CONCORD, N.C. — Late Model driver and high school senior Ryley Music is the first Virginia resident selected for the Kulwicki Driver Development Program since 2016 when Quin Houff was in the prestigious program.
A Norfolk, Virginia, resident, the 18-year-old Music secured his first late model victory at Langley (Va.) Speedway in 2025 in a breakout year for him in that division as he recorded five top-five and 14 top-10 finishes.
This year, as a KDDP finalist, Music will compete against four other drivers from across the United States to determine the 2026 Kulwicki Cup winner. In addition to on-track performance, the five finalists will be judged on off-track civic participation, program promotion, fan interaction and stewardship of Alan Kulwicki’s story.
In the only driver development program that provides a scholarship for its participants, each driver receives $7,000 in money, goods and services. During the season drivers will receive training sessions that focus on fitness, interviews, media presentation and social media so they will be better prepared to take their careers to the next level.
Through the season, the five finalists will compete against each other for $30,000 in money, goods and services to be divided among the top three finishers at the end of the season. Each driver is required to compete in a minimum of 14 races.
Music began racing in Langley Speedway’s Bandolero division, capturing the 2019 and 2020 championships. In 2020, he also won the Bandolero championship at Dominion Raceway in Thornburg, Virginia. The following year he earned the Bandolero championship at Wake County (N.C.) Speedway and the Virginia State Championship.
Music moved up to Limited Late Model in 2022, claiming the Langley Speedway championship for that division as well as Rookie of the Year. In 2024, Music finished in the top 10 in points in each of Langley Speedway’s three premier divisions. He placed third in limited late model, second in Modifieds and sixth in late model in addition to being named Sportsman of the Year.
This year, Music plans to compete in at least 20 races with appearances at Langley Speedway, the Hampton Heat and the Thunder Road Harley Davidson race at South Boston (Va.) Speedway in addition to select CARS Tour events.
When Music wasn’t racing last year he and his cousins worked with Mission Christmas to help more than 20 families have a special holiday season. Music described it as more meaningful to him than anything he had accomplished on the race track.
“It really put into perspective how blessed I am,” Music said. “Something as simple as a toy, a coat, or a pair of shoes can make a difference for a family during the holidays. I loved being part of something that goes beyond racing.”
Created in 2014 by Alan Kulwicki’s family to perpetuate the NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 1992 NASCAR Cup champion’s legacy, the Kulwicki Driver Development Program has had 50 drivers from 18 states, and two Canadian provinces compete in the North American initiative.
Carson Haislip and Michael Bumgarner were announced as the first two KDDP finalists earlier this week.
