Kercie jung focused on making history in 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kercie Jung Racing - Bakersfield, CA.,  3/10/2021 —   

Kercie Jung, a fifteen-year-old, eight-time auto racing champion, is preparing to embark on the 2021 race season at Madera Speedway, which kicks off this 

Saturday, March 13th . 

Jung has been racing for eight years, since the age of seven. In her short career, she has won 101 races and eight track championships. In 2018 she was the California State Champion in the INEX Bandolero Outlaw Division, ranking 13th in the nation. In 2019 Jung moved up from Bandolero-class cars to full size stock cars and races in the 51Fifty Jr. Late Model Series at Madera Speedway. 

Kercie is well prepared to begin her third and final full season in the Jr. Late Model division. She acknowledges that while she has gained a lot of experience and ran up front most of the 2020 season, this year will have challenges in the form of new, inexperienced competitors as many drivers that she battled with will have moved up to the Pro Late Model division. Said Jung, “Some challenges that I see with a new set of competitors would be how everyone drives and how they react to certain situations. Last year I learned how everyone would react to how the 

car was driving and I could watch their car and see how its feeling and I think that is going to be my struggle this year.” 

Another challenge is the struggle to find the much needed sponsor dollars to fund a full race season that costs tens of thousands of dollars. Her family owned team is one of the most underfunded teams competing, but Jung has been able to make the most of her efforts and the limited sponsorship. For the past two seasons Kercie has never had a primary sponsorship and yet has managed to finish 7th in points in her rookie year and 2nd in points last year, showcasing 

her talent and ability to race competitively in a 21 car field. Kercie competes against teams that are spending two to three times as much, and yet she consistently was a top three car last year. When asked if she races conservatively in order to make sure she has a car for the next race, she replied, “Being one of the lowest funded teams at Madera Speedway, I tend not to think much about it because we are battling up front with well funded teams. As much as we struggle with funds, I race the same as I would if we were well funded because as a driver I know, nomatter what, I need to be up on the wheel the whole race.” That philosophy and attitude paid off last year as she equaled the best finish of a female driver with a second place finish, broke the track qualifying record, and became the first female in that series to win a pole position in qualifying. 

As for the upcoming season, when asked about her goals, Kercie said, “In the 2021 season of the Jr. Late Model series, I hope to accomplish a few wins and try for a championship. We came really close to both last year and still fell a little short, but this year I have a good feeling that we will get some wins this year.” 

Kercie is the most successful woman to compete in the Jr. Late Model series, even 

outperforming rising auto racing star Hailie Deegan, who got her start in asphalt racing at Madera Speedway in the Jr. Late Model series and now competes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck series. 

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About Kercie Jung (Kercie Jung Racing) 

Kercie Jung Racing is an amateur stock car race team based in Bakersfield, California. Kercie has been racing for eight years and has excelled at every level of the sport she’s competed in, winning over 100 races, 8 track championships and 1 state championship. Her goal is to become a professional driver at the highest levels of motor sports. For more information visit www.KercieJungRacing.com. 

For information regarding Kercie Jung Racing contact: 

Daryl Curtis 

(661) 747-0769 

DarylCurtis@kerciejungracing.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MPM Marketing - Madera, CA.,  10/3/2020 — Kercie Jung will continue her quest to visit victory lane at Madera Speedway when the California oval hosts the Short Track Shootout this Saturday night.

The eighth edition of the Short Track Shootout will include a 70-lap race for the 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series, a series specifically for young racers between the ages of 10 and 16 years old.

The 15-year-old Jung enters Saturday’s race fourth in the division standings with just two races remaining. She’s hoping a trip to victory lane will help catapult her into the top-three in the 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series standings.

“It is very important for me to end the season in a positive manner because not only are we racing for a win, but we are also racing for a spot in the top-three in points,” said Jung. “In the first race of the year we finished 15th, but we’ve shown that we can be consistent every week and that’s given us a chance to race for a place in the top-three.”

