Two local racing prodigies carve out careers in a male-dominated sport

By Melanie Saxton

One of Kristin Bumbera’s earliest memories is of racing Go Karts in Waller at the age of eight against the likes of AJ Foyt, IV. “By the time I was competing in a Super Mini Cup around age 10 I knew I wanted to race professionally,” says Kristin. “I didn’t want to do anything half way, so if I wasn’t racing I was at the shop learning about high performance engines. I didn’t have much time for a social life but had racing friends.”

With an October birthday, she’s just turned 24 and is married to Ricky Jester. Happily, she’s joined the ranks of other female drivers such as Ashley Force and Sarah Fisher who have recently had babies. As of Aug. 17 her son Bentley entered the world, and Kristin is combining parenthood with her career just as her own race car driving parents had done.

She and her sister Kendall entered NASCAR as part of a family dynasty. Their father, Kenny Bumbera, currently drives in various NASCAR, NASA, IHRA, NHRA and other series when time permits. Their mother, Cheri, earned Rookie of the Year racing against all men in 1990 in the NASCAR Stock Car Division. Only her daughters have done that since, Kristin in 2003, and Kendall in 2007 and 2009.

As for being a new mom, “I was getting less than three hours of sleep when Bentley was first born,” says Kristin, who is recuperating during a one-season leave. “I look forward to getting back in the seat. It’s what I do.” The wonderful experience of raising a newborn son has her looking forward to bringing up a third generation in the family tradition.

Racing Acronyms Explained
NASCAR: National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, nascar.com
NASA: National Auto Sport Association, nasaproracing.com
IHRA: International Hot Rod Association, ihra.com
NHRA: The National Hot Rod Association, nsra-usa.com.

Kristin, Kendall and little brother Boyd were raised in their parents’ shop with an air chuck for a teething ring — literally — and Bentley will follow suit.

As Kristin’s racing career accelerated, Kendall was showing and riding horses. “I’m 18, five years younger than Kristin, and the family traveled to races all over the country. So when the opportunity came I gave up horses and joined in,” says Kendall, whose car flipped three times and landed on the roof in her very first professional race. “A competitor was reckless and I crashed,” she says,  unfazed. “It happens, and you learn from it.”

THE DANGER OF LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

Kristin agrees. “I’ve had more crashes than I can remember and have gone to the hospital once, plus a few rides in the ambulance. In 2008 the throttle stuck and my car flipped, causing a severe concussion while I was in California.” This accident was one of the few times Kristin was alone, without either of her parents. “Kenny or I try to be at all the kids’ races,” says mom Cheri. “I’m the spotter on the radio, helping them to avoid wrecks by being their eyes on track. That’s my way of feeling like I have some control and it’s how I cope as my children compete.”

The sisters have earned wins and titles through old-fashioned elbow grease. “When I wanted to compete at the next level with a faster car, my dad said, ‘Sure, as long as you can build it.’ And I did,” says Kristin, who works in her family’s shop as well as behind the counter. Kendall also knows her way around cars. “When customers come in and ask for a mechanic, I go find one. Then I sit in on the consultation and surprise them by what I know about high performance cars. People learn quickly that I’m not the receptionist.”

Kristin and Kendall point out that a strong work ethic is required to operate in the world of racing. “The biggest misconception is that daddy’s money is thrown at us,” says Kendall. “That’s not true. We work extremely hard for what we have and raise money to fund our races.”

For years the sisters ran their own company, Super Bouncers, and rented out moonwalks to earn income. They assembled and disassembled the 400- pound structures, loaded and unloaded them, and also handled the business end — by themselves. As part of the family business they also load and unload haulers (18-wheelers) before and after competitions. Some may consider it suffering for the sake of the sport, but both Kristin and Kendall wear Nomex fire-suits that weigh 12 pounds. “It gives us an extra 12 – 15 seconds to get out of a fire safely,” says Kristin. “It may be 112 degrees on the racetrack, but it gets to be 150 degrees in the driver’s seat,” adds Kendall. “It’s common to lose eight pounds after a race.”

