Alan Kulwicki Cup recipient crowned for 2025

CONCORD, N.C. — A year after finishing second in the Kulwicki Driver Development Program competition, Derek Gluchacki became the first Massachusetts native to win the coveted Alan Kulwicki Cup. 

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KDDP announced Gluchacki, 24, as the winner during the annual awards banquet Tuesday night at The Speedway Club at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Gluchacki defeated Wisconsin’s Bryce Miller, Georgia’s Seth Christensen, Illinois’ Noah Eisenhower and Vermont’s Taylor Hoar in the seven-month short-track racing competition. He won $20,000 and the Kulwicki Cup trophy, presented to him in part by former Cup Series driver Ryan Newman

Kulwicki Driver Development Program

“Proud to have Derek as our 2025 KDDP Champion,” said Paul Andrews, a KDDP board member and chairman of the voting panel. “We’ve watched him grow since his very first interview last year and even before that. I’m sure last year’s runner-up finish only made him hungrier coming into this season.”

Gluchacki is the sixth driver to return to KDDP as a finalist and win it. He is the first since Dylan Zampa in 2022. Others like Gluchacki and Zampa include Cody Haskins, Brett Yackey, Jeremy Doss and Luke Fenhaus. 

“His [Gluchacki’s] year didn’t start smoothly but his performance was consistently strong. He faced tough competition in every single race and we love seeing that level of talent on track,” Andrews said. “It’s gratifying to see Derek’s hard work and dedication pay off. He not only sets up and works on his own cars but also prepares and crew-chiefs customer cars, all while continuing to give back through charity work. He’s earned this championship in every way.” 

Bryce Miller, 26, finished second and received $7,000. Seth Christensen, 18, collected $3,000 for placing third. 

“Our 2025 KDDP season was stacked with talented competitors from all across the country,” Andrews noted. “It was also our first year featuring five drivers, which definitely ramped up the intensity and competition between them.”

According to Andrews, the drivers balanced preparing their own race cars, having an active role in their communities and managing their social media with their everyday routines.

“In racing, not everyone gets the season they hoped for but their work ethic and enthusiasm never wavered. It was truly fun to watch them push through challenges and keep fighting,” he said.

Kulwicki Driver Development Program

Gluchacki rose above the five “Underbirds” with two wins, eight top-five finishes and 11 top-10 finishes in 16 races.

Gluchacki worked with Make-a-Wish New Hampshire, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Rhode Island Center Assisting Those in Need. RICAN provides emergency food, clothing and essential support to people and families in-need, primarily in southern Rhode Island. 

Members of Alan Kulwicki’s 1992 NASCAR Cup Series championship team mentored Gluchacki and the other four “Underbirds.” Altogether, the five drivers produced five wins, 22 top-fives and 42 top-10s in 85 races. 

Since KDDP’s inception in 2015, finalists have recorded 238 victories, 750 top-fives and 1,098 top-10s in 1,514 races. Finalists have won at 72 tracks across 27 states and four Canadian provinces. Overall, KDDP has awarded more than $1 million to 50 drivers — representing 18 states and two Canadian provinces.