Jung has consistently been racing near the front of the field, earning four top-five and six top-10 finishes in her last five starts at Madera, including finishes of second, third and fourth. Jung, who was also one of two drivers to recently better the track record at the third-mile track and has qualified inside the top-five in every race, is hoping she can turn that consistency into a trip to victory lane this weekend.

“To end the night in victory lane we need the car to be perfect,” said Jung, whose runner-up finish earlier this year matched the best finish for a female driver in the 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series. “We need to get away from the pack, get some really good starts and run a really consistent line. I have struggled a bit with my line in each of the previous races, but I feel like I’m getting the hang of it and I think that’ll help me get some good runs in these final two races.”

Jung said that her driver coach, Buddy Shepherd, has been a big help this year as she continues to learn and develop her racing skillset. 

“Buddy Shepherd is always on the radio coaching me and teaching me new things,” Jung said. “Another struggle I’ve had this year would be my starts, because we’re in a totally different car than we had last year. I’ve been learning a lot on the starts this year and Buddy’s been helping me there too, so I’ve got a good feeling going about these last few races.”

Jung would like to thank her parents and sponsors, including Daryl Curtis, Cousin Cary, Shepherd Racing, Bobby Courtney Racing Enterprises, San Joaquin Collision, Franks Cabinet Shop, Harrison Street Automotive, Ian M Hassett Foundation, Ybnormal Graphics, The Society of Disabled Children of Bakersfield, WileyX, Sparrow Ranch and MPM Marketing, for their support.

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 For information regarding Kercie Jung Racing contact:

Daryl Curtis

(661) 747-0769

DarylCurtis@kerciejungracing.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Kercie Jung campaigns the Blue Lives Matter flag on her race car in support of first responders and law enforcement. 

Bakersfield, CA., 9/29/2020 — Kercie Jung, a fifteen-year-old, eight-time auto racing champion, is showing her support for first responders and law enforcement. She will be campaigning the Blue Lives Matter symbol on the hood of her Jr. Late Model at Madera Speedway for the last three races of the 2020 season.

Jung has been racing for eight years, since the age of seven. In her short career, she has won 101 races and eight track championships. In 2018 she was the California State Champion in the INEX Bandolero Outlaw Division, ranking 13th in the nation. In 2019 Jung moved up from Bandolero-class cars to full size stock cars and races in the 51Fifty Jr. Late Model Series at Madera Speedway. In 2020 her goal is to be the first woman to win a race in the series, and to win the championship in that series. Her career goal is to race in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Said Jung, “The reason I chose to put the Blue Lives Matter flag on my hood is because I have a lot of family members that are police officers and in the military. They risk their lives in the line of duty. I know a lot of people who have retired from the military and a few from the police. I wanted to show what I believe in. It means a lot to me that they risk their lives for us every day, and we don’t get to say thank you all the time. So, this is my Thank You!”

Chris Dalton, a Senior Police Officer with the Bakersfield Police Department and long time family friend, has known Kercie since she started racing at Kern County Raceway Park in 2014. Dalton said, “I have watched her grow up from a little girl into a young lady and watched her mom and dad raise a very competitive but respectful young lady. The fact that Kercie is flying the blue line flag means a lot to me. The fact that she can take a very unpopular political stand, especially among her peer group, because she believes in us, and doesn’t need any political or liberal media to tell her what she needs to feel or think, speaks volumes for her character. She knows how she was raised, she knows the difference between right and wrong. Kercie wants to express her love for country and support of Law Enforcement and I applaud her for flying the thin blue line flag and showing her American pride.”

Jung is more than halfway through the race season at Madera Speedway, which started June 27th. She will compete in nine races over the 2020 season, and will be featured nationally on MAVTV, which televises all the races. Currently Kercie is fourth in points going into her next race on October 3rd. Her highest finish this season was a second, equaling the highest finish of a woman in her division. You can catch Kercie’s next race live streamed this Saturday, October 3rd, at 6:00 p.m. on the YouTube channel Short Track TV or this link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIro_dqjQvM.

