Kawartha Lakes (ON) (March 28, 2019)- – After a long decision process, Danny Benedict was selected as one of the seven drivers to represent the late Alan Kulwicki, in his driver development program.
The fifth year of the program has special meaning as this will be the first year after Alan Kulwicki was voted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Benedict won the Ontario NASCAR Whelen All American Series Division one Championship in 2018 following an impressive season with nine feature wins, and countless qualifying poles and heat race wins.
Heading into 2019 Benedict looks forward to being a strong representative for the program and hopes to draw eyes to the spectacular short track racing in Canada.
“It really means everything for myself and my team to be here. We are a small family run team, and just like Alan, I do everything my own way. It was an incredible year for us in 2018 where we could really show what hard work and dedication to racing could do for a small team. We were in the middle of building a new house so for the second half of the season I worked on my car in a grass field.”
Proving himself as a talented driver, Benedict has some new and exciting plans on his plate for the upcoming 2019 season.
“We’re going to be defending our NASCAR Whelen All American Season Ontario Championship racing at Sunset Speedway, all while trying our best to win the track championship as well. Adding to that, we are in the middle of building a new to me, Pro Late Model for the APC United Late Model Tour. This is going to be a bit of a jump for us. The APC Series has incredible talent but we’re excited to see where we stack up as a rookie. Being able to run these two series will allow me to put as much as I can on the table while running for the Kulwicki Cup.”
2019 is the year Benedict will be searching for four Championships. He has allowed himself the opportunity to run for the Ontario NASCAR Whelen All American Series Division 1 Championship, the Sunset Speedway Championship, the APC United Late Model Tour Championship and now he will put his best efforts into the Kulwicki Cup, the Championship for the Alan Kulwicki Driver Development Program.
“It’s not only about the on-track performance, it’s also about all of the off track personal and community development. The Kulwicki Program gives the finalists an extra platform to help their community. This year myself and 3 others will form a team and will be rappelling down Toronto City Hall, which is 30 stories high, to raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation. I’m also hoping to work with the Canadian Cancer Society as Cancer has really affected my family and I, this is something I’m very passionate about. We also have a few other things in the works for 2019.”
This program has been a blessing to Benedict and he speaks very highly of the work put in by the board.
“This is truly one of the best, if not the best, driver development programs in North America. This program really helps racers on track, and off track building a heightened sense of community. I am so happy to be a part of a program so amazing and a program that builds so much character, as well as life-long friends. I can’t wait for 2019, I’m excited to see the other six finalists’ successes as well.”
Benedict is a very determined young racer, he’s looking forward to his upcoming season and is honoured to be a part of this program. He hopes to shine light on the amazing opportunities the Kulwicki Driver Development Program can offer to racers from all over the nation.
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