PRETTY,  AND PRETTY SMART

Both young women just happen to be gorgeous with model-like looks, the recipients of their father’s Indian and Sicilian genes plus their mother’s French Canadian and Irish heritage. Yet their image is strictly wholesome. They’ve been raised to be ethical, moral, polite and down-to-earth. Kristin passed up a NASCAR opportunity by choosing not to pose in questionable attire. “I’m not interested in posing in anything but my racing gear like any other driver,” says Kristin.

Kendall agrees. “We take our professional responsibility to our sponsors off and on the track very seriously.” The family has been approached three times to do a reality show, is contemplating book deals and has been profiled in the media. Kristin appeared in Sports Illustrated with Danica Patrick in 2008. According to Kristin, the novelty of being female helps as far as advertising and publicity. Kendall feels the disadvantage is that NASCAR is dominated by men. The sisters are constantly kicking in the ceiling, proving themselves, and convincing sponsors that they are the best investment on the racetrack.

With 16 wins, 52 Top 5’s and 94 Top 10’s, Kristin brings powerful racing credentials to the table. She has two NASCAR Whelen wins in the All American Series, and is also a 4-time pole winner. In 2008 she was honored as the NASCAR Drive for Diversity “Participant of the Year.” She was also the first female to ever lead a late model points championship in Texas and was a 2-time Rookie of the Year, breaking two late model track records in California and Louisiana.

Kristin also made history as the first female to compete in and lead a race in the Rocky Mountain Challenge Series. In 2009 she became the highest-ranking full time female driver in NASCAR at the age of 21. In between she managed to graduate in three years from Sealy High School (where she played softball) and went on to earn her marketing degree at University of Houston. “It’s a degree that’s useful,” says Kristin. “Marketing and promotion are a huge part of what we do as a racing team. “

Kendall graduated last May from Faith West Academy where she played volleyball. She’s enrolled at Houston Community College with plans to enter University of Houston. She’s currently single and is proud to have just bought her own set of wheels. With Kristin on maternity leave, Kendall has now taken the lead for the family’s Next Generation Racing Team and is the sole driver in the seat.

THE EXCITING ROAD AHEAD

Having already won Rookie of the Year titles in 2007 and 2009 at the ages of 14 and 16, she is the test driver for the Bumbera’s Perfor­mance Associates new BadFast Race Car #06, developed with a chassis that is lighter and easily adjustable. She returned to Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas this fall driving in the NASCAR Late Model Series — the toughest in the state. Already she’s taken home two Top 5 finishes. She recently earned the best finish of her racing career placing second, and led for 15 laps of the race, more than any other driver.

As race after race awaits, the sisters rely on their crew to build and maintain their cars. They also rely on their sports agent, Holly Chervnsik of Stinger Sports, to land the sponsorships and hired her because she’s one of the few female sports agents in the nation and understands so well the challenges of competing in a male-dominated
profession.

“It’s a never-ending challenge to find sponsors who share our values and vision,”says mom Cheri. Their sports agent agrees. “To give you an idea, competing in the NASCAR K&N Series requires a minimum of $750,000 for a full season,” says Chervnsik. “But with the girls’ achievements, looks and personalities we appeal to a wide range of corporations who care about the sport and about the women behind the wheel. It’s always exciting to be a part of the most famed series of races, sit trackside, visit the pit crew, travel on promotional tours, and watch the incredible teamwork unfold.”

It’s also extremely rewarding (and novel) to support talented women as they beat their male competitors.”

To learn more about Kristin and Kendall’s adventures visit

kristinbumbera.com

kendallbumbera.com

badfastracecars.com

stingersports.com

bumberas.com

You can also find Kristin and Kendall on Facebook.

Most little boys grow up playing with cars. Alec Udell is no exception . . . except the vehicles he plays with have real motors! This Houston area race car driver has ties to Katy and has made history as the youngest World Challenge SCAA driver to ever qualify and race in the division. Needless to say, he’s not your every day high school freshman!

