In one of the most competitive selection processes since its founding, the Kulwicki Driver Development Program (KDDP) has selected 15 semifinalists from a record 102 short-track racing applicants across the United States and Canada.
More information about the Kulwicki Driver Development Program see www.kulwickiddp.com
The semifinalists represent seven states. Five finalists — known as Underbirds — will be chosen following an interview process that includes members of Alan Kulwicki’s 1992 NASCAR Cup championship team. The five Underbirds will compete in a season-long program judged on race performance, civic involvement, program promotion, fan engagement, and stewardship of Alan Kulwicki’s legacy.
“Without a doubt, this is the most competitive field that we have ever seen,” said KDDP President Ryan Zeck. “I am super excited to learn who becomes the fabulous five Underbirds for 2026 and who will become the coveted Kulwicki Cup champion.”
This year’s semifinalists come from Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin. They compete in series including the CARS Tour, ASA Sucker Punch Midwest Tour, NASCAR’s Local Racing Series powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts, and PASS. Ages range from 15 to 22, with an average age of 17.4.
KDDP is the only driver development program that directly pays its participants. Each selected driver receives $7,000 in money, goods, and services, along with training focused on fitness, media interviews, presentation skills, and social media development. At season’s end, $30,000 in additional awards will be distributed among the top three finishers. Each participant must compete in a minimum of 14 races.
2026 KDDP Semifinalists
(Listed alphabetically)
Billy Braun
Wales, Wis. | Age 18
2022 Pro Late Model Rookie of the Year at Slinger Speedway. Plans to compete for the Slinger Speedway Super Late Model championship and run part-time in Pro Late Models. Currently in his second year of trade school.
Michael Bumgarner
Taylorsville, N.C. | Age 22
2024 and 2025 Late Model track champion at Hickory Motor Speedway. Top-10 qualifier for the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville Speedway. Winner of the 2025 Fall Brawl at Hickory. Plans include select CARS Tour starts, part-time racing at Hickory, and the Virginia Triple Crown.
Garrett Gumm
Brooks, Ga. | Age 17
Earned first Pro Late Model win in 2025 at Cordele Motor Speedway. Plans to compete at Cordele, Montgomery Motor Speedway, Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, and Five Flags Speedway.
Jevin Guralski
Wausau, Wis. | Age 18
2025 ASA Midwest Tour winner at Jefferson Speedway. 2024 KDDP semifinalist. Will compete in the Full Alive for 5 Series and select ASA Sucker Punch Midwest Tour events.
Carson Haislip
Raleigh, N.C. | Age 17
2025 Wake County Speedway Late Model champion. Two-time Legends champion (2022–23). Plans to chase the South Boston track title and run select CARS Tour and Smart Modified Tour events.
Chase Johnson
Midlothian, Va. | Age 17
2025 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Rookie of the Year and Dominion Raceway Late Model champion. Plans to pursue the 2026 NASCAR Weekly Series championship and Virginia Triple Crown.
Jayden Johnson
Ixonia, Wis. | Age 17
2025 Slinger Speedway Pro Late Model champion and Rookie of the Year. Plans include Pro and Super Late Model events, select CARS Tour races, and the All American 400.
Ayden Millette
Yorktown, Va. | Age 17
2025 Limited Late Model champion at Langley Speedway. 2024 Thanksgiving Classic winner. Plans to compete weekly at Langley and in the CARS Tour event there.
Ryley Music
Norfolk, Va. | Age 17
2022 Virginia Racers track champion at Langley Speedway. Earned first Late Model Stock win in 2025. Plans to compete for the Langley championship and select CARS Tour races.
Cole Robie
Windham, Maine | Age 17
2025 Granite State Pro Stock champion. Will run full-time in the PASS Series and select CARS Tour and ACT Tour events.
Brian Rundstrom Jr.
Green Bay, Va. | Age 15
Two-time Thanksgiving Classic Charger Division winner (2024–25). Third in Limited Late Model points at Langley in 2025. Plans Late Model Stock competition at South Boston, Langley, and Southern National.
Penn Sauter
DeForest, Wis. | Age 16
Son of 2016 NASCAR Truck Series champion Johnny Sauter. Plans to run the ASA Sucker Punch Midwest Tour, Alive for 5 at Dells Raceway, and additional Midwest truck races.
Keegan Sobilo
New Baltimore, Mich. | Age 18
2022 CRA Late Model Sportsman champion. Two podium finishes in 2025 Turn One CRA Pro Series competition. Plans full-time CRA Pro Series competition and major Super Late Model events at Berlin Raceway.
Connor Weddell
Centreville, Md. | Age 16
First KDDP semifinalist from Maryland. Plans to compete for the South Boston Speedway championship and run additional events at Southern National and Langley.
Luke Yarbrough
Milton, Ga. | Age 19
2024 Pro Legends champion. Aerospace Engineering student at Kennesaw State University. Plans Pro Late Model competition with FR8 Racing and select Southern Super Series starts.
More information about the Kulwicki Driver Development Program see www.kulwickiddp.com