Casino
May 12, 2026

Hard Rock Tejon Announces California Racing Partnership and Week-Long Fan Activations

On-property events, driver appearances, and watch parties bring race week energy to Kern County.

 

 Hard Rock Tejon Announces California Racing Partnership and Week-Long Fan Activations  Hard Rock Tejon Announces California Racing Partnership and Week-Long Fan Activations

 

  

Hard Rock Casino Tejon is bringing race week to the Central Valley with a series of fan activations, watch parties, and live broadcasts tied to major racing events across California this June.

As part of a new partnership with Front Row Motorsports, Hard Rock Casino Tejon will be featured across multiple race weekends in California, with drivers including Zane Smith, Noah Gragson, and Chandler Smith representing the brand on track and making appearances at the property between races, while simultaneously hosting on-property programming designed to connect fans with the action beyond the track.

The partnership includes participation in a once-in-a-lifetime race taking place at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego from June 19–21, as well as the NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway on June 28.

Between race weekends, Hard Rock Casino Tejon will serve as a hub for fan engagement, offering opportunities to experience the excitement up close.

On Wednesday, June 24, Hard Rock Casino Tejon will host a full day of high‑energy race‑themed experiences. From 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., the property will feature a live broadcast of SiriusXM Speedway, hosted by Dave Moody and Angie Skinner, creating an interactive, fan‑focused atmosphere with opportunities for guest participation and on‑site excitement throughout the afternoon. In addition, the No. 38 Zane Smith Hard Rock Casino Tejon race car, recently driven at San Diego, will be on display, giving guests an exclusive photo opportunity with the actual competition vehicle—complete with authentic race wear and marks from the track. Later that evening, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Front Row Motorsports drivers Zane Smith and Noah Gragson will make a special appearance, offering fans a unique chance to meet the drivers, take photos, and engage directly with the team

“It’s always special racing in California, and getting to stop at Hard Rock Casino Tejon between race weekends makes it even better,” said Noah Gragson. “It gives us a chance to connect with fans in a different setting, hang out, and bring some of that race week energy directly to them.”

“We’re excited to bring the energy of race week directly to our guests,” said Chris Kelley, President of Hard Rock Casino Tejon. “Bringing these drivers to the property gives our guests a rare opportunity to connect with the sport in a real and personal way, and create memorable moments for fans throughout race week.”

Hard Rock Casino Tejon will also host race day watch parties at Hard Rock Cafe, offering a high-energy environment for fans to gather:

  • Friday, June 19 | San Diego Truck Series Watch Party
    Starting at 3:00 PM
  • Saturday, June 20 | San Diego Race Watch Party
    Starting at 1:00 PM
  • Sunday, June 21 | San Diego Race Watch Party
    Starting at Noon
  • Saturday, June 27 | Sonoma Race Watch Party
    Starting at 11:30 AM
  • Sunday, June 28 | Sonoma Race Watch Party
    Starting at 11:30 AM

 

Fans can enjoy live race viewing, food and beverage specials, giveaways on the gaming floor and drawings for memorabilia from iconic drivers.

Recently opened in November 2025, Hard Rock Casino Tejon features a 150,000-square-foot gaming floor with 2,100 slot machines and over 60 table games, along with a collection of dining and entertainment offerings including Hard Rock Cafe, YouYu, and Deep Cut Steaks | Seafood. Located just off Interstate 5, the property serves both Southern California and Central Valley audiences as a regional destination for gaming, dining, and live entertainment.

This June’s programming builds on the property’s growing lineup of events and experiences, positioning Hard Rock Casino Tejon as a central gathering place for major moments in sports and entertainment across California.

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About Hard Rock Casino Tejon
Hard Rock Casino Tejon is located less than 15 miles south of Bakersfield on Tejon Indian tribal land in Mettler, California. The 150,000-square-foot entertainment destination features 2,100 slot machines, more than 60 table games, multiple dining venues, and Hard Rock’s signature music-inspired atmosphere. The property represents a significant economic and cultural investment for the Tejon Indian Tribe and the broader Kern County region. For more information, visit casino.hardrock.com/tejon.

Media Contacts
Jimmy Yee – Yankee Communications – [email protected]

Aurora Olivetti – Murphy O’Brien Public Relations – [email protected]

Kathy DeGolia – Hard Rock Casino Tejon – [email protected]