ABOUT MICHAEL
Michael followed his older brother Bobby’s racing career until his opportunity to start driving competitively presented itself in 1976, which began one of the most prolific careers in motorsports history.
A young welder by trade, he quickly became a champion in the Sportsman division in 1979, which was a prelude to a career that saw him win a record number of championships. Michael ultimately advanced into the Modified division, the division for which his career will be most remembered.
In 1984, Michael and Julie were married. Julie played a major role in helping her husband reach many victory lanes as his spotter. He entered into the Koszela family businesses, along with an opportunity to drive the Koszela car. Julie still runs the Koszela businesses today.
Michael drove the Koszela car to his first NASCAR Modified Tour championship in 1989 and won his second in 1991, before his career began to branch into the NASCAR Busch Series and Busch North Series.
After several tours throughout the Busch Series, Michael returned to his roots in New England, turning in a string of performances that have never been matched. In 1997 and 1998, he achieved the Double-Double, winning both the NASCAR Modified Tour and NASCAR Busch North Series championships.
In 1999, he went on to earn Rookie-of-the-Year honors in the NASCAR Truck Series at the age of 41.
Modified Tour championships in 2001, 2002, and 2006 pushed Michael’s NASCAR championship total to 9, tying Richie Evans, who was also one of Michael’s heroes and mentors in the sport. Michael holds the top spot on the all-time win list with 74 race victories in NASCAR Modified Tour competition.
After moving on from racing, he spent more time working and enjoying his life, his home, and his family. Michael assembled his own Light Sport Aircraft and earned his Sport Pilot License in 2017, loving the adrenaline and views from the sky. He was inducted into the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame in 2018 and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame with the class of 2021.
