INNISFIL, ON (February 28, 2019)- The Kulwicki Driver Development Program, honouring the late Alan Kulwicki and the legacy he has left behind, announced 21 semi-finalists who would compete for one of the seven final spots. Being recognized as one of the final seven will give the drivers the chance to chase the prestigious Kulwicki Cup Championship.
The 21 semi-finalists will begin their interview process with the Kulwicki board of directors next week. The board will then have the monumental task of selecting seven finalists to represent the development program.
Both out of Sunset Speedway, 2017 NASCAR Whelen All American Series Ontario Rookie of the Year, 19-year-old Kendra Adams, and 2018 NWAAS Provincial Champion, 22-year-old Danny Benedict were among the 21 semi-finalists. Notably both are the only Canadians selected. Adams was selected to the semi-finalists in 2018, but did not make the final selection of 7.
“With the number of drivers that apply to the program each year across Canada and the United States, being selected for the semi-finals for the second year is an incredible honour,” Adams said. “To have the board vote me in not only once, but twice, brings a new confidence out in me. It’s exhilarating that someone believes in me and is willing to give me a chance. My family and sponsors got me where I am today and I’ll do everything I can to try to make it to the finals. I wouldn’t be where I am without their support. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and one that I am going to try to make the absolute most of.”
Coming off his best season ever, with 8 feature wins and the NWAAS Championship, Benedict has set some high expectations for his 2019 season. Running double duty to defend his Championship, as well as being a rookie in the APC Late Model Series.
“It’s such an honour have an opportunity to represent Alan. He had such a positive influence on our sport, and the Kulwicki DDP continues that legacy today. Much like Alan, I’ve always considered my team the “little guys” in racing. Similar to Alan, we build, maintain and set-up all of our own race cars. To be able to share his Hall of Fame legacy with others would mean everything to my team and family. I’m hoping to use the support from the KDDP to continue working with local charities, and make new partnerships. Doing all this while defending my NWAAS provincial championship and competing for rookie of the year on the APC Pro Late Model tour will be a tall task but my team is as motivated as ever.”
Both drivers will be on hand at the Motorama Custom Car & Motorsport Expo at the Sunset Speedway booth, where Benedict’s Championship car will be on display. The pait will be signing autographs March 9, 2019 from 12pm-1pm.
Details for the show can be found at www.motoramashow.com.
Both drivers have scheduled their interviews with the Kulwicki board for next week and the finalists will be announced live on Speed 51’s “Morning Bullring” on March 25, 2019.
For more information on the Kulwicki Driver Development Program and how you can apply for the 2020 season can be found at www.kulwickiddp.com.
Keep up with Adams through www.kendraadamsmotorsports.com and Benedict through his facebook fan page Danny Benedict Motorsports.
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