Oregon, WI- The seven finalists for the 2019 Kulwicki Driver Development Program were announced Monday morning, amongst them were three drivers with ARCA Midwest Tour aspirations. The KDDP scores drivers from around the country based on their on-track performance and off track activities, awarding $54,000 to the Kulwicki Cup Champion.
“I grew up a huge Alan Kulwicki fan, I remember the night he drove his Hardee’s Thunderbird to the ARTGO victory here at Oregon (Madison International Speedway then Capital Super Speedway)” stated ARCA Midwest Tour and MIS owner Gregg McKarns. “We should all take great pride in having these drivers selected to the program, the racing in the Midwest is tough and there is no better place to represent Alan and his legacy.” McKarns went on to add that any KDDP participant from outside the region that would like to compete in the August 6 Dixieland 250 at Wisconsin International Raceway, he would wave the entry fee and try to help how he could. Last season, Brett Yackey bested ARCAMT Touring Star Justin Mondiek in the final KDDP standings. Yackey traveled to Wisconsin from his Greeley, CO home to attempt to qualify for last season’s Dixieland 250.
Last season, Paul Shafer, Jr broke through and won his first career ARCAMT event, visiting victory lane at Jefferson Speedway over the Memorial Day Holiday. The 2013 Illiana Motor Speedway Champion has continuously been one of the most consistent drivers on the Tour, finishing second on numerous occasions as well as posting a runner-up finish in the 2017 point standings. In 2018 he finished fourth, just 19 markers behind Champion Dalton Zehr, in a battle that had six drivers within striking distance for the title. Shafer, who calls Portage, IN home will graduate from Valparaiso University with a degree in Accounting this May. The popular driver of the #7 machine once again plans to contend for the ARCAMT Championship.
On the first day of his sophomore year at Moorseville (NC) High School, Carson Kvapil wore his ARCA Midwest Tour T-Shirt to class, having just captured his first ARCAMT victory, in his first attempt. A 58-time winner in outlaw karts and a two-time Open Division Champion at Millbridge (NC) Speedway, Kvapil will now turn his sights on running the full ARCAMT schedule in 2019. Teamed with ‘Team M’ owners Brad and Nancy Mannstedt and renowned crew chief Toby Nuttleman, the eyes of the Midwest will be watching Kvapil closely. Carson is the son of former NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Champion Travis Kvapil, sporting the same familiar #35 his dad wheeled around the Midwest.
Charging to the lead in his first ARCAMT start, Luke Fenhaus made the Oktoberfest 200 field take notice in the early stages at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway last fall. Eventually sidelined by a mechanical failure, it was one of the few low points for the Wausau, WI youngster. Fenhaus, who is just 15 years of age, captured five feature wins on his way to the State Park Speedway Super Late Model Championship. Additionally, Fenhaus garnered a season high four victories on his way to the Midwest Truck Series Rookie of the Year honors and runner-up points finish. Look for the #4 Fenhaus machine at a handful of ARCAMT events throughout 2019.
Shafer, Kvapil and Fenhaus as well as the rest of the ARCA Midwest Tour ‘Stars and Cars’ will see on-track action begin with an optional practice session on Saturday May 4 from noon until 4 for ARCA Midwest Tour, Midwest Truck, Mid-American Stock Car and Upper Midwest Vintage Series teams. An open practice for all divisions is scheduled at MIS on Saturday April 27 as well. Sunday morning May 5, the high banks will come to life at 11:30am with a final round of practice, followed by qualifying at 12:45pm with racing action slated to get underway at 2pm with a full program of preliminary events and features, followed by the ARCAMT Joe Shear Classic 200.
Madison International Speedway is located between Oregon and Stoughton, WI at 1122 Sunrise Road. For additional information, please visit www.misracing.com.
