3/16/2018
Lebanon I-44 Speedway
I-44 Speedway Competitor Selected as Semi-Finalist for the KDDP Program
I-44 Speedway Competitor Selected as Semi-Finalist for the KDDP Program
Over the past few seasons we have had the opportunity to watch Mandy Chick develop her racing skills here on the high banks of Lebanon I-44 Speedway. After a few partial seasons here at I-44 Speedway, Chick is looking to further her racing career this season by running the Jegs CRA All-Star Series. The 16-year-old does not just want to run the series, she plans on winning the Championship with hopes of one day becoming a NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series driver, just like fellow Kansas native and role model, Clint Bowyer.
The 3rd generation racer is also looking to further her racing career in a different way this season. Chick has been chosen as a semi-finalist for the Kulwicki Driver Development Program. Each year, officials of the KDDP select 7 drivers to represent the program and compete against each other based on a points system all season long. At the beginning of the season the 7 drivers who are selected each receive $7,777 in memory of the late Alan Kulwicki, the 1992 NASCAR Winston Cup Champion. Throughout the season the drivers will earn points based on race wins and their ability to act as an ambassador of Alan Kulwicki’s story. “I am so honored to be one of 21 semi-finalists in the 2018 Kulwicki Driver Development Program. I believe that the KDDP offers amazing opportunities to grass-roots racers while keeping Alan Kulwicki’s legacy alive and I am so proud to potentially be involved in this program,” added Chick. The Grand Prize for the winner of the “Kulwicki Cup” earns a $54,439 ($7,777 x 7) pay day.
The final 7 drivers for the KDDP is expected to be announced on Thursday, March 15. In the meantime, Mandy plans on sharpening her race craft skills on her iRacing simulator and spending some time in the gym to prepare for some of the longer Super Late Model races she plans on running this season.
All of us here at Lebanon I-44 Speedway wish Mandy and her team the very best of luck and are excited to see what she can accomplish this race season! Lebanon I-44 Speedway’s first race of the season will be held on Saturday, May 5th. The Spring Sizzler will feature all five of our classes and Baby Grands, including a special 50 lap Pro Late Model feature event paying $1,000 to the winner! To keep up with everything that happens here at I-44 Speedway you can like our Facebook page at Lebanon I-44 Speedway, follow us on Instagram at @i44_Speedway, or follow us on Twitter at @i44speedway and visit our website at www.i44speedway.net!
Article Credit: Dylan Bates