Zach Wigal has been named the 2024 Max Papis Innovations Bob Stroud USAC National Midget Rookie of the Year, becoming the first Ohioan to earn this honor in two decades. The 17-year-old from Belpre, Ohio, follows in the footsteps of Donnelsville brothers Teddy Beach (2002) and Todd Beach (2004).

Despite early challenges at unfamiliar tracks, Wigal showed remarkable progress throughout the season. His breakthrough came at Lawrenceburg Speedway during the USAC Indiana Midget Week, where he secured fast qualifying time and finished eighth. He later repeated this qualifying success at Kansas' Mitchell County Fairgrounds.

A defining moment in Wigal's season came at Sun Prairie's Angell Park Speedway during the Firemen's Nationals, where he claimed his first USAC victory. Starting third, he overtook veterans Kevin Thomas Jr. and Zach Daum within the first five laps and led for the remaining 25 laps.

Wigal credits his success to the mentorship of car owner Chad Boat and teammate Daison Pursley. Boat's technical expertise and Pursley's driving insights proved invaluable for the rookie's development. Prior to his USAC success, Wigal won the 2023 USAC Midwest Thunder SpeeD2 Midget series championship.

MPI Bob Stroud USAC National Midget Rookies of the Year (Notable Winners):

• 1989: Jeff Gordon
• 1995: Ryan Newman
• 2006: Bryan Clauson
• 2011: Kyle Larson
• 2013: Christopher Bell
• 2024: Zach Wigal

[Full list of winners from 1969-2024 retained but formatted for brevity]

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