2026 NASCAR Youth Series Announces the Top 20 Drivers in the Prestigious Petty Performance EDGE Program

SPEEDWAY, IN — The NASCAR Youth Series, presented by Cook Out, is proud to announce the Top 20 drivers advancing in the prestigious Petty Performance EDGE program—an elite initiative designed to recognize and develop the next generation of motorsports leaders.

The Petty Performance EDGE program (Excellence, Development, Growth, Education) received applications from talented young racers across the country before narrowing the field through multiple rounds of evaluation. Competitors were assessed on a variety of criteria, including academic achievement, character, leadership, social media engagement, and on-track performance. After careful review by USAC Officials and Petty Performance Racing, the following drivers have earned their place in the Top 20, listed in order of advancement:

• Bryce Koerner

• Makayla Waterman

• Hudson Bonafield

• Carlyn Singleton

• Brighton Hazelwood

• Trevor Jones

• Crew Greenfield

• Gabe Hussmann

• Noah Earich

• Kyle Farrow

• Paris Hoffman

• Kelby Eilen

• Brynley Keegan

• Mackenzie Whalen

• Maci Balch

• Ledger Winterburn

• Ben Gonzalez

• Jolene Singleton

• Baylen Perrine

• Carter Fank

This elite group has demonstrated remarkable achievement throughout the Petty Performance EDGE selection process, consistently excelling in the classroom, on the racetrack, and within their communities. Their dedication to excellence, leadership, sportsmanship, and personal growth embodies the values of the NASCAR Youth Series and Petty Performance Racing.

As the program continues, these 20 drivers will move on to the next phase of the Petty Performance EDGE program, where they will continue to showcase the qualities that define tomorrow's leaders in motorsports. Ultimately, the program will identify its final winners, who will earn exclusive opportunities through Petty Performance Racing.

Congratulations to each of these outstanding young competitors on earning a place among the Top 20 in the 2026 Petty Performance EDGE program.