Most 15-year-olds are simply not capable of handling high performance race cars, taking on drivers with twice the experience. But Udell seemed destined for speed early on. Like most boys, he loved to handle anything that moved and still remembers one fateful day in kindergarten. “My grandfather gave me a go-kart and it changed my life,” says Udell.. “I floored it and never looked back.” With hard work and focus, he gradually earned his way into go-kart championships. it took years on the track with untold hours of practicing and competing, but he became a top driver. The highlight of his go-kart racing career occurred at the end of the 2010 season – he placed 3rd in the rotax Pan-Am National point championship. It earned him a spot on the 2010 United States World Finals team and propelled him into auto racing.

His grandfather also impacted his life in another way. “I wear a St. Christopher medal close to my heart,” says Udell. “My grandfather gave it to me in third grade and it means a lot.” As a devout Christian raised in church by parents Kim and Bob, he prays before practices and competitions. With speeds upwards of 200 mph, the track can be a dangerous place. “Faith is a huge part of my life,” says Udell. “At home, at school, and as I race, I know Christ is always with me.”

Udell had to prove his skill and earn the licensing required to compete at the pro level. A special exemption was made for him to race at so young an age – the first in the 22 year history of the World Challenge Sports Car Club of America Pro Racing (SCAA) . In addition to his parent’s support, Udell has a driving coach, Stuart Robinson, and a local sports agent based out of Katy – Holly Chervnsik of Stinger Sports. Chervnsik is impressed with her young client who exhibits all the best qualities of a well-rounded young man. “Alec is a major talent on the track and an expert behind the wheel of his Momentum Autosports 2011 Riley Chevrolet Camaro,” says Chervnsik. “But he’s also an Honor Roll student who plays the guitar, sings, acts in school plays, runs track, and volunteers for Habitat for Humanity.” Udell is an official driver for Momentum Racing. When he’s not competing, he practices at MSR Houston – a popular multi-use track.

Udell has a busy schedule, especially each spring and summer. But he manages to carve out a little down time. “For the last seven years, I’ve attended a Christian summer camp. It gives me a couple of weeks pressure down and let’s me just be a kid.” He’ll continue to chase his racing dreams throughout his teen years and into college – and beyond. The future is very bright for this talented young Christian.
You can learn about Alec Udell’s amazing journey at www.alecudellracing.com and www.momentumracegroup.com.

http://katychristianmagazine.com/2011/06/faith-and-fast-cars/

Houston Lifestyles and Homes / The Woodlands Lifestyles and Homes / Katy Lifestyles and Homes / Fort Bend Lifestyles and Homes

By Melanie Saxton

A fan favorite, Alec signs autographs for the fans

Few 15-year-olds are driving, especially in race cars, yet one talented local teenager has made history as the youngest World Challenge SCAA driver. Alec Udell is an Honor Roll student at John Cooper Academic Prep, and, on the surface, appears to be an ordinary teenager. He likes playing the guitar, singing, acting in school plays, running Varsity cross-country track and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. He resides in The Woodlands with his parents and older sister. But what sets him apart are his incredible feats in a race car. At the tender age of 15, Alec competes with drivers twice his age — and wins.

It all began in preschool when he inherited his big sister’s Barbie Corvette. “I took off the stickers and could barely reach the pedal, but instantly loved driving,” says Alec.

In kindergarten his grandfather gave him his first go-kart, and he began competing in go-kart races and winning at speeds up to 100 mph. He is especially proud of ranking No. 1 in the Rotax Mini Max class in 2009 after winning nearly every race. At the end of the 2010 season, Alec placed third in the Rotax Pan-Am national points championship, earning him a spot on the 2010 United States World Finals team. His unusual talent eventually propelled him into the world of auto racing — an extreme rarity for a freshman in high school. Alec had to demonstrate his skill, judgment and undergo testing and licensing before being considered.

“I had to prove I had the strength, experience and instincts to handle high performance race cars,” he says. Safety is always an issue, and Alec passed muster as a race car professional, fully capable of handling the speed and the track. A special, rare exemption was made allowing him to race at the pro level. “I wear the St. Christopher medal my grandfather gave me in third grade,” he says, referring to the Patron Saint of safe travel. “We always pray before races and I’m very aware of the risks.”

