Special from Hunter Wright Racing: Gladeville, TN (Friday, February 26, 2021) – Hunter Wright, 2019 graduate of Wilson Central High School, Machinist at Day Racing Products in Goodlettsville, Tennessee and the 2020 Pro Late Model Rookie of the Year at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, has been recognized by the Alan Kulwicki Driver Development Program (KDDP) as a semi-finalist for the prestigious 2021 campaign.

 

The seven selected drivers, of 25 semi-finalists, will be named on Monday, March 15, and each will receive a one-time stipend of $7,777 to cover operational expenses.  The organization will work to provide the drivers assistance in important aspects such as publicity, marketing, sponsorship development and industry networking during the season as they compete for the “grand prize.” The Kulwicki Cup winner will pick up an additional check worth seven times the initial award ($7,777 x 7 = $54,439) along with a special, unique trophy coveted by young, professional stock car drivers.  Seymour, Wisconsin’s Ty Majeski was the 2015 Kulwicki Cup winner during the inaugural year for the program. The 2020 program was placed on hold due to COVID-19.

 

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.

 

Wright kicked off his 2021 season with an impressive run during Daytona’s historic Speedweeks where he ran the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway. He posted 3 podium finishes in 7 races and finished 6th in overall points among a field of 40 Pro Late Model entries in his Day Racing Products Chevrolet.

The 20-year-old from Wilson County, Tennessee, says he’s beyond grateful for the nod from the Kulwicki program, and honored to hopefully represent the ideals and goals of the organization.

 

“This is truly an honor to be chosen among the best short track drivers in America as a semi-finalist for the 2021 Kulwicki Program. We have worked hard to improve our performance on the race track over the past two years in the Pro Late Model as well as seeking ways to become more involved in our community and activate the relationships we have with our corporate partners. This program [KDDP] is a great example of giving back to our sport and mirrors the philosophy that we strive to carry forward in our racing program. We gear our effort toward the enjoyment and entertainment of the race fan sitting in the grandstands and watching on TV. Hopefully we create some positive and lasting memories for them.”

 

Hunter Wright will return to Music City’s historic 5/8-mile for the 2021 season in hopes of hoisting the Pro Late Model Championship trophy in late fall, and possibly the Kulwicki Cup.

 

 

By: Standing Ovation / Hunter Wright Racing

Photo: Standing Ovation

 

 

About the KDDP:

The Kulwicki Driver Development Program (KDDP) was established in 2014 by the family of late NASCAR Champion and Hall of Fame member 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.  Based in Concord, N.C., the KDDP is a non-profit organization with the mission of playing a significant role in developing the next era of America’s short-track racers while educating new generations about the life, passion and values of the 1992 NASCAR Champion.