North Carolina’s Carson Haislip Named Finalist for Prestigious 2026 Kulwicki Driver Development Program Scholarship

NASCAR prospect Carson Haislip selected as KDDP finalist. Explore his 2025 breakout season, community service, and the $7,000 scholarship program details.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 10, 2026, 9:49 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from RacingAmerica

Rising Star Joins Elite Ranks of Kulwicki Finalists

Carson Haislip, the reigning Late Model champion at Wake County Speedway, has reached a significant career milestone by being named a finalist for the Kulwicki Driver Development Program. The Raleigh native represents a rare double-selection for the state of North Carolina this year, joining Hickory Motor Speedway champion Michael Bumgarner in the five-driver field. This selection marks the first time in seven years that two North Carolinians have simultaneously occupied finalist spots, underscoring a resurgence of elite short-track talent emerging from the Tar Heel state.

Rigorous Evaluation Beyond the Checkered Flag

The KDDP distinguishes itself from traditional racing sponsorships by employing a multifaceted scoring system that extends far beyond on-track results. While Haislip must compete in a minimum of 14 races during the 2026 season, his performance will be judged alongside his civic participation, fan interaction, and ability to promote the legacy of 1992 NASCAR Cup champion Alan Kulwicki. To support this growth, the program provides each finalist with $7,000 in resources and specialized training sessions covering media presentation, physical fitness, and social media strategy.

Dominant Track Record Fuels Championship Aspirations

Haislip enters the 2026 program following a statistically dominant breakout season in 2025. As a high school senior balancing college courses, he secured 11 victories across 17 starts and maintained a nearly perfect record of finishing in the top three in almost every race he entered. His versatility was further evidenced by his success in the Legends car category, where he previously earned national titles and continues to show front-running pace, including a pole position at the high-profile Thanksgiving Classic.