Deegan Wins Shortened ARCA West Finale
Hailie Deegan took the rain-shortened season finale at Kern County Raceway, while Trevor Huddleston claimed the 2026 ARCA West championship.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Motorsports
Hailie Deegan won the ARCA Menards Series West finale at Kern County Raceway after the race was called at 42 laps due to weather. Trevor Huddleston was named the 2026 ARCA West champion.
Why it matters
The race was called early under ARCA Rulebook 9-13-2.C, which allows an official finish before halfway when restarting is impractical. The result settles the series title and closes out the 2026 West campaign for California fans.
Deegan's second win of 2026 and fifth of her career came after a weather delay of just over 90 minutes. The race was officially called at 42 laps, and the full scheduled distance is not reported in the source.
The players
Hailie Deegan
Deegan is a veteran off-road and stock car driver who won the finale to claim her second win of the 2026 season.
Trevor Huddleston
Huddleston is an ARCA West driver who won his second career series title after capturing the 2025 championship.
Kern County Raceway
Kern County Raceway is the Bakersfield-area short track that hosted the 2026 ARCA West season finale.
The details
Mia Lovell finished second, tying her career-best result, and Hudson Sharp took third in his series debut. The first caution came on lap 20 when Eric Johnson Jr. spun, and a red flag followed before officials called the race.
Timeline
Saturday, October 31, 2026: ARCA West finale held at Kern County Raceway and shortened by weather
February 2027: ARCA national division opener scheduled at Daytona International Speedway
Season Trajectory
The finale decided the 2026 ARCA West title under the series' existing weather rules, carrying a 2026 season ending into a 2027 return. The national division opener at Daytona International Speedway in February 2027 marks the next step for the series.
Huddleston's title fixes the 2026 ARCA West standings, so the championship outcome is now settled for fantasy and season-long tracking. Fans following the series can mark February 2027 for the Daytona opener.
The takeaway
The early call shows how ARCA's existing weather rule can close a season without waiting for a full-distance race. For readers tracking the series, the title outcome is settled and the next date to watch is the February 2027 Daytona opener.
What happens next
The ARCA West series returns in 2027, with the national division opener scheduled at Daytona International Speedway in February.
Further reading
For more on the regional racing scene, explore California Motorsports coverage.
