CONCORD, N.C. — Third-generation driver Penn Sauter, from Deforest, Wisconsin, is the only super late model driver selected as a finalist in this year’s prestigious Kulwicki Driver Development Program.
With Sauter’s selection to the program it means Alan Kulwicki’s home state of Wisconsin has had a finalist in KDDP ever since its inception. It also means it’s the first time since the program’s inaugural season that there hasn’t been a returning finalist.
The son of 2016 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Johnny Sauter and the grandson of former NASCAR driver Jim Sauter, the 16-year-old Sauter posted six top-five and 17 top-10 finishes in 26 races last year. He qualified for the Slinger Nationals at Slinger (Wis.) Speedway and recorded fast time at Oktoberfest.
This year, the teenager plans to compete in the Midwest Tour, Alive for 5 and make selected starts in the ASA Stars Tour.
When not racing, Sauter assisted at a burn camp which provided children with burn injuries the chance to connect, heal and just be kids.
This year, as a KDDP finalist, Sauter 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.
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, Michael Bumgarner, Ryley Music and Chase Johnson were announced as the first four KDDP finalists earlier this week.
