Nicholas Johnson Wins Comeback Victory in Bakersfield SportMod Race

Johnson bounces back from opening night flip to take checkered flag

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Following a prolific 2025 season at Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway across the stock car classes, Nicholas Johnson took on the IMCA SportMods in 2026. His season opener in February ended on his lid, but he quickly regained his form at the one-third mile dirt track on Saturday's March Madness with a coveted comeback victory.

Why it matters

Johnson's comeback win after a dramatic opening night flip highlights the competitive nature of the SportMod division at Bakersfield Speedway. The track, owned by NASCAR star Kevin Harvick, has become a premier destination for grassroots racing in California.

The details

Johnson dominated his heat race then lined up third for the 25-lap SportMod feature. Brother Ethan Johnson jumped ahead at the start, but Nicholas used a restart on the second lap to take over the lead and never looked back, cruising to the victory. Tate Lofts drove from eighth to finish second, with Chris McKellar, 2024 champion Jason Bannister, and Alyssa Smith rounding out the top-five.

  • Nicholas Johnson's season opener in February ended with his car on its lid.
  • The March Madness event at Bakersfield Speedway took place on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The players

Nicholas Johnson

A driver who competed in the IMCA SportMod division at Bakersfield Speedway in 2026, bouncing back from an opening night flip to win the March Madness feature.

Ethan Johnson

Nicholas Johnson's brother, who led the early laps of the SportMod feature before Nicholas took over the top spot.

Tate Loftis

Finished second in the SportMod feature after starting eighth.

Jason Bannister

The 2024 IMCA SportMod champion at Bakersfield Speedway, who finished fourth in the March Madness feature.

Kevin Harvick

NASCAR star who owns Bakersfield Speedway, also known as Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Busting my butt all off season to get this car looking good. It was pretty demoralizing to almost junk it on the first night. I figured I didn't want my kids to think I was a quitter. They'll grow up and know I didn't quit. I got to thank my brothers, my mom, my girlfriend at home, and everyone on this car.”

— Nicholas Johnson (Speedway Digest)

What’s next

Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway returns to action on March 20 and 21 for the Southwest Shootout. All five championship divisions will run Friday night while Stock Cars will have the night off Saturday night.

The takeaway

Nicholas Johnson's comeback victory in the SportMod division at Bakersfield Speedway showcases the resilience and determination of grassroots racers, as they bounce back from setbacks to compete at the highest level of local short track racing.