photo from Re Motorsports
Story by Chris Roy
Kate Re, of Lovell, ME is starting a new chapter in her racing career. “I plan to run a full season at Wiscasset in the 4 Cyl Pro Division and continue to run my kart some in the Sr. Sportsman Division at Richmond Karting Speedway. I also plan to participate in some kart races out of state as well.”
Though Kate has been racing this winter she has been busy, “During the off season I’ve mostly been working on the car, preparing for the upcoming season. I’ve also been spending time with family, snowmobiling and going to school.”
Being in a new type of race car, there is an adjustment period on learning the setup for the race car as well as a new race track, as The Re race team gets ready for the 2017 season. So is the team ready for opening day at Wiscasset on April 22nd. “Not quite yet. We need to get the motor back in and have stickered. There are some final touches and set ups we need to do as well.”
It’s hard to get some seat time and practice during the winter months, “I’ve had very little seat time in the car, but I’m excited for the season. I was able to have a little practice just before Christmas but the track was fairly wet so I was unable to go “full speed”. The main focus that day was learning how to shift.”
Kate will be busy this race season with a full race schedule at Wiscasset and a limited schedule at RKS, looking forward to getting her 1st Pro 4 win. “Our plan is to run a full schedule and if possible try for Rookie of the year. This is my first time in a full size car so this season is all about learning, I’m hoping to be competitive and finish races.”
So how does the 4 cyl pro compare to the karts she raced last season, “I’m not really sure how to compare the two because I haven’t driven the car enough to know. So far I can tell the steering is similar in both, I barely have to turn the wheel.”
Kate won the 2016 Sportsman Championship last season at Richmond Karting Speedway. “ We plan to do some, both in state and out; but our main focus will be on the car and learning that.”
As well as driving Kate isn’t afraid to get her hands greasy turning a wrench or two. “ Yes, I don’t feel its right to let other people do all the work when I’m driving the car. It helps me learn more about the car and also how to fix things.”
Kate’s dad and crew chief Rick is also on a learning curve as well, going from working on the setup of the car as well as the engine on the 4 cylinder pro. Rick’s response on the upcoming 2017 race season, “Racing anything, there is always a learning curve. I’m looking forward to the challenges the season will bring. Our goal is to have fun and learn, everything else will fall into place.”
Kate would like to thank all her race sponsors – Albany Auto Sales and Service, Worster’s Marine Center, Worster Rubbish, E&R Excavation, the Winchenbaugh Family, Vacationland Campground, Mt Washington Valley Kustomz, Drew Corporation and Anderson Racing.