The third full season of Super Late Model racing has been far from easy for up and coming Maine racer Kate Re. Early season accidents and struggles saw her and the No. 10 camp go into a pick and choose approach for their schedule for the remainder of the current season. For September, the 2022 Kulwicki Driver Development Program member is going all out.
After giving up her ride to KDDP alum Derek Griffith for the Oxford 250 at the end of August, Re has been back in action with races in New Hampshire at Hudson Speedway and Lee USA Speedway the past two weekends. Despite the hectic stretch, the family run operation is getting back up to speed and is ready for Saturday’s Pro All Stars Series Fall Foliage 150 at White Mountain Motorsports Park.
“We are, we had a quick turnaround from Lee this past weekend. We had the car done on Tuesday night, so we’ve been double checking over everything and relaxing a little. But, it’s been good having all these races after so many rainouts early in the season, it’s nice to be back into a rhythm of racing almost every weekend,” Re told Racing America.
This weekend will be Re’s first visit to WMMP in 2022, but she heads in with confidence after solid performances in less than ideal conditions in 2021.
“Most definitely. White Mountain did give us a challenge there last year; the first race we broke a shock but still managed to finish eighth. Then in the fall we finished 12th after we struggled with some things on the car. But, we’re looking forward to getting back there and trying some different things with the setup.”
During her two seasons on the PASS Modified series, Re collected three wins, and while none of them were at White Mountain, the track was sight of one her most impressive performances so far in her young racing career.
“My first time ever there in the PASS Modified three years ago I had a broken foot, but we managed to finish on the podium. With how good the our car is now, I’m excited to get back.”
While Re and her team have made good progress on their Super Late Model in recent weeks, they have also benefited with assistance from Derek Griffith and Louie Mechalides as a part of their Oxford 250 collaboration.
“Derek ran my new car at the 250, and we’re still using our older car as the primary. But, they did go over the primary car before we went to Hudson and gave the setup a complete makeover. Since then, we found some other things that we’ve fixed up. I feel like we’re starting to get a little momentum after Hudson and Lee. There’s still things that we can improve on, but I think we’re in good shape for this weekend.”
Brimming with confidence for a possible breakout performance on Saturday evening, Re is eager to also put in a big run for the entire KDDP.
“It’s been pretty cool, it’s been a joy to have Alan’s colors on the car this season, and racing for what I call a reason. It’s given me motivation every time we race with that number seven to go out and run better every time. Having so many people in the program standing behind me has been amazing.”
Re has been using the extra time out of the racecar for a great cause over the year, giving back to the veterans of her home state.
“We’ve been working a lot with Honor Flight Maine this season, and it’s been a dream come true to see the feedback they’ve given us on something that means so much to me and my family with raising money to send veterans to Washington, D.C. to see the memorials. We’re close to our end goal of sending 10 veterans. It’s been great to be a part of. We’re looking to write the check to Honor Flight Maine when we finish out the season.”
As of now, Re’s personal racing schedule is dwindling down; but has hinted that she may be back at the track before fall is up.
“After this weekend we’ll race at Thunder Road on September 30 and that will be all for our regular season; just because it has been such an uphill battle all year. We might have a surprise to announce with what our plans are in the fall. We’re still working on it, but I’m looking forward to it.”