Background
She was born to an American father and a Filipina mother.
She was born to an American father and a Filipina mother.
She made her debut into single seater racing with the National Karting Series in the Philippines in 1999 at the age of 10. She has participated in the Asia-Pacific Karting Championships Japan, Shell Super Karting Series, Asian Karting Open Championship (AKOC), and the Italian Masters Series. In 2006 Bumgarner made her auto racing debut driving in the Asian Formula Three Championship, finishing third in the series" Promotion Class.
She competed in the first five rounds of the 2008 Star Mazda Championship season for John Walko Racing.
Her best finish was 15th place coming in her final start at Portland International Raceway. She said: “This will stick with me my whole career.
In November 2008 it was announced that Bumgarner had signed a driver development contract to race in the Firestone Industry Lights series with Walker Racing. She participated in a test with Guthrie Racing However, Walker Racing entered the 2009 Industry Lights season fielding a car for Stefan Wilson rather than Bumgarner and as of 2011 she has not driven in an Industry Lights race and she has not participated in a professional auto race since 2008.
In 2014, Michelle joined the Pro Mazda Championship full-time, racing for World Speed Motorsports Team.
2013 Quarter Master Hard Charger Award for most positions gained in the race, during the Pro Mazda Championship round in Houston
Selected for 2005 Bayerische Motoren Werke Scholarship Award by Formula Bayerische Motoren Werke Racing School in Bahrain
2004 Overall Champion Asian Karting Zone Championship for Open Class
2004 Runner-Up for Super Series Karting Philippines Open Class
2004 Recipient of GOLDEN WHEEL for Motorsports Driver of the Year
2004 Runner-Up for Formula Toyota Championships BRC
2004 Automobile Association of the Philippines Motorsports Award
2004 Philippines Sportwriters" Association Citation for Karting
2003 Karter of the Year, Philippines
2003 Motorsports Driver of the Year, Philippines
Pro Mazda Championship.
I hope to come back.” On September 6, 2009 she successfully defended that title in a three kart battle.