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About Kercie Jung (Kercie Jung Racing) - Kercie Jung Racing is an amateur stock car race team based in Bakersfield, California. Kercie has been racing for eight years and has excelled at every level of the sport she’s competed in, winning over 100 races, 8 track championships and 1 state championship. Her goal is to become a professional driver at the highest levels of motor sports. For more information visit www.KercieJungRacing.com.

About Blue Lives Matter - Blue Lives Matter seeks to honor and recognize the actions of law enforcement, strengthen public support, and provide much-needed resources to law enforcement officers and their families. 

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 For information regarding Kercie Jung Racing contact:

Daryl Curtis

(661) 747-0769

DarylCurtis@kerciejungracing.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Racing Campaign to Raise Awareness in the Community and to Help Fund Children’s Programs

Bakersfield, CA., 9/2/2020 — Kercie Jung, a fourteen-year-old, eight-time auto racing champion, has engaged in a multi-year partnership with the Society for Disabled Children. Kercie plans to utilize her social media platforms and the national exposure she receives through her racing program to bring awareness and help raise much needed funds. The Society for Disabled Children is located in Bakersfield, California, and serves the local community of Bakersfield and the residents of Kern County. The Society was founded in 1947 and delivers programs and services that create growth opportunities for children with special needs.

Jung has been racing for eight years, since the age of seven. In her short career, she has won 101 races and eight track championships. In 2018 she was the California State Champion in the INEX Bandolero Outlaw Division, ranking 13th in the nation. In 2019 Jung moved up from Bandolero-class cars to full size stock cars and races in the 51 FIFTY LTM Jr. Late Model Series at Madera Speedway. In 2020 her goal is to be the first woman to win a race in the Jr. Late Model Series, and to win the championship in that series. Her career goal is to race in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Jung’s passion for racing is matched only by her passion for helping children with needs. In 2015 she met Brayden Eidenshink (“Brayden’s Brave Heart”), a seven-year-old boy that desperately needed a heart transplant. From that day on, Brayden became a friend and a fan. In 2018, Brayden passed away from complications related to his heart transplant, which deeply impacted Jung. She turned that heartbreak into action to raise awareness for children with disabilities of every kind. It is with this commitment and passion for helping other children in need that she sought out an organization she felt matched her goals and mission.

Said Jung, “I picked the Society for Disabled Children because I love kids. I feel like they are always the ones who help bring the community together, like Brayden Brave Heart did. After Brayden’s passing I had been looking for ways to help the community. When I found the Society for Disabled Children, I saw an opportunity to help our community.”

Until recently, the Society for Disabled Children has been relatively unknown to the general public, even though it has been in service for over seventy years. This nonprofit is one of over 2700 nonprofits in the San Joaquin region, which makes up eleven percent of the 41,000 nonprofits in California.

Shelly Goodell, Executive Director of the Society for Disabled Children, said “We are incredibly grateful to Kercie and the entire Kercie Jung Racing organization. To find a partner that aligns with our mission and vision and is so dedicated to helping assist our organization is truly remarkable.” Through the exciting world of motorsports the Society of Disabled Children’s brand will be in the spotlight on a local, regional and national level.

Jung is halfway through the race season at Madera Speedway, which started June 27th. She will compete in nine races over the 2020 season, and be featured nationally on MAVTV, which televises all the races. Currently Kercie is third in points going into her next race on September 5th. Her highest finish this season was a second, equaling the highest finish of a woman in her division.

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About Kercie Jung (Kercie Jung Racing) - Kercie Jung Racing is an amateur stock car race team based in Bakersfield, California. Kercie has been racing for eight years and has excelled at every level of the sport she’s competed in, winning over 100 races, 8 track championships and 1 state championship. Her goal is to become a professional driver at the highest levels of motor sports. For more information visit www.KercieJungRacing.com.

