Kate Re

Kate Re is a Super Late Model racer from Norway, Maine, who made history in 2020 as the first woman to qualify on speed for the prestigious Oxford 250—no provisional needed. She’s been steadily climbing the ranks at Oxford Plains Speedway and beyond, proving she belongs at the front of the pack.

EARLY YEARS

Born December 1, 2003, Kate grew up in a racing family. Her father, Rick Re, was a snowmobile racer who eventually traded in the sleds for go-karts. When Kate was eight years old, Rick kick-started her racing career, getting her behind the wheel of a kart. Racing with her parents Rick and Karen by her side became the family business—Rick and Karen taught her everything about how race cars work and what it takes to compete at a high level. She spent her early years learning racecraft in Champ karts before setting her sights on bigger machines.

OTHER INTERESTS

No information available.

EARLY SUCCESS

By the time she was a teenager, Kate had her eye on open-wheel modifieds. “I’ve wanted to race a modified, ever since I started racing,” she said in 2018. “I like the open wheel style of a modified; I always liked racing the Champ karts.”[1] Her progression from karts to full-bodied stock cars was swift and purposeful. In 2020, at just 16 years old, she became the first female driver to race her way into the Oxford 250 without needing a provisional—a barrier-breaking moment that put her on the map. That same year marked her arrival as a serious contender in Maine’s competitive short track scene.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2020: First woman to qualify on speed for the Oxford 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway[2].
• 2021: Earned her first PASS Super Late Model podium finish with a third-place result at Lee USA Speedway[3].
• 2022: Named a finalist for the Kulwicki Driver Development Program, an initiative designed to help top short-track stock car drivers achieve their dreams[4].
• 2024: Won the Grand National Greg (GNG’s Gift) Peters Memorial Scholarship, becoming the third recipient of the sponsorship established to honor the late racing journalist and helping cover her racing expenses[5].
• 2024: Made history as just the second female winner in Oxford Plains Speedway’s top division, earning her first Super Late Model win at the track where she first made her name[6].
• 2024: Finished second in Oxford Plains Speedway points standings during her best season yet[7].

INSPIRATIONS

Kate’s biggest inspiration has always been her family. Her father Rick, who introduced her to racing, remained her biggest supporter even through health concerns that occasionally kept him from attending races. When she scored her historic Oxford Plains Super Late Model win, Kate explained how meaningful it was that her dad was able to be there after missing the previous week’s race due to health issues[8]. Her mother Karen has been equally instrumental, standing by her side throughout her career and helping her navigate the challenges of being the only female driver in most of her races.

REPUTATION

Kate has built her reputation on consistency and grit. She’s known as a driver who doesn’t rely on provisionals or shortcuts—she earns her spot. As the highest-finishing female in Pro All Stars Series (PASS) competition and a regular frontrunner at Oxford Plains, she’s respected for her racecraft and tenacity. The fact that she continues to be the only female driver attempting to qualify for events like the Oxford 250 hasn’t fazed her; if anything, it’s fueled her determination to prove she belongs. She’s become one of Maine’s most prominent young drivers and is widely regarded as one of the top-ranked female racecar drivers in the country[9].

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

After finishing second in points in 2024 and coming tantalizingly close to victory at the Oxford 250, Kate’s sights are set on winning it all. She continues to eye a historic Oxford 250 victory—five years after breaking the qualifying barrier, she wants to become the first female winner of the race[10]. With her best season already behind her and momentum building, she’s positioned to make even more history at Oxford Plains Speedway and in PASS competition.

REFERENCES

[1] Kate Re #10 – I’m ready for the season to start!!!
[2] Kate Re continues to make history as only female driver trying to qualify for Oxford 250
[3] Patience Earns Doiron PASS Victory at Lee
[4] 2022 Kulwicki Driver Development Program Finalists Announced
[5] Kate Re Earns 2024 GNG’s Gift Sponsorship
[6] Kate Re Makes History With Meaningful Oxford Plains SLM Win
[7] Kate Re eyes historic Oxford 250 win, five years after breaking qualifying barrier
[8] Kate Re Makes History With Meaningful Oxford Plains SLM Win
[9] Maine teen hopes to take racing career to next level
[10] Maine driver could make history as 1st female winner of Oxford 250