Michael Kofoid Bio
Early Life and Background
Michael “Buddy” Kofoid was born on December 2, 2001, in Penngrove, California, USA. He began his journey in racing at a young age, starting to drive outlaw cars when he was just five years old. By the age of ten, he transitioned to sprint cars, showcasing his talent early on by becoming the youngest driver to win a sprint car A-Main in the New Zealand National Sprint Car Series at the age of eleven.
Kofoid’s formative years in racing were marked by significant achievements, including a second-place finish in the Western Sprint Tour when he was only thirteen. He made history again in 2016 by winning a sprint car race at Placerville Speedway, becoming the youngest winner at that venue. His early exposure to competitive racing laid a strong foundation for his future success in various racing series.
Path to NASCAR
Kofoid attempted to make his debut in the USAC National Midget Series in 2018 but did not qualify. However, he joined Keith Kunz Motorsports in 2019, where he made an immediate impact by winning in his first national midget car race at Jacksonville Speedway. This success led to a full-time commitment in 2020, where he won the Rookie of the Year title, finishing fourth in the standings with three wins.
His career took off in 2021 when he won the USAC National Midget Series championship, finishing in the top ten in nearly every race. He continued to build on this success in 2022, defending his title and solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor in midget racing. Kofoid also ventured into part-time roles in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the ARCA Menards Series, expanding his racing portfolio.
Michael Kofoid Career
Early Career (2018-2020)
Kofoid’s early career was defined by his rapid ascent through the ranks of midget and sprint car racing. After his initial attempts in the USAC National Midget Series, he quickly established himself as a top contender. His first notable series win came in 2019, which set the stage for a successful full-time campaign in 2020, where he captured three victories and earned the Rookie of the Year honors.
Throughout these years, he also participated in the POWRi Lucas Oil National Midget Series, where he demonstrated his versatility and skill across multiple racing formats. His ability to adapt and excel in various environments marked him as a rising star in the motorsports community.
USAC National Midget Series Breakthrough (2021-2022)
Kofoid’s breakthrough in the USAC National Midget Series came in 2021 when he won the championship with six victories, showcasing his dominance throughout the season. He consistently finished in the top ten, further establishing himself as a leading driver in the series. His success continued into 2022 as he defended his title, securing another championship and further solidifying his legacy in the midget racing scene.
In addition to his championship wins, Kofoid’s performance in the POWRi Midget Racing series was also noteworthy, where he achieved multiple wins and top finishes, demonstrating his prowess in midget racing across different platforms.
Keith Kunz Motorsports Era (2020-Present)
Since joining Keith Kunz Motorsports, Kofoid has been a key driver for the team, consistently delivering strong performances. His partnership with crew chief Jarrett Martin has proven effective, leading to numerous victories and accolades. As of 2022, he continues to compete full-time in the USAC National Midget Series, with aspirations to maintain his championship status.
Kofoid’s involvement in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series began in 2022, where he made his debut at the Pinty’s Truck Race on Dirt. Although he faced challenges, including a mechanical issue that affected his qualifying position, he demonstrated his potential by racing competitively throughout the event.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Kofoid is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic approach to racing. His experience in dirt track racing has honed his skills in car control and adaptability, allowing him to excel in various racing conditions. His partnership with Toyota Racing Development further enhances his capabilities on the track.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Kofoid’s notable achievements include back-to-back championships in the USAC National Midget Series in 2021 and 2022, along with multiple wins in both the USAC and POWRi series. His early victories and consistent performances have marked him as one of the promising talents in American motorsports.
Michael Kofoid Career Wins
Michael Kofoid has achieved significant success in his racing career, particularly in the USAC National Midget Series, where he has accumulated a total of 36 wins. His ability to perform consistently at a high level has made him a standout competitor in the series.
Current USAC National Midget Series Highlights
In the USAC National Midget Series, Kofoid’s impressive track record includes two championship titles and a total of 36 wins. His first win came during his rookie season in 2019, and he has continued to build on that success, with his most recent championship win in 2022.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
In the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Kofoid made his debut in 2022, finishing 45th in the standings. Although he did not secure any wins, his performance showed promise, and he aims to improve in future seasons. In the ARCA Menards Series, he also competed in 2022, achieving a best finish of 71st.
Michael Kofoid Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Information regarding Kofoid’s family background is limited, but his early involvement in racing suggests a supportive environment that encouraged his passion for motorsports.
Personal Life
Kofoid is a fan of notable figures in racing, including Steve Kinser, Kyle Larson, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. He is currently a member of the Toyota Racing Development program, which supports his career in motorsports.
2025 Season Performance
As the 2025 season unfolds, Kofoid continues to build on his previous successes in the USAC National Midget Series, aiming for a third consecutive championship. His performances in the early races have shown promise, and he is focused on maintaining momentum throughout the season. With the support of Keith Kunz Motorsports and a strong crew chief in Jarrett Martin, Kofoid is well-positioned to contend for top honors once again. His experience in both midget and stock car racing will be crucial as he navigates the challenges ahead in the competitive racing landscape.
