NASCAR Youth Series Presented by Cook Out and MPI Wheels
Announce Recognition Award
SPEEDWAY, IN (Dec. 12, 2024) — The NASCAR Youth Series Presented by Cook Out and MPI
Wheels, one of the leading designers and manufacturers of state of the art steering wheels used
in various forms of motorsports, announced the three finalists for the second-annual MPI
“Inspiring Driver of the Year” award. The winner will be announced Friday, Dec. 13 at the
NASCAR Youth Series awards banquet.
This award recognizes a driver that was nominated by a local, regional or national club official.
To be considered, a driver must have displayed the five core values of DRIVE: Determination,
Respect, Integrity, Volunteer, Extraordinary. These values must have been displayed on and off
the track and in his/her school and community.
The three finalists are: Gavin Studie of Sperry, Okla., Karter Kunsman of Bath, Pa., and Carlyn
Singleton of Aston, Pa.
Gavin, 15, was nominated by his home club - Tulsa QMA. Gavin is a six-time
local champion in 4 different classes. He set two track records in 2024 at TQMA
and in Heavy 160 he has won an astonishing 25 straight feature races over the
past two years. If asked Gavin would tell you he believes integrity is always doing
the right thing even if no one is watching. As a veteran member of his club, he
takes it upon himself to mentor the younger drivers. When he isn’t racing, Gavin
can be found volunteering at both the Ward-Wiseman Animal Shelter in
Collinsville, Okla., and Asbury Church’s “Second Sunday” food distribution
program. He is a straight A student and plays the French horn in the marching
band. Gavin is active in the Junior National Honor Society and Fellowship of
Christian Athletes.
Karter, 14, was nominated by his home club - Keystone Quarter Midget
Racing Club. Since he started racing at Keystone, Karter has collected over 125
wins and has won on the national NASCAR Youth Series circuit as well. his
past season, Karter raced the NASCAR Youth Series dirt nationals in five
different classes. One of Karter’s main on-track attributes is that if he can’t win by
making a clean pass then he will forfeit the win. He puts so much effort into being
respectful and doing things the right way on the track. As this was his last season
racing, Karter has already offered the club to help in positions such as race
directing, flagging, etc - anyway to still be involved in helping the club and its
younger members. When not helping fellow drivers at the track, he can be found
iRacing and supporting his two sisters in their various activities.
Carlyn, 13, was nominated by her home track - Blackbird Quarter Midget Club.
She is known for her determination and makes it a point to be a clean and fair
driver. She is always lending a helping hand to other drivers. When she’s not
behind the wheel, Carlyn takes it upon herself to help clean up the club’s
playground for the younger kids and doesn’t hesitate to report any safety issue.
She just completed her eighth year racing quarter midgets. Carlyn takes all honor
classes and was inducted into the Junior Honor Society last spring. She has volunteered numerous hours over the years at Blackbird QMC by picking up
trash and stocking the concession stand. Carlyn also volunteers her time at her
school and the local elementary school, helps her younger sister and other kids
during dance school recitals and has helped clean local parks and streams with
her involvement in the school environmental club. In addition, she has been
recognized by the VA home in Wilmington, Del., for the money she raised and
donated through bracelets she made and sold. This home supports homeless
veterans in the area.
In addition to their involvement in the NASCAR Youth Series, MPI sponsored the 2024 Rookie
of the Year awards for the USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship, USAC NOS
Energy Drink Midget National Championship and the USAC Silver Crown National
Championship.
For more information on MPI, visit www.maxpapisinc.com.
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