SPEEDWAY, IN (March 7, 2023) — MPI Wheels, one of the leading designers and
manufacturers of state of the art steering wheels used in various forms of motorsports,
announced a recognition awards program for the 2023 NASCAR Youth Series Presented by
Cook Out national season.
The MPI “Up On the Wheel” award, which became one of the most cherished and highly
coveted awards in the NASCAR Youth Series (formerly known as the USAC.25 Series) returns
for the 2023 season. This award, which is a custom designed trophy by MPI, recognizes a driver
at each of the national events. A few of the qualifying factors for a driver to earn this award may
include but are not limited to a driver overcoming adversity in a race, raced his or her way from
the back of the field or made the biggest leaps coming from one of the lower mains to the A
main all while displaying sportsmanship to officials and peers.
In addition to the “Up On the Wheel” award, MPI is introducing the “Inspiring Driver of the Year”
award. This award will recognize one driver that is nominated by a local, regional or national
club official. The driver does not have to be the fastest or winningest driver, but rather a driver
who sets a good example for others and exhibits attributes of leadership and character. To be
considered, a driver must display the five core values of DRIVE: Determination, Respect,
Integrity, Volunteer, Extraordinary. These values should be displayed on and off the track and in
his/her school and community. Nomination forms can be found HERE.
Deadline to submit nominations is Nov. 3, 2023.
“I’m excited to renew this partnership between MPI and USAC,” said Max Papis. “MPI
fundamentals are safety, innovations and passion and I see the same values in USAC and their
commitment to provide a great platform to all the USA kids to prove their talent in life and racing.
I look forward to seeing our MPI steering wheels being held by the best young racers in the
nation.”
In addition to its involvement in the NASCAR Youth Series, MPI will sponsor the 2023 Rookie of
the Year awards for the USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship, USAC NOS Energy
Drink Midget National Championship and the USAC Silver Crown National Championship.
MPI Wheels, located in Mooresville, N.C., was founded in 2009 by Max and Tatiana Papis. Both Max andTatiana come from a rich history of motorsports as Max began racing professionally at 12 years old and has raced at the highest levels of motorsports from Formula 1, Champ Cars, IndyCar, IMSA and all three of NASCAR’s elite touring divisions including the premier class of Cup competitions. Tatiana is the daughter of famed open-wheel champion Emerson Fittipaldi. For more information on MPI, visit www.maxpapisinc.com .
Contact: Danielle Frye, danielle@usacnation.com
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