Buddy Kolfold will look for his third straight USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship win at Bakersfield Speedway on Tuesday night.
Kolfold, of Penngrove, made a late pass to claim victory at the third mile clay oval two years ago and has led since the middle of last season. The last driver to win three consecutive National Midget races at Bakersfield was Billy Vukovich in 1966 and 1967.
The race kicks off a seven-race sprint through California, culminating in the Turkey Night Grand Prix on Nov. 26 at Ventura Raceway.
Kolfold has won 10 national races this season and is aiming for his second consecutive national title. He carries a 194 points in the final races.
The top drivers expected to compete are Justin Grant, Thomas Meseraull, Bryant Wiedeman and Mitchel Moles. Moles won a Western States Midget race in Bakersfield on April 16.
Western States Champion Michael Faccinto will be competing along with rookie Cade Lewis of Bakersfield, who won his first Western States Midget race Oct. 15 at the Dirt Track at Kern County Raceway. Lewis is the son of former Major League Baseball pitcher Colby. Bakersfield’s Brody Fuson will also compete.
More than 40 drivers are expected to fight for a place in the 30-lap event. Lightning Sprints will also be in action.
Gates open at 5 p.m. and on-track action begins at 5:30 p.m.
