Johnson Spends Kulwicki Driver Development Program’s First Segment Searching for Speed

Virginia native Chase Johnson admits he struggled on-track during the Kulwicki Driver Development Program’s first segment, but he still put together a performance that allowed him to secure third place in the standings.

The 18-year-old Midlothian, Va., resident is still searching for his first victory this season, but he has recorded eight top-five and nine top-10 finishes in 14 races this year.

“We have struggled finding speed to begin the season,” said Johnson, who produced three straight second-place finishes during the first segment. “We have been keeping the car in one piece, finishing as best as we can until we can find the speed we are looking for.”

Johnson is one of two Virginia drivers selected as a KDDP finalist this year.

Currently, he has his sights set on the Virginia Late Model Triple Crown. The first race in the series is June 27 at South Boston Speedway with the second set for July 25 at Langley Speedway.

Johnson said KDDP has impacted him on-and-off the track, making him a better person and a more professional race car driver.

When Johnson isn’t racing, he helps the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. During KDDP’s first segment, he donated 650 pounds of dog and cat food to the SPCA’s Richmond, Va., chapter.

This year, members of Alan Kulwicki’s championship team and veteran drivers are mentoring the “Underbirds.” Johnson’s mentor is Danny Cameron, who was an assistant in the engine shop and the team’s spotter on race day.

“He has been a great person to talk to,” Johnson said about Cameron. “His Alan Kulwicki stories are second to none.”

The drivers occupying first and second in the standings after the first segment will be announced Thursday.

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