Wearing a black t-shirt and his signature smile, Keith Kunz spoke to reporters recently, talking about his career and some criticism that it entailed. Criticized for the number of cars he holds in the Bay area, he is one of the top driver development coaches in North American motorsports. One might argue that the path to winning championships across multiple disciplines frequently runs through Keith Kunz.

But why is he criticized, and what does he have to say about it?

Keith Kunz Motorsports at the center of the annual criticism storm

Keith Kunz Motorsports has been active in different capacities since 1994, but it truly began to make a name for itself when it partnered with Pete Willoughby Racing in 1997. Since then, their success on the track has been remarkable. However, the team has not held the Golden Driller for about six years now. But that might change this year. The team has an incredible roster with Cannon McIntosh, Christopher Bell, Tanner Carrick, Buddy Kofoid, and Ryan Timms.

Kunz has finally provided a response to the recent controversy surrounding KKM’s entry of 16 cars. In the Bay Area alone, he seems to have some 452k cars, as per a Flo Reporter on the ground.  The debate centers around fairness in motorsport. Critics argue that KKM’s considerable resources give it an unfair advantage, while supporters claim that financial power has always been a factor in racing, making true equality impossible.

“Every year, I get criticism for it. It’s the thing about the internet. They like to complain and b–ch about something. You know, I have been here from the beginning. I was down here just like everybody else. I am very fortunate to be where I am today. Just a lot of hard work and pride in what we have built. Being up here with all of the drivers. Got a shot at it again,” Keith Kunz told FloRacing. 

The world of midget racing is filled with enthusiasts who enjoy the thrill and camaraderie of local dirt track events. Many of these racers participate only temporarily, often for just a few years, but amidst this community, there are individuals who stand out for their exceptional talent. One such individual is Kunz, known for his remarkable ability to identify young drivers with the potential for greatness.

Kunz’s keen eye for talent has led him to recognize promising racers early in their careers. A notable example is

Kyle Larson, whom he identified when Larson was just 18 years old, competing in midget races at Perris Auto Speedway. Larson has since achieved significant success, becoming the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion and playing a crucial role in Chip Ganassi Racing’s victory at the 2015 24 Hours of Daytona.

Following Larson, Kunz also recognized

Christopher Bell, who has made a name for himself in the NASCAR Cup Series with Joe Gibbs Racing. Kunz’s mentorship has proven invaluable not just for Larson and Bell but for several other drivers as well.

One of the standout successes from Kunz’s

guidance is Jade Avedisian, who, in 2023, became the first female driver to win a national midget series championship in the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series. This achievement highlights the impact of Kunz’s mentorship on the careers of young drivers, showcasing his dedication to fostering talent in the sport.

More about Kieth Kunz’s car line-up

Keith Kunz Motorsports has announced its impressive lineup for the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals, and it’s truly substantial. This eight-time champion team will be gearing up 16 cars for the largest Midget race in the world. Their roster includes a mix of past Chili Bowl champions, former preliminary night victors, and newcomers from various racing backgrounds.

NASCAR Cup Series standout Christopher Bell is making his return to the Chili Bowl with KKM, having previously finished as the runner-up in 2022 and winning the event three times from 2017 to 2019. Notable team members include Buddy Kofoid, Tanner Carrick, and Cannon McIntosh, who will add to KKM’s strong presence in 2025.

Ryan Timms rejoins the KKM No. 67, while Emerson Axsom returns for his second Chili Bowl. The lineup also features Taylor Reimer, Mariah Ede, Gavin Miller, Kale Drake, rookie Ashton Torgerson, and Micro Sprint driver Alex Karpowicz. Michael Pickens, after a second-place finish at Kokomo, returns to the team, and Jacob Denney will compete for KKM in the Xtreme Outlaw Midget season and the Chili Bowl.

In the Northeast Big Block Modified division, two-time champion Mat Williamson and Alex Yankowski, the Short Track Super Series South Region champion, will make their Chili Bowl debuts.

What is your take on Keith Kunz’s response to the criticism? Do you think his perspective is valid, given his history in the sport?