The Marauders Racing Club's first test day at Kevin Harvick Kern Raceway gave Antelope Valley College students an opportunity to apply classroom skills in a professional racing environment while building industry connections that have already led to a career opportunity for one student.
On May 15, four members of the Marauders Racing Club traveled to Kevin Harvick Kern Raceway in Bakersfield for the club's first on-track test day. Students worked alongside veteran racer Gene Fife, who brings more than 50 years of racing experience and multiple championships to the sport.
Throughout the day, students experienced the responsibilities of supporting a race team during a live test session. They prepared the race car for testing, adjusted tire pressures and tire sizes to improve handling, assisted with fueling and driver safety preparations, and solved problems as conditions changed throughout the day in the pit area. The experience also reinforced the communication and teamwork required to keep a race team operating efficiently.
"The days spent at a racetrack build hands-on learning experience with race car preparation," said Tim Sturm, AVC autobody instructor and Marauders Racing Club advisor. "Students learn problem solving when things are not going as planned. One of the most important things is working together as a team toward the same goal. The growth we have seen in this group of students has been extraordinary."
The experience quickly extended beyond the racetrack.
Impressed by the students' professionalism and work ethic, another race team invited Marauders Racing Club member Jordon Johnson to join its crew. Johnson, who graduated from AVC this semester, accepted a position as a pit crew member and spotter, communicating with the driver during races and monitoring track conditions through radio communication.
For the club's advisors, Johnson's opportunity reflects the purpose of the Marauders Racing Club: connecting students with authentic industry experiences that can lead to careers in motorsports.
The test day also demonstrated the support students receive from industry partners. Kevin Harvick Kern Raceway welcomed the team for its inaugural event, while Gene Fife provided instruction and mentorship throughout the day, giving students firsthand experience with the discipline, technical knowledge, and collaboration required in motorsports.
By combining classroom instruction with real-world experience, the Marauders Racing Club allows students to strengthen technical skills, expand their professional network, and explore career opportunities within the motorsports industry.
As the club continues to grow, experiences like the Kern Raceway test day demonstrate how applied learning prepares students for careers beyond the classroom through technical training, teamwork, and meaningful industry connections. The Marauders Racing Club will continue building on that momentum when the team competes in its first official race on the Fourth of July.
