Bumgarner Leads Kulwicki Driver Development Program

Michael Bumgarner, who’s No. 1 in the Late Model standings at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway, has taken the lead in the Kulwicki Driver Development program.

Bumgarner leads Chase Johnson by 16 points in the only driver development program that gives scholarships to its participants.

In a dozen races this year, Bumgarner has recorded five victories, including winning the Jack Ingram Memorial at Hickory. He also has produced seventop-five and seven top-10 finishes. When not racing at the weekly Hickory track,

Bumgarner competed in a CARS Tour event at North Wilkesboro Speedway during the second segment. He made his CARS Tour debut earlier this year at Caraway Speedway.

Off the track, the Taylorsville, N.C., resident assisted with Millersville Baptist Church’s Vacation Bible School. He also attended Millersville Christian Academy’s career day for the sixth through eighth grades, explaining his profession, the Kulwicki Driver Development Program, Alan Kulwicki’s legacy and the lasting impact he had on young racers.

Bumgarner recently held a charity golf tournament to raise funds for the Cardinal Kids Foundation, a community-based, specialized pediatric palliative and hospice care program operated by Carolina Caring. It serves children from birth through young adulthood who are facing serious, chronic, or life-limiting medical conditions.

This year, members of Alan Kulwicki’s championship team and veteran drivers are mentoring the “Underbirds.” Bumgarner’s mentor is Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman. Bumgarner also served as driver coach for Newman’s older daughter Brooklyn when she raced her 602 Modified at Hickory.

Bumgarner says KDDP has enhanced his growth as a driver and a leader “by teaching me the importance of professionalism, goal setting, and giving back to my community, both on and off the race track.”

KDDP: Created in 2014 by Alan Kulwicki’s family to perpetuate the NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 1992 NASCAR Cup champion’s legacy, the Kulwicki Driver Development Program has had 50 drivers from 18 states, and two Canadian provinces compete in the North American initiative. Even though the program was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, it still has awarded $1,044,902 in scholarships and championship awards. Overall, the 10 classes have competed in 1,514 races, produced 238 victories, and 750 top-five and 1,098 top-10 finishes. Ty Majeski, the 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, was the program’s inaugural winner.

-Kulwicki Driver Development Program Release and Photo