PORTAGE, Wis. (May 13, 2021) – Viewers of Speed51.com’s Bull Ring sat on pins and needles awaiting the final selection into the 2021 Kulwicki Driver Development Program. Finally, a young driver was able to slip out of his high school football team meeting to take the call and accept his spot in the KDDP.

That young driver was 2020 Big 8 Series Champion Max Kahler from Caledonia, Ill.  Already with an impressive resume in a short period of time, Kahler has earned the national attention he’ll now receive. He’ll spend part of his busy 2021 schedule as an EPYK Media Rookie with the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series.

“I’m really looking forward to getting more experience in the Super Late at different tracks and learning everything I can while racing with some of the best drivers in the Midwest,” Kahler said of his entry into TUNDRA.

Kahler cut his teeth at the always-tough Rockford Speedway before traveling with Big 8.  Despite a banner season with Big 8, Kahler made his biggest mark at his home track.  He was able to top a star-studded field to win the National Short Track Championship, becoming one of the youngest drivers ever to do so.

“The win certainly helped push him towards the eventual selection into the KDDP.  He’ll join the likes of Ty Majeski, Reagan May, and Justin Mondeik to run a full season with TUNDRA representing Kulwicki.

“It is truly an honor to represent Alan Kulwicki and the KDDP this year, Alan’s career started out in the Midwest racing at some of the same tracks I am, it’s really cool to carry on his legacy,” Kahler said.

With the jump from full-time Big 8 action to full-time Super Late Model action will come challenges. Most of those challenges come in visiting facilities for the first time.

“This year will be a big challenge for me and my team, but we’re ready and hope to be competitive every race, battling for a win,” Kahler said. “It will be my first time at WIR, Marshfield, Golden Sands, and my first time at State Park Speedway in the Super Late.”

Kahler already has one start with TUNDRA, joining the series for last year’s race at Jefferson. He had a respectable day, making the field by time while 14 others had to try race their way in.  He went on to record a Tenth Place finish.

With some momentum to build on, Kahler is ready to take on the challenge.  He’s already going to the his football-playing mindset and watching tape before Saturday’s opener.

“I know very little about WIR, but have been trying to learn as much as I can through watching videos and asking questions, I really enjoy going to new tracks so I’m sure it’ll be fun,” Kahler said.

Kahler makes his TUNDRA Super Late Model Series debut this Saturday, May 15 in Great Lakes Testing Round One at Wisconsin International Raceway.  Qualifying is scheduled for 12:30 pm and racing is slated for 2 pm.  TUNDRA will be joined by the Midwest Dash Series, WIR ¼-Mile Late Models, and Wisconsin Sport Trucks.

Wisconsin International Raceway is located past the intersection of Highways 55 and KK just outside of Kaukauna, Wis. For more information visit http://www.wirmotorsports.com