April Kahler
Hernando, MS
Driver Information
Born in Memphis, TN on April 10, 1989. I was raised part time in Hernando, MS with my mom and spent weekends in Memphis with my dad. Well should say spent weekends in West Memphis, AR with Dad at Riverside International Speedway. My dad is Lynn Irwin a racer himself. My mom, Lynn Irwin also... I know I know hang with me y'all it's about to get a whole lot more interesting. My bio mom passed away when I was 16, however Lynn is mom that I refer to today.I know my mom is smiling down thanking her for all she has done and continues to do for me not only in my racing career but in life in general. She is one of the strongest women I know and keeps me going daily. She has prepared, helped me, and just has done everything a mom could and would do. I have two sisters, Amber and Chelsea.... Dad is surrounded by girls! HAHA!
When I was about seven dad bought me a go-kart, and the love affair began. From there every off season dad had we spent at the go-kart track until I reached middle school age. I was good at two things going fast and kicking balls. Playing soccer I mean. Dad did what a parent had to do and had to make a tough decision. He walked me through making a decision and talked me through a future. I decided to play soccer and placed my focus only on that. I did go on to receive many offers for soccer scholarships and accepted one to a junior college close to home.
After college I married long time friend of the family and fellow racer, Joshua Kahler. Together we have four children. Joshua, Adison, Lydia, and Madelyn. I started back racing in a stock car in 2015, and have been on and off due to life for lack of better words. We had Madelyn in 2016 and on December 16th 2020 we found out I had Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. Surgery went well and I am back in my open wheel modified for the 2021 season and feel better than ever! Can I get an AMEN!
Career Highlights
Rookie season 2015 named Most Improved Driver of the Year and 8th over all in points
2019 Discovery Park of America's Featured Driver for the Hot Wheels exhibit
2020 Fighting Cancer and winning
Most Memorable Moment
My most memorable moment was in my rookie season running side by side with my dad! That night he finished 1st and I finished 2nd!