At the season opener of the ARCA Menards Series West on February 28, 2026, Georgia’s Mason Massey stunned fans by securing a victory in his debut race. The event took place at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway in Bakersfield, California, where Massey fought hard through two overtime restarts to claim the Oil Workers 150, signaling a triumphant return to victory lane for Bill McAnally Racing.
Early Leaders and Race Developments
Jade Avedisian from Clovis, California, started strong by earning the pole position, yet it was two-time series champion Sean Hingorani of Newport Beach who quickly took the lead on the opening lap. Hingorani showcased his advantage on the outside line, controlling the pace early while defending his home turf in the Central Coast Racing No. 13 Toyota.
The race flow saw Hingorani sustaining the lead past restart battles, keeping 2025 champion Trevor Huddleston at bay, who held on to second place after attempting to challenge from the outside. Mechanical difficulties struck Madera’s Robbie Kennealy on lap 59, followed by a spin involving rookie Mia Lovell from Las Vegas that led to the scheduled halfway caution break.
Massey Moves Forward Amid Increasing Intensity
After the break, Massey accelerated his performance by overtaking Huddleston to move into second place. Tensions rose on the track as Lovell spun while contesting position with Jaiden Reyna, triggering a caution with fewer than 25 laps to go. Massey seized this opportunity, delivering a decisive inside pass on Hingorani along the backstretch to capture the lead.
The battle intensified through turns three and four, where Massey and Hingorani collided briefly, momentarily running three-wide alongside 15-year-old Taylor Mayhew of Bakersfield. Massey then managed to pull ahead, establishing a lead as the race neared its climax.
Overtime Drama Decides Final Outcome
The first overtime restart featured Hingorani aggressively attempting to reclaim the lead through turns one and two, but Massey held firm in front. Another incident involving rookies Mia Lovell and Julian DaCosta forced a second overtime restart. In the final laps, Massey surged away to secure the Oil Workers 150 win.
Central California’s Eric Nascimento Jr. finished a strong second, with local rookie star Taylor Mayhew climbing to third place. Trevor Huddleston recovered to take fourth, while Hingorani rounded out the top five.
Young Drivers Reflect on Their Performances
Mayhew expressed satisfaction with his race despite starting from the back of the pack, saying,
“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,”
Taylor Mayhew said.
Massey conveyed the excitement and pressure of his breakthrough victory, stating,
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,
Mason 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.
Implications for the ARCA Menards Series West Season
Massey’s victory in his first ARCA Menards Series West appearance highlights a promising new contender for the championship and adds excitement to the opening stretch of the season. His ability to maintain composure through high-pressure moments, especially with two overtime restarts, positions him as a driver to watch.
The next event at Phoenix Raceway offers a chance for Massey to build on this impressive start and for other drivers like Hingorani, Huddleston, and rookies Mayhew and Nascimento Jr. to respond in what promises to be a fiercely competitive season.