About The Society for Disabled Children - The Society for Disabled Children was formed in 1947, and over the years provided a number of services and programs for people with disabilities. The organization focuses on access to educational, social and recreational services. One of the cornerstones of the organization is Camp Blue Jay, which provides campers the opportunity to experience the joys and wonders of summer camp with supportive, qualified staff and counselors. For more information visit: www.societyfordisabledchildren.org

For information regarding Kercie Jung Racing contact:

Daryl Curtis

(661) 747-0769

DarylCurtis@kerciejungracing.com

 Kercie picked up money from Franks Radio Service and Maita Chevrolet for her 3rd place finish Saturday night. Thank you to these wonderful sponsors and all that they do for our sport. 

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 BONUS BUCKS FLOW ON August 22nd FROM MADERA SPEEDWAY

Madera, CA. (8.24.20) – There are many different ways drivers can earn bonus money racing at the Madera Speedway. Nineteen different bonus bucks awards were handed out on August 22nd in round #5 of the MAVTV televised series from Madera Speedway.

In the 51FIFTY Jr Late Model Series Kabe McClenny earned the $300 Helping Hand Award from Competition Carburetion, Bradley Erickson won the $250 biggest mover award from the Madera Speedway, Kyle Keller won $200 from Hoosier Tires blind draw, Hailey Liles won a free car entry for the next TV race from Nut Up, Cole Brown, Bradley Erickson, and Kercie Jung won $100, $75 and $50 from Franks Radio and another $100, $75 and $50 from Maita Chevrolet.

In the Nut Up Pro Late Model Series Matt Erickson won the $250 biggest mover award from Madera Speedway, Glen Cook won the $200 Hoosier blind draw, Austin Herzog won the Nut Up Great Taste Award earning him a free car entry for the next TV race, and Dylan Zampa, Buddy Shepherd, and Ross Strmiska won $100, $75 and $50 from Franks Radio and another $100, $75 and $50 from Maita Chevrolet.

Thanks to our great sponsors the bonus program is in place for every race in the MAVTV televised series in both the 51FIFTY Jr Late Model Series and the Nut Up Pro Late Model Series. There will be $20,340.00 given out in the bonus bucks program over the nine race televised series.

The three special races inside the Nut Up Pro Late Model Series called the Race 2B Drug Free Big3 presented by 51FIFTY, and there is another $75,000 of bonus money available in those three special events held on July 25th, September 5th and October 3rd.

In the Race 2B Drug Free Big3 Series there is $25,000 of additional money built into the purse. July 25th and September 5th will pay $5,000 to win with $3,000 for second and $2,000 for third. October 3rd will pay $10,000 to win with $5,000 for second and $2,500 for third. The B Main for the September 5th race will pay $3,000 to win, $750 for second and $500 for third. There is a special point fund for the Race 2B Drug Free Big3 Series and the winner will earn an extra $5,000, $2,500 for second and $1,000 for third in the mini point series.

In the Race 2B Drug Free Big3 Series there is an additional $50,000 of special incentive money up for grabs for the teams. There is a $10,000 bonus for a driver that can win all three races on July 25th, September 5th and October 3rd. There is $10,000 bonus if a driver that sets fast time takes the “Triple Main Challenge” and starts at the rear of the C main and wins, then starts at the rear of the B Main and wins, then starts at the rear of the A main and wins. There is a $5,000 bonus if a driver can set fast time in all three races, there is a $5,000 bonus if a driver can finish in the top three in all three races (could be $15,000 paid out if three drivers make this happen), there is a $5,000 bonus if a driver leads the most laps in all three of the Race 2B Drug Free Big3 races, and a $5,000 bonus if one driver wins all three of the B Mains in the Race 2B Drug Free Big3 Series.

The Nut Up Pro Late Models and 51FIFTY Jr. Late Models will compete in their sixth race of the nine-race campaign on September 5th. Due to no fans being allowed in our grandstands the events will be streamed live to Short Track TV on YouTube as we are filming the MAVTV production, free of charge thanks to Nut Up Industries and Mission Foods.

For information about Madera Speedway, visit www.RaceMadera.com

The 2020 season would not be possible without the support of Nut Up Industries, 51FIFTY, Mission Foods, Franks Radio, Competition Carburetion, Hoosier Tires, Maita Chevrolet and Sunoco Race Fuel.