In November 2009, Alec began driving a Spec Miata in the National Auto Sport Association program. Now equipped with a Momentum Autosports 2011 Riley Chevrolet Camaro, Alec turns excellent lap times. All the hard work has earned him the distinction of being the youngest driver in the 22-year history of the World Challenge Sports Car Club of America (SCAA) Pro Racing. In short, he has made history.

How does he juggle it all? “I’m fortunate to have two study hall periods allowing me to tackle my homework. I go to the Performing Arts Center after school and play practice usually lasts until 4:30 p.m. Then I run track. I’m usually home by 6 every evening to eat dinner and do last minute school work and go to bed,” says Alec.

On top of that, he has a demanding, but rewarding, race schedule. January through March are his busiest times. “I leave Wednesday nights and practice Thursday and Friday, then race Saturdays and Sundays about 3-4 times a month. From March to summer, I race about once a month.” Summers are extremely busy, but Alec takes a two- week break for summer camp. “I’ve been going to camp for seven years, and it is my time to wind down and just be a kid.”

Alec has a driving coach, Stuart Robinson, and a sports agent, Holly Chervnsik. He is also supported by his parents, Kim and Bob, along with Momentum Racing, for whom he is an official driver. World Challenge Series events are recorded and aired nationally on VERSUS TV, and fans can look forward to Alec being featured in upcoming events. Check out Alec Udell at www.alecudellracing.com, www.momentumracegroup.com, and on Facebook.

Alec stands in front of the Momentum Autosports 2011 Riley Chevrolet Camaro he races.

“This was quite an undertaking, and has been in the works for a while,” stated Dina Parise. “Many late nights, numerous conversations and plenty of research took place for our new and improved web site. I’m very proud of the outcome.”

The ‘new and improved’ site has more content, easy navigation and an added feature the team is especially excited about; a Veterans Resources tab.

Be sure to check out the team’s ‘our causes’ section. The team continues to support the Wounded Warrior Project as well as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and also has created its own Vettes for Vets Project. The team encourages everyone to click on the ‘Donate Now’ button of their favorite charity and make a donation! It’s safe , quick and easy!

Please be sure to visit our sponsor tab, to learn a bit about them. We want to thank our sponsors for their support, and we encourage anyone interested in sponsoring the Parise Racing team to contact them!

Parise Racing is proud to represent the companies that support them. The team would like to welcome:

NGK www.ngksparkplugs.com

LAT Racing Oils – www.latracingoils.com

USA Auto Supply – www.usaautosupply.com/store/index.php

Custom Wire Sets – www.customwiresets.com/home.php JE Pistons – www.jepistons.com

Browell Bell Housing – www.browellbellhousing.com

Bradco Engineering

Motorsports Unlimited

R&R Racing Products – www.rrconnectingrods.com

Stinger Sports Marketing- www.stingersports.com

Parise Racing would like to thank everyone for their continued support.

*Story and photo by Parise Racing

Image by Scott Manby. Makeup by Stephanie Larkin of Gallas Plastic Surgery.

Holly Chervnsik

Career Path:  “A master’s degree with a concentration in applied graphic design equipped me to start my own web design and marketing business (SuburbanBuzz.com). Becoming one of a very few female sports agents in the racing world was the last thing I imagined when two locally owned NHRA top fuel drag racing teams hired me, then asked me to pursue corporate sponsorships. Stinger Sports was born! I’m privileged to work among the biggest names in auto racing, namely A.J. Foyt, Antron Brown, and other IZOD IndyCar and NHRA teams and athletes.”

Family Life: “It’s difficult at times to work with a sick child, which unfortunately is often the case due to my six-year-old Nadia’s rare illness, known as PFAPA.  Her cyclic high fevers come unexpectedly and I do whatever it takes to be available. My husband is incredibly supportive and doesn’t mind housework.”

