After a prolonged start to his racing career in the ARCA Menards Series, driver Christoper Tate is set to make his second career start and finally get the chance to drive a 1.5 track at Kansas for the Reese’s 150.
“It always means a lot getting to strap in and get behind the wheel again, you just never know when you’ll get the opportunity to do it again,” Tate said on the opportunity to get back behind the wheel. He’s back at it again with Fast Track Racing and the No. 10 machine.
The Sunset, TX native had to wait it out after not getting approval to race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Memorial Day Weekend.
“Believe it or not, even with as cool as it would’ve been I’m glad things worked out the way they did with Charlotte and Iowa. Because now I’ve had the opportunity to get seat time, experience with my team, and just get a feel for the rest of the field on track. So I’m stoked to be able to head to Kansas. I feel like I’m way more prepared and confident going into this than I would have been with Charlotte.”
Tate, his partners, and the team had to wait patiently a few weeks until the Atlas 150 at Iowa Speedway where he kept it clean and earned a tenth-place finish in his debut.
“Man… Iowa was something else. Yeah, people may say it’s just 10th no big deal, but that honestly was my top goal going into the weekend. We started off kind of rocky breaking a right front shock in practice limiting my time on track, but that race was just full of learning and getting comfortable. Then getting 10th to top it off, I don’t think I have ever smiled as much as I did that night getting out of the car.”
Heading into his now first 1.5 race, the 24-year-old has one goal in mind.
“Goals for Kansas are pretty simple, of course, top priority is keeping the car clean and able to race another day. But personally, I just want to be in the conversation. Another top 10 would be awesome, if not better. I’m going into it open-minded, I’ve talked with my crew chief a lot since Iowa just discussing how we’ll tackle Kansas. So I’m excited, ready to learn and compete.”
Tate is rejoined by several returning partners including T-Top Manufacturing.
“It’s always awesome being able to carry partners along through multiple events or in T-Top’s case years. The relationships I’ve been able to build with each individual that supports this dream of mine every time I get to go out on the track is unmatched. It means a lot knowing they see enough in me that they’re willing to invest and be a part of this journey.”
The rest of 2024 is up in the air for Tate, but he hopes to be back sooner rather than later.
“As of now, I don’t have anything else lined up for 2024. I’d love to finish out the year at Phoenix if possible, but you know sponsors are the name of the game nowadays. If nothing else, I’m already working on stuff for 2025 as well. Hopefully starting with Daytona.”
You can catch Christopher Tate’s return to Kansas on September 27th at 5:30 ET on FS1.