MADERA, Calif. – (July 27, 2020) – Kercie Jung turned in the best finish of her young career in the 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series at Madera Speedway on Saturday night by earning a runner-up finish against a 20-car field.

Jung started off the night by qualifying third, which sent the 14-year-old racer to the pre-race redraw. During the redraw she pulled the number two pill, putting her on the outside pole alongside fellow female racer Holly Clark.

Early in the feature the Bakersfield, Calif., driver briefly faded to fifth. However, she patiently worked her way back through the field and by the halfway break in the 70-lap feature Jung was running second.

“It got a little difficult because the car started getting tight towards the end, so it was hard to battle and pass people because the car wanted to drift up towards the wall,” Jung said.

Jung stood her ground during the second half of the feature, running second as race leader Bradley Erickson pulled away to a comfortable lead. A caution flag with 11 laps left allowed Jung to close the gap on the leader.

Following an aborted restart attempt, Jung and race leader Erickson went toe-to-toe for the race lead. Erickson’s run on the top proved the difference as he retained the lead, with Jung settling back into second.

Two more caution flags slowed the field in the final laps, but Jung wasn’t able to challenge Erickson, instead having to survive an intense battle for second. She held on to finish in the runner-up position, matching the best finish by a female competitor in the 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series at the third-mile asphalt oval.

“We were still battling a little bit of tightness after we made some adjustments,” Jung said of her car. “The high side came in, so he (Erickson) got a little slingshot coming out of the corner. Overall, it was really exciting and nerve wracking.”

Jung credited veteran racer Buddy Shepherd, whom she has been working with recently, for his help preparing her to battle at the front of the field

“It’s been helping a lot. I have Buddy there all the time. He’s in my ear all the time being a cheerleader,” Jung said. “We wouldn’t be able to do it without all of our sponsors, Daryl Curtis, Cousin Cary, Shepherd Racing, Bobby Courtney Racing Enterprises and San Joaquin Collision.”

Jung would also like to thank her parents and her team, Franks Cabinet Shop, Harrison Street Automotive, Ian M Hassett Foundation, Ybnormal Graphics, The Society of Disabled Children of Bakersfield, WileyX, Sparrow Ranch and MPM Marketing for their support.

 Kercie picked up money from Franks Radio Service for her 2nd place finish Saturday night. Thank you to these wonderful sponsors and all that they do for our sport. 

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BONUS BUCKS KEEP FLOWING ON JULY 25TH FROM MADERA SPEEDWAY

Madera, CA. (7.27.20) – There are many different ways drivers can earn bonus money racing at the Madera Speedway such as thirteen drivers that earned bonus bucks on July 25th in round #3 of the MAVTV televised series from Madera Speedway.

In the 51FIFTY Jr Late Model Series Calvin Hegje earned the $300 Helping Hand Award from Competition Carburetion, Kasey Kleyn won the $250 biggest mover award from the Madera Speedway, Cody Kiemele won $200 from Hoosier Tires blind draw, Kylie Ith won a free car entry for the next TV race from Nut Up, Bradley Erickson, Kercie Jung and Seth Wise won $100, $75 and $50 from Franks Radio.

In the Nut Up Pro Late Model Series Matt Erickson won the $250 biggest mover award from Madera Speedway, Loren Kutz won the $200 Hoosier blind draw, Ryan Philpott won the Nut Up Great Taste Award earning him a free car entry for the next TV race, and Jeremy Doss, Buddy Shepherd, and Trevor Huddleston won $100, $75 and $50 from Franks Radio.

Jeremy Doss won $5,000 for his victory in Round #1 on July 25th of the Race 2B Drug Free Big3 Series and he can win an additional $10,000 bonus if he can sweep all three of the mains in the series plus another $5,000 bonus if he sweeps all three fast times, plus another $5,000 for the three race championship and $5,000 if he finishes top three in all three races, and another $5,000 bonus to a driver if they lead the most laps in all three Race 2B Drug Free Big3 races. Buddy Shepherd won $3,000 for second and Trevor Huddleston won $2,000 for third place. All of this cash is flowing from the Madera Speedway even as we are missing our fans and the revenue they bring to the speedway.