Meals and Shopping: “Eggo waffles for breakfast and quick, home-cooked meals are favorites. I love La Centerra and venture into Old Town Katy for special gifts at Pink Safari. We also buy fresh produce (and ice cream) at the Farmer’s Market.”

Chores and The Rules: “Nadia keeps her bedroom tidy. She’s just leaning to read, but electronic rules are necessary because she”s already hacked into my iTunes account and spent over $250 on “smurfberries” on her iPad!”

Organization and Coping Tips: “Nadia dresses while I check my Outlook calendar, reminding me when she needs tennis shoes for P.E. I answer emails after packing her red tote with snacks and homework. When racing events beckon, a neighbor gets her on or off the school bus, and I return the favor. Once my husband and child are tucked into bed – the only time my phone isn’t ringing  – I tackle my creative work.”

Nurturing Time: “Mommy-time comes after Nadia’s bath. We read to each other, watch TV, and enjoy an ongoing family Wii Bowling championship.”

Fun Fact: “I love cultural art and authored Six Generations of Hopi Pottery: A Stylistic Analysis of Nampeyo Family Designs. Creating an online catalog/database of over 300 pieces of Native American art work for a private collector in Houston resulted in the building of a Hopi Foundation museum.”

Read the entire article starting on page 55:  http://onlinedigitalpublishing.com/publication/?m=10374&l=1 or http://www.katylifestylesandhomes.com/?p=4657

Alec Udell, 15, of The Woodlands, changes into flame-retardant clothing before racing in a Chevrolet Camaro Friday at MSR Houston in Angleton. Image by Karl Anderson.

Houston Community News
By Howard Roden

While Alec Udell’s fascination with all things wheels started before he turned 5, it was on his fifth birthday when he received a go-kart from his grandfather that the young boy displayed his interest in racing.

Udell’s first spin behind the wheel was a memorable one for his father Bob. The kart had a maximum speed of 35 mph.

“He had it floored,” Bob Udell recalled.

Fearful that Alec might not negotiate the cul-de-sac at the end of their street, his father sprinted after him. However, Alec managed to turn around without incident, leaving him hooked on the sport.

A decade later, Alec’s racing career is progressing at a remarkable rate. At age 15, he’s not old enough to possess a driver’s license, but in January he signed with Momentum Autosports as one of its two drivers on the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge Series, making him the youngest competitor in the 22-year history of that professional circuit.

Alec Udell, 15, of The Woodlands, prepares to drive a Chevrolet Camaro Friday at at MSR Houston in Angleton. Image by Karl Anderson.

“It makes me feel honored to be given the opportunity to do this,” Udell said. “I’m a very privileged 15-year-old.”

A student at The John Cooper School in The Woodlands, Udell’s ultimate goal is to race in the Indy Car League or NASCAR. Almost every weekend, the personable teenager can be found piloting his 415-horsepower Camaro Z28 at speeds in excess of 140 mph at a track near Angleton.

Udell’s World Challenge Series debut in St. Petersburg, Fla., March 25-27 was mixed. He qualified third in a field of 16 cars, but mechanical problems kept him from finishing both GTS races.

“Regardless of the final results, it was a great weekend,” Udell said. “There were a lot of lessons for me on what it takes for me to be competitive in pro racing.”
Despite his age, Udell said he was treated like any other driver.

“They showed me great respect,” he said.

Alec Udell, 15, of The Woodlands, drives a Chevrolet Camaro Friday at MSR Houston in Angleton. Image by Karl Anderson

Udell’s next World Challenge event is a couple of races May 20-22 in Toronto, Canada. He is committed to four two-race events this year.

A nationally competitive go-kart driver since the age of 8, Udell attracted the attention of Momentum Autosports’ principals – owner Ray Butler and vice president Jordon Musser – at a race in Las Vegas last November. Udell turned in some exceptional lap times during his very first test session.

“We knew he was fast in karting,” said Butler, whose racing group is based in Lewisville. “Karting is a good way to evaluate a driver. The skills you pick up in karting translate well to cars.”
To compete in the World Challenge Series at age 15, Udell had to receive a waiver.
“There was intense evaluation before they would let him drive. You have to have a resume and the experience,” Butler said.

