Michael Bumgarner Currently 2nd in Kulwicki Driver Development Program Standings after Segment 1

Michael Bumgarner and winning are synonymous as the North Carolina resident claimed victories in half of the races in which he competed during the Kulwicki Driver Development Program’s first segment.

The 22-year-old Taylorsville, N.C., resident finished KDDP’s first segment second in the standings, just three points behind leader Carson Haislip.

Since joining KDDP, Bumgarner has won three of six races, produced five top-five finishes and placed outside the top three only twice. He also won a race this year before being selected as a KDDP finalist or “Underbird,” giving him four victories in 2026. He obtained his 11th consecutive victory this year, a run that began in July 2025.

“(We) hope to keep building on our progress,” said Bumgarner, who leads the Late Model standings at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

Bumgarner has used Alan Kulwicki’s signature “Polish Victory Lap” to celebrate two of his victories. His upcoming races include the June 27 race at South Boston (Va.) Speedway, which is the first event in the Virginia Late Model Triple Crown, and the July 17 zMAX CARS Tour race at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway.

Off the track, Bumgarner was a career day guest at Millersville Christian Academy. He also has partnered with Cardinal Kids, which is 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. Bumgarner is participating in various fundraising events, including a charity golf tournament.

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.

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