Sauter Experiences Personal Growth During KDDP’s Second Segment

CONCORD, North Carolina (August 27, 2026) – Penn Sauter, a 16-year-old Wisconsin native, says he has continued to grow as a person during the Kulwicki Driver Development Program’s second segment.

       “I have learned to better control my emotions and become a better person on and off the track,” Sauter said. “I have also learned how to create calm and neutral posts on my social media.”

       A third-generation driver from Alan Kulwicki’s home state, Sauter is now third in the standings. Sauter, the only Super Late Model driver in KDDP this year, has recorded nine top fives and 11 top 10s overall this season. He described the season as one of “progressive growth.”

Sauter, the son of NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Johnny Sauter and grandson of ARTGO Challenge Series champion Jim Sauter, has received race car setup advice this year from his mentor Brian Whitesell. An engineer, Whitesell, worked on special projects for Kulwicki’s team before joining Hendrick Motorsports.

“He is one of the smartest people I have ever talked to,” the young Sauter said about Whitesell.

Members of Kulwicki’s 1992 Cup championship team and veteran drivers are mentoring the “Underbirds” this year.

Off the track, Sauter focused on various fundraising events for Burn Camp, a charitable foundation of the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin. Sauter raised $5,000 for Burn Camp via basket raffles, a door raffle, selling T-shirts and a Culver’s night. The free, week-long, overnight summer camp is for children who have suffered a burn injury and continue to heal from the emotional trauma of their burns.  

The drivers occupying first and second in the standings after the second segment will be announced Friday.