Former Asian karting queen Michele Bumgarner recently inked a five-year driver development deal to race in the Indy Lights Series and the Indy Car Series, becoming the first driver for the NexGen and Walker Racing development program to race in the Indy Lights Series next year.
Under the program, the 19-year-old Bumgarner will take the track next year before competing in the Indy Car Racing series in North America.
Charlie Patterson of NexGen MTD and Walker Racing owner Derrick Walker personally met and signed up Bumgarner, who was their unanimous choice as the pioneer recruit for their joint program. She was chosen based on her impressive credentials, including the first female champion of the Rock Island Grand Prix in New York, a four-time Asian Karting Queen and various stints in the Italian Masters Karting Formula Toyota Series, Asian Formula 3 and the Star Mazda Series.
“I’m very excited, signing with Charlie Patterson and Peter Olach of NexGen is a great honor. I am also proud to be flying the Philippine flag and representing the Filipino people in this great adventure,” said Bumgarner.
She also expressed her gratitude to current partners Spectrum OSO Asia, Petron, Oakley, Goodyear, City Kart Racing, Molecule, Philippines Department of Tourism for Sports and Wellness that have helped her through the 2008 season.
“I have much to learn and prepare for the 2009 season as well as beyond, constant learning and developing for two or more years to reach the Indy Car Series,” she said.
Bumgarner is now in the US for the American open wheel racing. She’s currently residing in Indianapolis career but plans to spend the holidays back home.
She tried out in the Indy Lights race car at Putnam Raceway and did extremely well for her first time in this open-wheel racer.
“I’ve met so many people in such a small period of time and they have been a huge help. I’m looking forward to having a great relationship with Walker Racing and everyone involved as they have a great history and background,” said Michele.
“The professionalism that they have is the best and this is a great opportunity for me. My goal is to get as much out of it as I can and to get the next level which is Indy Car Series. I think this is a great match and we can take each other to the top.”she said.
With this crowning achievement, Michele is also “paving” the way for other young drivers from the Philippines and Asia to realize their personal dreams with hard work and dedication.
With NexGen and Walker Racing driver development program taking her a step closer to her dream of racing in the greatest singular Motorsports race in the world – the Indianapolis 500, Michele looks forward to inviting other Philippine corporations to partner with her and the NexGen and Walker Racing in 2009 on this exciting journey to the top of North America open wheel Motorsports while representing the Philippine people on the world stage of Motorsports.
For more information on NexGen MTD, Michele Bumgarner, and Walker Racing please visit their websites at www.makingthedriver.com, www.michelebumgarnerracing.com, and www.walkerracing.com. Or contact Peter G Olach, Partner/Agent, NexGen MTD, PO Box 1889, Hickory, NC 28603, USA. Tel: 828.638.0345.