On February 28, 2026, Mason Massey from Georgia secured a triumphant win in his first ARCA Menards Series West race at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway in Bakersfield, California. Racing for Bill McAnally Racing, Massey captured the Oil Workers 150 title after two intense overtime restarts, marking a memorable debut while showcasing his talent on a demanding circuit.
Intense Duel with Sean Hingorani Shapes the Race’s Outcome
Massey faced a persistent challenge from two-time series champion Sean Hingorani of Newport Beach, who was determined to defend his home track in the Central Coast Racing No. 13 Toyota. After trading leads and battling through tight competition on restarts, Massey ultimately prevailed by making decisive moves under pressure.
I don’t know man we got kind of tight there towards the end. It got tight on me and I had to make something happen on that restart there with (Sean Hingorani). He was really fast. I just had to run him up a little bit and get by him. He did a good job racing me clean,
Massey said.
I just had to go earn it out there and had to make it happen. I still can’t believe it. Hopefully two-for-two next week at Phoenix. It’s a really good track for me.
Massey added.
Race Highlights and Key Moments from Kern Raceway
Clovis driver Jade Avedisian initially secured the pole position, but Hingorani quickly took the lead from the outside pole at the start of the race. The advantage of the outside line was apparent during much of the event, especially when Hingorani led 2025 champion Trevor Huddleston on a restart. Mechanical issues sidelined Madera’s Robbie Kennealy on lap 59, while rookie Mia Lovell’s spin prompted a halfway caution.
When racing resumed, Massey gained momentum by overtaking Huddleston for second place. With fewer than 25 laps remaining, another caution was issued after Lovell spun while contesting with Jaiden Reyna. Seizing the opportunity, Massey challenged Hingorani on the inside down the backstretch to claim first place. Contact between the two drivers in turns three and four created a brief but thrilling three-wide battle with 15-year-old local driver Taylor Mayhew, after which Massey pulled ahead.
Final Overtime Restarts Decide the Winner and Podium
The first overtime attempt saw Hingorani trying to regain the lead in turns one and two, but he could not surpass Massey. A collision between rookies Mia Lovell and Julian DaCosta on the backstretch forced a second overtime restart. On this final push, Massey surged ahead to take the victory. Eric Nascimento Jr., a Central California native, finished in second place, followed by Mayhew in third. Huddleston managed to move up to fourth, with Hingorani settling for fifth.
It’s super cool. Starting in the back wasn’t ideal obviously. I kind of played the patience game and worked our way up slowly. We were there at the end. I couldn’t be more happy about my team, my spotter Spencer Davis, and everybody who helps out on this MMI machine. Pretty good for the first race,
Mayhew reflected.
Significance of Massey’s Victory and Upcoming Prospects
Mason Massey’s impressive debut win at Kern Raceway has added momentum for Bill McAnally Racing early in the 2026 ARCA Menards Series West season. His ability to hold off tough competition from accomplished drivers like Sean Hingorani and Trevor Huddleston highlights his potential to contend in upcoming races. With Massey eyeing a follow-up success at next week’s event in Phoenix, this victory could be a launching point for a strong championship campaign.
