This could be the year of new horizons, goals, and accomplishments for Kendra Adams as she enters the 2024 Pro Late Model season at Sunset Speedway.

“The upcoming season is going to be a big one, we’re super excited for the season now with the new car we have,” she told SHORT TRACK MUSINGS. “We’re really gearing up for a big year of learning ahead of us but we’re ready and willing to do what it takes to be successful in the new car. I feel a lot of people won’t realize the big jump this is going to be for our team since we have been racing against the pro late models already- but this is going to be a big adjustment and we know seat time will be #1 in learning and advancing.”

Admittedly, scoring just six top-10 finishes in 2023 was not the best season for Adams, but that came after tough sledding against cars with newer technology than her ride at the time.

“I’m happy we stuck it out for another year with the Limited as it made it possible for us to get into the pro late this year,” she added. “So not too many comments on last year other than – let’s make this year even better!”

As she gets set for the new challenge, there’s confidence in her ability behind the wheel in having put 12 years under her belt between mini stocks, super stocks and limited late models. However, she knows continuing to push and run as many as possible will allow her to get better.

“Seat time is going to be what keeps us going and improving each week,” he explained. “With the help of the Sheridan brothers we have a lot of smarts and great talent able to support my growth in 2024.”

For anybody who has been going to Sunset Speedway for many years, there was no surprise in seeing Kendra get behind the wheel after watching her father Brendan Adams.

“The community and love for the sport brings me back each year,” she expressed. “Every racer and lover of the sport will tell you the same thing- the feeling each Saturday morning in the summer rolling into the speedway is a feeling and a rush you won’t get anywhere else as a race fan. This season we have lots of plans to enjoy time with our own racing, the APC Series and some time spectating at Ohsweken (Speedway) as well. The love for the sport runs deep!”

Adams’ welcome to driving in the mini stocks was a time filled with “a lot of memories, both fond and not great runs.” One of the best among those was a trip to Sauble Speedway in July 2013, which resulted in her first career heat win.

“It was a moment I shared with my parents and close friends that I won’t ever forget,” she commented. “I remember getting off the track after the first practice there and hating the speedway then later that afternoon winning there- then later wrecking in the race. So.. all around a very very memorable day!”

As for what could be in the next steps for Adams, that has yet to be determined as she admits having not thought about it. However, an opportunity to try out dirt racing, whether dirt late models due to a deep love for all late models, or super stocks just being awesome on dirt, could be welcomed.

One thing for sure, though, is seeing her involvement in motorsports. Beyond behind the wheel, Adams has showed her talents with the camera through commentary work with Racing America and social media for the APC Series.

“For me I think that showing personality and being able to see the sport as more than being a driver is necessary,” she explained. “You are a driver, a fellow competitor, a fan of the sport, someone’s favourite driver, and a role model. From the media side I love to see racers show their personal side at the race track and on social media. Show me dads and daughters in the pits, pictures of racers with their dogs, and open trailers with 20 year old tools making it work. Conveying the feeling of what it’s like to be part of the sport is what brings in more fans and makes the community even better.”