Racing with Purpose: Taylor Hoar’s KDDP Journey and Teamwork with Kate Re to Fight for Emma and all Kids with Childhood Cancer

Column By: Stephen Durham / RPW – OXFORD PLAINS, M.E.  – In past years, if you were at Thunder Road or an American-Canadian Tour race, if you mention the name Hoar, many will think of Brian Hoar, arguably one of the best to do it in New England. Now, in the present day many will discuss the next generation, behind Brian Hoar, Taylor Hoar, his daughter is turning heads and gaining momentum in her young racing career already.

For Taylor, having her dad in her corner, not just as her dad, but as a coach and mentor, she feels pretty lucky

“It’s been incredible but also challenging, in the best way possible. My dad has so much experience, and I’m lucky to have that right at my fingertips” Hoar says, “He’s not afraid to push me, tell me what I need to hear, and hold me to a high standard. At the same time, he knows when to just be “Dad” and not “Coach.” We’ve shared some pretty special moments at the track that I’ll never forget.”

Taylor, a regular at Thunder Road on Thursday nights in the ACT late models, also an Underbird in the  Kulwicki Driver Development Program(KDDP), as a finalist in 2025. For Hoar, in her 2nd full year in the late models, is battling against top notch drivers in the country among  the other  KDDP finalist, and finds it to be a huge honor to represent Kulwicki name.

“ It’s not just about the racing side—it’s about carrying on Alan’s legacy, giving back to the community, and representing short track racing at its best,” Hoar explains “I’m proud to be the first Vermonter in the program, and that means a lot to me personally.”

New England has become a hot spot for being represented in the KDDP program, with drivers such as Max Cookson, Kate Re, and also current 2025 finalist Derek Gluchacki to name a few have represented the region. Hoar has looked to her fellow New Englanders for guidance in the program.

“I’ve leaned on Cookson, Kate Re, and Gluchacki, and they’ve shared valuable advice about  balancing on-track performance with the off-track community work,” Hoar says, “ Hearing from people who’ve been through the program helps me make the most of this opportunity.”

Hoar is also giving back to the community in a big way recently, teaming up with former KDDP Finalist Kate Re, supporting Emma Treadwell, who was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 4. They are supporting Emma and raising awareness for Childhood Cancer Awareness by carrying gold numbers, and selling gold ribbons to put on each of their cars for Oxford 250 weekend later this month.

“This is extremely special. The racing community is incredibly strong when it comes together, and Kate is not only a hard-nosed racer but also an overall great person,” Hoar says proudly.

“This is pretty special, it’s pretty cool to work with Taylor in supporting Emma and raise awareness for childhood cancer,” Kate Re explains, “and it’s even special just to be working with another female racer and also be representing Alan Kulwicki.”

For Taylor, showing support and raising awareness has an even deeper meaning personally for her.

“Kate Re has a personal connection to Emma, and I’ve grown up watching my mother battle cancer a few times unfortunately” Hoar explains,  “So when there’s an opportunity to support someone going through that, I’m all in.”

Kate Re and Taylor Hoar have been supporting each other through recent years, and when Hoar became a KDDP finalist this year, they knew they wanted to team up.

“There aren’t many women in racing, so it’s been great having a friend who truly understands my world. She was a part of the Kulwicki Driver Development Program in 2022 and has always encouraged me to get involved,” Hoar says “now it’s even more special as we team up together for Emma, Oxford 250 weekend is huge for both of us, Kate’s running the 250, and I’ll be with the ACT Tour, so it’s the perfect platform to rally support for Emma.”

Taylor says there has been so much to take away from the 2025 season, especially racing at Thunder Road, and select races with the ACT Tour.

“Thunder Road is already a tough track, and adding 15–20 incredibly competitive drivers makes it even more challenging. We’ve already doubled my stats from last year, which shows real growth,” Hoar says proudly, “Running the tour is a blast—it’s exciting to visit new tracks and race against some of the best, like DJ Shaw and Raphael Lessard. Every race is a chance to test what I’ve learned and pick up something new.”

Taylor is very thankful for her supporters and team that continue to drive her forward.

“I have to thank my team for always lifting me up and making sure we have fun along the way. I also want to give a huge shoutout to EastRise Credit Union for their incredible support—because of them, I get to do what I love and chase this dream” a very grateful Taylor Hoar says.

The Oxford 250 weekend kicks off August 22nd, as ACT Tour will race a double-header Friday night and then again Saturday. You can support Emma and her fight by purchasing a golden bow from Kate Re or Taylor Hoar, by reaching out to their team Facebook pages ahead of Oxford 250 weekend.