Hingorani maintained first position on the restart, followed by Trevor Huddleston, Massey, Joey Iest, and Hailie Deegan.
Rivalries Intensify as Multiple Cautions Impact Late-Race Strategy
The race saw additional caution periods that reshaped running order and strategies. A debris caution on lap 101 allowed Alonso Salinas to gain the “free pass” and set the scene for a critical restart with 44 laps remaining; Hingorani and Massey lined up on the front row. Massey briefly challenged Hingorani’s lead but chose to maintain a patient approach. Another crash involving Mia Lovell and Jaiden Reyna led to a yellow flag on lap 136 and a pivotal restart between Massey and Hingorani.
Massey took the lead with 14 laps left, but a multi-car collision involving Cody Dennison, Eric Rhead, and Alonso Salinas resulted in another caution. Eric Johnson Jr. earned the free pass, advancing in position during this interruption. With just six laps to go, Massey remained up front as a fierce contest erupted for second place, featuring Mayhew, who had started from the rear due to adjustments, challenging Hingorani.
Overtime Drama Seals Massey’s First Career Win
A late crash involving Gavin Ray, Mia Lovell, and Julian DaCosta forced the race into ARCA overtime. Massey leading the field, held off challengers including Mayhew, Hingorani, Eric Nascimento Jr., and Huddleston on the first overtime restart. However, just before the white flag, Jaiden Reyna spun, pushing the race into a second overtime attempt.
Officials reviewed the prior restart to ensure fairness, confirming that Mayhew did not jump the start despite the close battle for position. The second overtime restart saw Massey pull away decisively, maintaining his lead to the finish line in the No. 19 Chevrolet. This victory marked Massey’s first career ARCA West win during his inaugural start in the series.
Eric Nascimento Jr. finished strongly in second, followed by Mayhew, Huddleston, and Hingorani to round out the top five. Other notable top-10 finishers included Hailie Deegan, Joey Iest, Jade Avedisian, Gavin Ray, and Cole Denton.
Looking Ahead: ARCA Focus Shifts to Phoenix Raceway
The ARCA Menards Series West will race next at Phoenix Raceway in a combined event with ARCA’s national series. The General Tire 150 is scheduled for Thursday and will broadcast live on FOX Sports 1 and MRN Radio at 6:00 p.m. ET, promising more high-stakes racing action as the season progresses.