Thanks to our great sponsors the bonus program is in place for every race in the MAVTV televised series in both the 51FIFTY Jr Late Model Series and the Nut Up Pro Late Model Series.

The three special races inside the Nut Up Pro Late Model Series called the Race 2B Drug Free Big3 presented by 51FIFTY, and there is another $75,000 of bonus money available in those three special events held on July 25th, September 5th and October 3rd.

In the Race 2B Drug Free Big3 Series there is $25,000 of additional money built into the purse. July 25th and September 5th will pay $5,000 to win with $3,000 for second and $2,000 for third. October 3rd will pay $10,000 to win with $5,000 for second and $2,500 for third. The B Main in each of these three races will pay $1,500 to win, $750 for second and $500 for third. There is a special point fund for the Race 2B Drug Free Big3 Series and the winner will earn an extra $5,000, $2,500 for second and $1,000 for third in the mini point series.

In the Race 2B Drug Free Big3 Series there is an additional $50,000 of special incentive money up for grabs for the teams. There is a $10,000 bonus for a driver that can win all three races on July 25th, September 5th and October 3rd. There is $10,000 bonus if a driver that sets fast time takes the “Triple Main Challenge” and starts at the rear of the C main and wins, then starts at the rear of the B Main and wins, then starts at the rear of the A main and wins. There is a $5,000 bonus if a driver can set fast time in all three races, there is a $5,000 bonus if a driver can finish in the top three in all three races (could be $15,000 paid out if three drivers make this happen), there is a $5,000 bonus if a driver leads the most laps in all three of the Race 2B Drug Free Big3 races, and a $5,000 bonus if one driver wins all three of the B Mains in the Race 2B Drug Free Big3 Series.

The Nut Up Pro Late Models and 51FIFTY Jr. Late Models will compete in their fourth race of the nine-race campaign on August 8th. Due to no fans being allowed in our grandstands the events will be streamed live to Short Track TV on YouTube as we are filming the MAVTV production, free of charge thanks to Nut Up Industries.

For information about Madera Speedway, visit www.RaceMadera.com

The 2020 season would not be possible without the support of Nut Up Industries, 51FIFTY, Race 2B Drug Free, Franks Radio, Competition Carburetion, Hoosier Tires, and Sunoco Race Fuel.

MADERA, Calif. – After a long wait, Kercie Jung is finally getting her season started this weekend at California’s Madera Speedway.

Jung will open her season on Saturday night by competing in the 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model 70-lap feature at the third-mile semi-banked asphalt oval. She was scheduled to start her racing season in March, but the COVID-19 pandemic brought racing to a halt.

The 14-year-old hasn’t been sitting idly by while waiting to get back in a race car. She has been working hard to finish school and prepare for the opportunity to go racing again.

“Since the shut down I have been finishing school, finishing some things on the car and helping Dick and Buddy Shepherd on their tour car,” Jung said. “The biggest thing I’m excited about would be the speed and the competition, the competition has always been good at Madera Speedway.”

The 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model division is for drivers ages 10-16 years old. The 70-lap feature on Saturday will be split into two segments, with a 40-lap segment followed by a 30-lap segment.

This is her second full season of competition in the 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series at Madera. Last year she made her debut in the series, earning a seventh-place finish in the championship standings.

Jung is more than ready to get back in the car and she’s looking forward to the opportunity to go racing on Saturday. She’ll be doing so with a number of partners supporting her.

“I am extremely ready to get back into the car, especially since we upgraded the car,” Jung said. “We’re working with Shepherd Racing and Tonya McCallister with MPM Marketing now and they’ve both been a big help.

“I wouldn’t be as ready to get back into the car if it wasn’t for my sponsors San Joaquin Collision, Franks Cabinet Shop, Shepherd Racing, Cousin Cary, Harrison Street Automotive, Ian M Hassett Foundation, Bobby Courtney Racing Enterprises, Ybnormal Graphics, The Society of Disabled Children of Bakersfield, WileyX, Sparrow Ranch, MPM Marketing and Daryl Curtis.”