However, that doesn’t mean Udell’s unique status as a racing wonderkid isn’t important from a financial perspective. The annual cost of operating a World Challenge Series racing team is in excess of $600,000. By comparison, an NHRA team runs between $6 million and $7 million a year, and $23 million for a NASCAR team.

Momentum Race Group, Amsource Capital and Kart Nation are among Alec’s current sponsors.

Alec Udell poses with sports agent, Holly Chervnsik. Image by Karl Anderson.

Holly Chervnsik, of Houston-based Stinger Sports Marketing, was hired to help make that list grow. She acknowledges his age and boyish charm make him attractive for the young demographic.

“That’s what makes him so sellable to this racing team,” Chervnsik said. “My 6-year-old (daughter) thinks he’s cuter than (teen idol) Justin Bieber.

“For some big corporation trying to reach out for the younger market of technology and apparel, he’s perfect,” she said.

Udell plans to use his youth to open doors, but he knows his talents as a driver will be the ultimate sales tool.

“It probably does make it easier that I’m 15, but I have to act mature if I’m going to make the most of this opportunity,” he said. “I have to be conscious of how I handle myself. I’ve learned how not to let the little things bug me when I’m racing.”

Udell admits there have been times when his father and his driving coach, Stuart Robinson, pulled him aside and showed him better ways to handle situations.

“If there’s someone with the potential to be the next racing star, it’s Alec,” said Robinson, a seven-time U.S. national kart champion.

Alec does have outside interests. He plays the guitar and received a ukulele for Christmas.
“I play them when I get stressed out,” he said.

Udell passed on a World Championship Series race in California earlier to honor a prior commitment to participate in the school’s performance of the play “The Crucible.” And he manages to remain on the honor roll, a requirement necessary to continue his racing, his father said.

“My academics are a priority,” Alec said. “My teachers have been very flexible with my racing schedule.”

Alec Udell comes from a family of racecar drivers. His great-great grandfather raced in the formative years of the Indianapolis 500, while his grandfather owned and operated a drag strip in western Pennsylvania.

Bob Udell, senior vice president of Consolidated Communications in Conroe, raced formula Mazdas before the arrival of his daughter Kayla and Alec. The family of Bob’s wife, Kim, also have a connection to racing, he said.

“Racing has always come first for Alec,” Bob said. “When he was 3, he knew all the drivers on NASCAR, and he had a complete set of Matchbox racing cars.

“Anything with wheels excited him.”

It still does.

Read the original article at:  http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/courier/news/article_6e2a389a-1214-50d8-a640-1e4efcc32ead.html?mode=story

Mexcor International, based in Houston, is making its first venture into motorsports with one of the icons of the sport–A.J. Foyt, the Houston-born all-time leader in IndyCar victories. The association of the two Texas-based, family operated companies is expected to grow as Mexcor increases its distribution across the country.

“As our company grows in the United States, I look forward to this opportunity to build our brand through the Indy Car Series and especially A.J. Foyt Racing,” said Eduardo J. Morales, CEO of Mexcor International Wine and Spirits. “I hope to continue this relationship into the 2010 season.”

“We’re excited to introduce Mexcor into IndyCar racing,” said Team Director Larry Foyt. “We believe we can offer them the marketing platform they need to increase distribution and sales in the U.S. This weekend, they can see what IndyCar racing is all about and the excitement that it can generate for their business. The company prides itself on its long-term business relationships and so do we. I think they are going to like what they see.”

The company produces Agavales Tequila, a premium tequila produced in the Jalisco region of Mexico. It is made from the best blue agaves from the region, creating three different Tequila flavors: Blanco (110 proof), Gold (80 proof), and Reposado (80 proof). More information on the company is available at www.mexcor.com.

The Homestead-Miami Indy 300 will be broadcast on the VERSUS channel this Saturday afternoon starting at 4pm ET.

Read the A.J. Foyt Racing Press Release at http://foytracing.com/news/2009_archive/releases/mexcor.html.