NATIONAL MIDGET DRIVER OF THE YEAR PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Bryan Gapinski



"Bryan Clauson claims NMDOTY Champion by three points over Kuhn"
"Third straight NMDOTY title for Clauson"

Irwindale, Calif. Nov. 24---Defending Champion Bryan Clauson has captured the 2011 National Midget Driver of the Year Championship, in the season's final event Thursday Night the 71st annual Turkey Night Grand Prix at The Toyota Speedway at Irwindale California.

An exciting battle among the top eight cars over the final laps shuffled the standings several times, with Clauson capturing the title by three points over two-time NMDOTY Champion Brad Kuhn. Clauson, becomes the first three-time winner in the thirteen year history of the award.

Two years ago Clauson overcame an eighty-seven point defict passing Kuhn in the final race of the season to claim his first NMDOTY crown. The point margain is the closest ever topping the four point margain in 2002. Clauson finished third in the 98-lap event behind winner Caleb Armstrong and Darren Hagen. Clauson topped Hagen by sixteen points to claim the Mopar USAC National Midget Championship.

Kuhn's car owner RW Motorsports captured the NMDOTY Car Owners Championship for the second time in three years, being trailed by Clauson's car owner Tucker/BCI/Curb/Agajanian. Indiana's Jake Blackhurst captured the Design 500 Racewear Rookie of the Year. Spike (Chassis), and Ford-Esslinger (engine) again won the Manufacturers Championship.

The top ten drivers and top three car owners along with Manufacturers Champions and Rookie of the Year will receive their point fund checks and trophies in the annual ceremony held during the final night of the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals on Jan. 14, 2012.



POINTS

Driver: 1. Bryan Clauson 1306; 2. Brad Kuhn 1303; 3. Kyle Larson 1076; 4. Darren Hagen 1028; 5. Jerry Coons Jr. 1015; 6. Brad Loyet 925; 7. Zach Daum 710; 8. Nick Knepper 702; 9. Bobby East 675; 10. Tracy Hines 656.

Car Owner: 1. RW Motorsports#17, 1309; 2. Tucker/BCI/Curb/Agajanian#39 1265; 3. Keith Kunz#67 995; 4. RFMS#3, 979; 5. Loyet Motorsports#05 872.

Rookie of the Year: 1. Jake Blackhurst 319 ; 2. Brenden Bright 266; 3. Joe Kraweic 184; 4. Bryan Nuckles 179 ; 5. Scott Holcomb 154.

Congratulations to IOWers BC, Tim, Mowerman (and Monica)

Congratulations to Bryan and the whole crew. Things like this certainly don't happen by accident. Another great group effort with a great driver.