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Four Manufacturers Announce Driver Of The Year Sponsorship
by Bryan Gapinski
Milwaukee, Wis., March 9--- Officials from Chevrolet, Ford Esslinger, Mopar
and Toyota Racing Development (TRD), the four major engine manufacturers
involved in midget auto racing, announced their sponsorship of the 2007
National Midget Driver of the Year Championship. Since 1999, the award has
determined midget auto racing's top driver.
The new title name will be The National Midget Driver of the Year presented by
Chevrolet, Ford, Mopar & TRD. "We are pleased to begin an association
with the four most successful automobile manufacturers in the world"
commented Bryan Gapinski, director/founder.
While General Motors, Ford, DaimlerChrysler and Toyota have long been the key
players in the American auto industry, their involvement in midget auto racing
has been in recent years.
Chevrolet debuted its new engine two months ago with Tony Stewart winning the
sport's biggest event The O 'Reilly Chili Bowl in Tulsa, Okla. Ford in
partnership with Esslinger Engineering the past two years has won the National
Midget Manufacturers Championship for engine manufacturers. Mopar debuted its
engine in 2001, and has captured numerous series championships and victories
at most major race events. Last year TRD launched its engine program,
scoring a victory in Copper World Classic at Phoenix International Raceway in
their first-ever race.
Also announced is the formation of a point system for car owners, the top ten
car owners at the end of the season will share in a special point fund.
"Thanks to Chevrolet, Ford, Mopar and TRD will be able in increase our
driver point fund, establish the car owner fund, along with increasing our
marketing program," commented Gapinski.
Previous winners of the K & N Cup presented to the National Midget Driver
of the Year include: Jason Leffler (1999), Kasey Kahne (2000), Tracy Hines
(2001), Aaron Fike (2002, '03), Bobby East (2004) and Brad Kuhn (2005, '06).
Currently 238 race events are scheduled nationwide to determine the driver,
car owner, rookie of the year and manufacturer champions. The annual awards
ceremony will take place on Saturday Jan. 12, 2008 during The O 'Reilly Chili
Bowl in Tulsa, Okla.
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