Haislip Continues Racing Education, Mentoring Others During Kulwicki Driver Development Program’s Second Segment

While Carson Haislip has improved his racing in several areas during the Kulwicki Driver Development Program’s second segment, he has also enjoyed seeing progress in the young drivers he mentors.

“I believe mentoring the next generation is important for the future of the sport,” Haislip said. “I have continued working on Bandoleros and ... closely with drivers by reviewing race footage and film, spotting during races, providing coaching and guidance, and building confidence and encouraging self-belief.”

Haislip, a Wake County (N.C.) Speedway regular, sits fourth in the program’s standings after the second segment that covered June 12-August 21. During the second segment, Haislip failed to win a race but produced fivetop five and six top 10s, bringing his totals for the season to four victories, 11 top-five and 13 top-10 finishes in 14 races. Also, during this segment, Haislip raced a Legends Car for the first time in eight months and finished second in the 17-car field.

Off the track, Haislip has had multiple fundraisers for the Pooch Pad Foundation. Based in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, the Pooch Pad Foundation’s goal is to create a strong, safer community where pets are protected and people in need are supported. The Raleigh, N.C., resident also formulated plans to launch a canned food drive in support of the local food bank.

Haislip noted that seminars offered by KDDP during its second segment strengthened his professionalism both on-and-off the track. He said the seminars on personal development and nutrition, and safety awareness and procedures gave him a strong foundation for future opportunities in his racing career.

This year, members of Alan Kulwicki’s 1992 championship team and veteran drivers are mentoring the “Underbirds.” Haislip’s mentor is Cal Lawson, who was Kulwicki’s team manager and race strategist.

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