 By Steven Blakesley | May 14, 2020

(May 14, 2020) – Madera Racing on MAVTV presents “The Underdogs”, a special about six 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series drivers who are expected to have breakout seasons in 2020. The episode airs Thursday, May 14th at 5pm and 8pm Pacific on MAVTV. The six drivers featured are Austin Edwards, Kercie Jung, Robbie Kennealy, Kabe McClenny, Elvis Rankin, and Jadan Walbridge.

Edwards, age 15 from Mentone, Calif., is the only Madera Jr. Late Model winner in the group. The former INEX Bandolero state champion won in the inaugural season for the Jr. series in 2016 at just 11 years-old. Success has been tough to come by since then, however, although Edwards has become an ace on the iRacing platform. He recently won the Jr. Late Model eSports championship by winning five out of the six races against an average of 30 young drivers per event.

Jung came to the Madera Jr. Late Model program after winning the Kern County Raceway Park Bandolero championship. She was also a participant in the Jr. Late Model Challenge Camp in 2019. In 2020, she will drive a chassis that won the 2017 Madera Pro Late Model championship when driven by fellow Bakersfield driver Buddy Shepherd.

Robbie Kennealy is one of three siblings who all race at Madera Speedway. Kennealy finished eighth in the 2019 Jr. Late Model standings while his younger brother Joey was the Mini Cup champion in the Mini Cup vs. Bandolero division. Robbie came directly into Jr. Late Models without previous experience in anything other than a dimunitive Quarter Midget.

Kabe McClenny is yet another Bandolero graduate and another veteran of the series. McClenny entered the division in 2017 with many notable podium finishes battling against high profile drivers such as Hailie Deegan. McClenny Bros. Racing punches well above their weight with the siblings of Kale and Kabe both competing on a regular basis in the Jr. Late Model division.

Elvis Rankin from New Mexico also participated in the Jr. Late Model Challenge Camp. Most notably for Rankin is his record as the youngest winner in the history of the USAC HPD Midget program, when he won a feature at Madera at 11 years old. Rankin brings personality and enthusiasm to the table with his racing career and is another Underdog driver who has used the iRacing platform to develop his skills.

Jadan Walbridge is one of the oldest of the Underdogs at 15 years-old. He came to Madera Speedway after a career in dirt Outlaw Karts. His grandfather was a successful pavement racer in the Northwest. Walbridge stepped up big in 2019 by winning the Jr. Late Model championship at the Las Vegas Bullring and also scoring three fast-times at Madera. He started off 2020 by testing and practicing with a broken foot, showing his tenacity and drive to fight for this year’s championship.

MADERA, Calif. -- Fourteen-year-old Kercie Jung is ready to hit the track running to kick off her season on March 14 at California’s Madera Speedway.

Jung is beginning her second full season of competition in the 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series at Madera. Last year she made her debut in the series, earning a seventh-place finish in the championship standings.

She’ll look to improve upon that this year beginning with the 70-lap opener, which will be broken into segments of 40 and 30 laps. She’ll be leaning on a pair of racing veterans, Dick and Buddy Shepherd, to help accelerate her learning curve this year.

“My expectations this year are pretty high because it is my second year in the 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series at Madera Speedway,” Jung said “We are hoping for some top-three finishes and a couple of wins if we can pull them off. This year I’m really excited to be working with Dick and Buddy Shepherd and learning as much as I can. We’re working with a new car this season and it’s important to me to show that racing can be a girls’ sport too.”

In order to shake off the offseason rust and get used to her new car, Jung recently took part in an open test session at Madera. The test didn’t go exactly as planned, but the team did manage to gain some valuable data they can use in the season opener.

“The test session started off a little rough. When I was jacking up the car the jack slipped from under the car and we tore up the right side door,” Jung explained. “After we straightened out the door I started to get ready for the first practice. After a couple of warm up laps so I could get the feeling of the car we were ready to see what we could do. We got faster with every practice, but sadly our practice ended early due to our trailing arm mount breaking and ending our day.

