Hertzog Breaks Winless Streak at Kern County: Contact Defines Late-Race Short Track Duel

Bakersfield, CA — The Bootleg Racing League Super Late Model Series Round 8 at Kevin Harvick’s Kern County Raceway was marked by a significant pre-race development. Points leader Chris Worrell was suspended for the week due to a conduct violation regarding a practice incident, leaving the championship race wide open for the 14-car field. By the time the checkers flew on the high-banked short track, a long-standing winless streak was broken amidst intense short-track action.

Steve Hilbert started on the pole alongside John Wilson. While Hilbert maintained the early advantage, Kyle Feimster quickly surged from third to second to challenge for the front. Todd Liston gained two spots immediately on the start, but his momentum was cut short when his back end stepped out, resulting in a spin that forced him to the rear. On the subsequent restart, Feimster executed a brilliant move by ripping the top lane to take the lead from Hilbert. As the run progressed, tire management became the primary focus, as the high banking invited drivers to throttle up early, threatening to overheat the rear tires.

As the race hit its middle stages, Mark Hertzog emerged as a major factor. Starting 11th, Hertzog methodically climbed through the field to reach second place by lap 27. The race saw several cautions, including a spin for hometown favorite Jeffery Hardin, who managed to stay in the hunt. Louis Flowers also made an impressive recovery, returning to the lead lap after early-race issues to pick off positions in the final third of the event.

The final 30 laps centered on an intense, side-by-side battle between Feimster and Hertzog. While Feimster was strong on the high side, Hertzog pinned his car to the inside lane as the two veterans traded the lead multiple times. With only nine laps to go, the battle reached a boiling point. Hertzog and Feimster made contact as Hertzog pinched Feimster low on entry. Feimster got loose and spun, ending his chance for the win and bringing out a late caution in what the broadcast booth described as hard racing for the victory.

The race concluded with a natural Green-White-Checkered finish. Mark Hertzog executed a perfect restart to clear Chris Davis, who had gained 10 positions from his starting spot. Hertzog took the checkered flag to break a two-year winless streak dating back to January 2024. Chris Davis finished second to secure a podium after a rough season, while Jeffery Hardin recovered to finish third. Kyle Feimster and Lowell Jewell rounded out the top five. In victory lane, Hertzog expressed disappointment that the battle with Feimster ended in contact, noting he would have preferred to race him side-by-side to the line.