Drake Edwards Earns 2026 POWRi National Midget League Jim Childers Rookie of the Year Honors

Belleville, IL. (10/26/26) – Drake Edwards has earned the 2026 POWRi National Midget League Jim Childers Rookie of the Year Award, capping his first full season with a breakthrough feature victory and a fifth-place finish in the overall standings. Driving for Chase McDermand Racing, the Surprise, Arizona, racer led a talented group of five rookies who finished inside the top 13 in the National Midget League standings. Edwards topped the rookie standings ahead of Cullen Hutchison, Drew Sherman, Mack Leopard, and Landon Henry. Speed and Consistency Define Edwards’ Season Across 21 feature starts, Edwards recorded a league-leading five quick times, seven heat race victories, five High Point Qualifier awards, and one B-Feature win. He also advanced 26 positions in feature competition and led 78 laps while collecting his first National Midget feature victory, four top-five finishes, and 11 top-ten results. Edwards posted a 12th-place average finish, combining qualifying speed with consistent results to secure a top-five finish in the season standings. His rookie campaign came aboard the Chase McDermand Racing No. 40D, with support from McDermand Plumbing, MPV Express, Mulch Xpress of Wisconsin, and Gr8 Company, utilizing a Spike Chassis powered by a Toyota Racing Engine. Breakthrough Victory at Southern Illinois Raceway Edwards reached a career milestone at Southern Illinois Raceway, capturing his first POWRi National Midget League feature victory. The triumph added to his two previous POWRi Southwest Ecotec Midget victories, bringing his career POWRi feature-win total to three. Edwards and fellow rookie Drew Sherman joined Ryder McCutcheon, Kyle Jones, Kale Drake, Brecken Reese, Gaige Weldon, and Colton Robinson as the record-setting eight first-time POWRi National Midget League feature winners during the 2026 campaign. From his breakthrough victory to his league-leading qualifying performances, Edwards delivered a memorable first full season with Chase McDermand Racing. POWRi congratulates Drake Edwards and the entire No. 40D team on earning the 2026 Jim Childers Rookie of the Year Award. For complete standings, race results, and upcoming events, visit www.POWRi.com.