Kristin Bumbera receives Diverity program award

NASCAR NAMES KRISTIN BUMBERA 2008 "PARTICIPANT OF THE YEAR" IN DRIVE FOR DIVERSITY PROGRAM

Daytona Beach, FL -- February 11, 2009, The 2nd Annual NASCAR Diversity Awards Ceremony was held today at Daytona International Speedway. NASCAR executives and Drive for Diversity supporters gathered to recognize and celebrate many accomplishments in the area of diversity and inclusion across NASCAR and the motorsports industry. In what is said to be an overwhelming vote, 21-year-old Kristin Bumbera of Sealy, TX was awarded the 2008 "Participant of the Year" award. Bumbera was the single driver or crew member recognized for outstanding performance on-track as well as reaching out to youth regarding NASCAR and motorsports. "I would not be receiving this award if not for my Golden State Racing team - Frank Jordan and Eric Snyder and everything they've done. To be chosen by my peers as well as NASCAR executives for such an award is really humbling," Bumbera said. "I just do what I know is important and take care of business every day."

Last year Bumbera drove for Golden State Racing in the NASCAR Whelan Late Model Series as part of the Drive for Diversity program. She earned 2 wins, 4 pole awards, 12 top 5's, 14 top 10's and currently holds the Late Model track record at All American Speedway, Roseville, CA. She also holds the Late Model track record at Monroe Motor Speedway, Monroe, LA. A demanding schedule of 25 races across the country was only part of Bumbera's agenda in 2008. She worked year-round towards her degree in marketing, appeared at numerous charity and children's events as well as public appearances for her sponsors throughout the country. She was always willing to jump on a plane when asked to speak to high school students about initiatives and opportunities in motorsports. Bumbera also made a few NASCAR public appearances and even a television commercial.

Hamilton Racing lead by Bobby Hamilton Jr. has signed this rising star to drive the #94 in the NASCAR Camping World East Series this season. Hamilton has a lot of confidence in his new driver who he's been watching for a while. "How you pick a driver in the racing world is you ask," Hamilton said. "You ask people about them. There is always going to be somebody who knows you. I know in my heart that she has the talent, and I know in my heart that she has the will. It's going to be a fun year." Sponsoring the new team this year is Wide-Open Energy Drink, Coyote Ugly Saloons, Love's Travel Stops and Bumbera's Performance Associates.

Bobby Hamilton Jr. is a well-known NASCAR driver with over 300 NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Craftsman Truck Series starts who now adds the title NASCAR Team Owner to his repertoire.

-credit: kristinbumbera.com