CONCORD, N.C. (December 31, 2022) – Applications for the 2023 edition of the Kulwicki Driver Development Program (KDDP) will be accepted from January 1, 2023, through January 31, 2023.
The program is open to asphalt late model racers who participate in Super Late Model, Pro Late Model or Late Model Stock Car divisions. While there is no official age limit, the preferred racer is at least 16 years of age and has “grassroots level” experience. Drivers who have competed in the ARCA Menards Series (including ARCA Menards East & ARCA Menards West), NASCAR Pinty's Series and above are ineligible for the program.
The KDDP was established in 2014 by the family of late NASCAR Champion Alan Kulwicki for the purpose of helping worthy drivers toward reaching their dreams while at the same time keeping Alan’s memory and legacy alive. The Program provides drivers with financial assistance along with support in publicity, marketing, sponsorship development, industry networking and relationship building.
The 2023 edition of the program marks the eighth season for the Concord, North Carolina-base non-profit organization. Over its first seven years of operation, the KDDP has established itself as the preeminent driver development program in North America and it boasts an unrivaled track record.
Through the 2022 season, a total of 38 different promising young drivers (representing 17 states & two Canadian provinces) have worn Alan’s colors. The Kulwicki estate has provided $762,146 in combined stipend and championship award funding along with immeasurable publicity and marketing support to those worthy competitors.
A group of 15 drivers will be selected as semifinalists for next year’s program. After those racers are interviewed by KDDP advisory board members, seven racers will be selected to represent Alan and the program during the 2023 season. Each of those finalists will
receive a one-time stipend of $7,777 plus all the other benefits during the season as they compete for the grand prize “Kulwicki Cup.” That award winner will pick up an additional check worth seven times the initial prize ($7,777 x 7 = $54,439) and the special unique Kulwicki Cup Trophy.
The illustrious group of Kulwicki Cup Champions includes Ty Majeski (2015) of Seymour, Wisconsin; Alex Prunty (2016) of Kewaskum, Wisconsin; Cody Haskins (2017) of Marietta, Georgia; Brett Yackey (2018) of Greeley, Colorado; Jeremy Doss (2019) of Upper Lake, California; Luke Fenhaus (2021) of Wausau, Wisconsin; and Dylan Zampa (2022) of Napa, California. The program went on hiatus during the 2020 season due to the pandemic.
The Kulwicki Cup competition goes from April 1 through Oct. 31. The contest’s points system is based on a combination of judging input from members of the advisory board and the drivers’ on-track performance. Drivers are given points for both their success in chasing checkered flags and for community engagement, program representation and social media activities.
“We’re extremely proud of our achievements during the first seven seasons for our Kulwicki Driver Development Program,” said Tom Roberts, Executive Director of the KDDP. “We feel confident that we’ve been able to play a significant role in developing the next era of successful short-track racers across North America while also educating new generations about the life, passion and values of the 1992 NASCAR Champion. Alan Kulwicki’s spirit truly does live on and resonates within our organization.”
For the 2023 online KDDP application, please visit https://tinyurl.com/2023KDDPapp
The KDDP urges you to keep up with all of its news and activities by regularly visiting RacingAmerica.com, the organization’s official media partner.
-Kulwicki Driver Development Program