Sauter Grows as a Person and in His Profession During KDDP’s First Segment

A third-generation racer and Wisconsin native, Penn Sauter said that being from NASCAR Cup champion Alan Kulwicki’s home state and a finalist in the Kulwicki Driver Development Program had a deep impact on him during the program’s first segment.

“Going to races and the race tracks that he built his legacy at, and interacting with people that raced with him or have watched him race has been very cool,” said Sauter, the son of 2016 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Johnny Sauter. “From my dad getting to watch Alan on the hill at Kaukauna to hearing stories about his legacy, (it) truly is an honor representing the program, especially being the only Wisconsin driver this year.”

The 16-year-old Sauter, who is fourth in the KDDP standings after the program’s first segment, has had a roller-coaster season. While having a fast car, Sauter has often been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“Overall, we have had great speed, setting fast time twice this year, one being at the ASA Midwest Tour race in Norway, Mich.,” Sauter said. “We have been close battling for the lead multiple times this year, including the Joe Shear Classic at Madison International Speedway with the ASA Midwest Tour and Wisconsin International Speedway with the Tundra Series.”

When Sauter isn’t at the track, he is raising money for Burn Camp. During the KDDP’s first segment, Sauter attended a Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin Burn Ball. The annual event brings together first responders and community supporters to raise money for burn survivors, medical treatment programs and mental health support for firefighters.

“The Fireman’s Ball gave me the opportunity to find a deeper connection to this cause,” said Sauter, the only Super Late Model driver in KDDP this year.

Before a race, Sauter has a raffle basket and goodies for those who make donations to Burn Camp. During the fall, he will turn his attention to raising money for breast cancer awareness.

This year, members of Alan Kulwicki’s championship team and veteran drivers are mentoring the “Underbirds.” Sauter’s mentor is Brian Whitesell, an engineer who worked on special projects for Kulwicki’s team before joining Hendrick Motorsports.

“It has been extremely helpful to have someone to turn to when I have questions that don’t just pertain to racing and the car … to turn to for interview tips, social media tips, and everything to do with becoming not only a better driver, but also a better person,” Sauter said about Whitesell.

The driver occupying third in the standings after the first segment will be announced Wednesday.

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