Bumgarner becomes Carolina Caring’s newest Cardinal Keeper

The Carolina Caring Foundation announced last week the addition of Taylorsville native and professional race car driver Michael Bumgarner of Rick Ware Racing as the newest partner and contributor to its Cardinal Keepers campaign.

Cardinal Keepers is a corporate and community partnership of Carolina Caring — which serves Burke and 12 other counties across Western North Carolina and the Charlotte region — that helps fund Cardinal Kids, a pediatric palliative and hospice care program that brings joy, dignity, and holistic support to children and families facing serious illness.

Bumgarner’s passion for partnering with Cardinal Kids stems from his own experiences as a child. At just 7 years old, doctors discovered that Bumgarner had a hole in his heart, which resulted in countless medical tests, doctor’s appointments, and heart surgery.

Nonetheless, Bumgarner didn’t let his diagnosis hold him back. Inspired by his father, who used to race as well, Bumgarner has worked hard to establish his own successful racing career.

Bumgarner’s early days in the sport came on the go-kart track at the age of 7, the same year he underwent heart surgery. And just last year, the now 23-year-old won a total of 25 races at Hickory Motor Speedway — highlighted by 22 victories in the late model division — en route to his second straight late model championship.

“I want to help children who are facing the unknown,” said Bumgarner, who also ranks first in HMS’ late model points standings in 2026. “I want to bring smiles to their faces and offer encouragement as someone they can look up to, learn from, and realize that difficult circumstances do not have to define their lives.”

Supporting Cardinal Kids and becoming a Cardinal Keeper is just one way Bumgarner is determined to serve his community.

“I believe the good Lord has blessed me with incredible opportunities,” Bumgarner said, “and I want to use those blessings to be a blessing to others, both on and off the racetrack.”

As the Cardinal Keepers initiative continues to expand, Carolina Caring encourages interested businesses and partners to join individuals like Bumgarner in becoming a Cardinal Keeper.

“Every Cardinal Keeper is helping build a stronger, more compassionate community for children and families facing serious illness,” Carolina Caring Foundation Executive Director Tara Bland said. “Their commitment creates a lasting legacy that ensures families throughout our 13-county service area will continue to find comfort, support, and hope when they need it most.”

Carolina Caring invites Cardinal Kids families and the greater community to learn more about the Cardinal Keepers campaign during the foundation’s second annual Cardinal KidsFest on Saturday, Sept. 19, from noon to 3 p.m. at Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Mooresville. The family-friendly, medically accommodating event will provide visitors with an opportunity to enjoy quality time through games, activities, and music.

Bumgarner will make an appearance at the festival, and guests will have the chance to receive signed autographs and see a race car on display.

For more information about Carolina Caring or how your organization can contribute to the Cardinal Keepers fund, visit carolinacaring.org/cardinal-keepers. To learn more about Cardinal Kids and how you can support Carolina Caring’s mission to provide compassionate care to children and families facing serious illness, visit carolinacaring.org/cardinalkids or call 828-466-0466.

— JM