“Overall practice was great and I was very happy with the times we were running until the trailing arm mount broke.”

Jung believes it’ll be important to start the season on a positive note, which she hopes will set the tone for the rest of her season at Madera Speedway.

“It is important to me to come out strong the first race, because the first one is always the season starter and helps remind you where you should and shouldn’t be running,” Jung said.

“The first race for me has always given me an outlook on how the racing season will go, so our hopes are high for the first race and our 2020 season.”

Mark your calendars!!

February 20th the MAVTV Jr Late Model Challenge Camp special with Madera Speedway airs!!

McCallister Precision Marketing is excited to welcome 14-year-old Kercie Jung as the organization’s newest client.

Jung, a competitor in the 51FIFTY Energy Drink Jr. Late Model division at California’s Madera Speedway, was the lucky recipient of the Premier Marketing Package during Madera Speedway’s annual banquet as part of a random draw using playing cards.

“We’re proud to welcome Kercie as our latest MPM Marketing client,” said McCallister Precision Marketing’s Tonya McCallister. “She’s an amazing young woman who has already found a lot of success in racing and we can’t wait to help her as she continues to progress up the motorsports ranks.”

McCallister Precision Marketing will work with Jung as she continues her motorsports development, which most recently included a full season of competition in the 51FIFTY Energy Drink Jr. Late Model division at Madera Speedway last season.

In addition, as part of the Premier Marketing Package, Jung will also receive the opportunity to travel from California to North Carolina to take part in a test session with Lee Faulk Racing and Development.

“It was a great night at the banquet. Then when I got called up on to the stage for the MPM Marketing program I was kind of nervous,” Jung said. “After we all tore our cards I started to get more nervous. Then when I found out Dylan Zampa, who won the MPM Marketing package last year, pulled my card, I was thrilled knowing we’ll get to work with Tonya McCallister and the rest of her group at MPM Marketing and were going to be flying to North Carolina to test with Lee Faulk Racing.”

Jung began racing when she was 7 years old, competing in the Junior Mini Dwarf division at Bakersfield Speedway, in addition to other dirt tracks around California. She won her first race in 2014, followed by championships at Santa Maria Speedway and Kern County Raceway Park in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

In 2015 she also began the transition to asphalt racing, earning a track championship in 2015 at Kern County Raceway Park’s asphalt track. The 2016 season saw Jung transition to Bandoleros and she collected multiple championships the next few seasons, highlighted by the 2018 California State INEX Bandolero championship.

Most recently Jung made the transition to Madera’s 51FIFTY Energy Drink Jr. Late Model division. This year she completed her rookie season in the class, resulting in a seventh-place finish in the championship standings.

“This was definitely a learning year for me at Madera, but I’m so excited to get back in the car next season,” Jung said. “I’m ready to take everything I learned and go racing again in 2020, plus I’m thrilled I get to work with MPM Marketing too. It’s going to be a great year and I’m ready to get going as quickly as we can.”

Kercie was one of only twelve drivers to be chosen, out of over 300 applicants for the upcoming Jr. Late Model Challenge Camp. She is truly the best of the best in her age group. We are very excited and blessed to be chosen for this great opportunity. For more, see the video and click on the link for more information about the camp.

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A message from the admin...

I spent some time tonight at Kercie's race shop, and had a chance to talk to her about the upcoming Race Camp at Madera. I was struck at how well adjusted she is to this opportunity, and how anxious and excited she is to be a part of this program. It was one of those aha moments where you realize that you've been right about how this driver is a complete package and that she has so much love and respect for my favorite sport of racing. It is a thrill to watch this young driver progress and mature, not only as a young lady, but also as an up-and-coming driver. I am blessed to be associated with this family, and this driver. I can't wait to see what she does next. Such a special young lady, with a special family to support her. If you are following her or know her, you know exactly what I am talking about. Most kids her age have no idea yet what they want to do in life, much less have the drive and desire to focus on their future. This kid is an exception. God bless you, Kercie. You make me proud to know you, and you teach me things every day.