Alex Pate has grown in his time as a driver. Starting in quarter midgets, he has moved from bandoleros into racing a legend car. Driving in the Young Lions division, he has competed across the national stage and is looking to get better each and every race.
Hometown: Bartlett, Tennessee
Number: 10
Team: MPM Direct
Division: Legend Car Young Lions
Favorite track: Auburndale Speedway
1. How did you get your start in racing?
I started when I was four or five in quarter midgets. After that I got into driving Bandos, and now I run legends.
2. How did you get your number?
The number 10 was originally my dad’s number, so I use that now.
3. Who is your biggest inspiration?
For racing, it’s Christopher Bell. I like his attitude, and he always stays positive. He doesn’t get into much drama when racing.
4. You race with MPM for National events, what has the experience been like with the team, and how has it helped you develop your skills as a driver?
It’s been a great experience. Everyone is very personable, and it’s more like friends then teammates. They have really helped me as a driver since joining them.
5. What is your favorite racing memory?
Getting to race nationals in Vegas. It was a cool experience getting to see Vegas, and racing the track against people from all over the place was a great time.
6. You have run in both Thursday Thunder and part of the Summer Shootout. How does the racing differ at these national events, and what have you taken away from it?
It’s been a good experience. Both tracks are so different, and the competition is too. I enjoy racing at Charlotte more but being able to race at both tracks have taught me how to race in different ways. The field is tighter and you have to make quick and smart decisions. You have to make consistent laps and keep the gap close.
7. How do you measure success while racing?
From what I can take away from the race. If I learn something to help me in the next race, then it is a success.
8. What is your favorite track?
Auburndale Speedway. Winter Nationals was one of my best performances, and it was a fun track to compete on.
9. You have put together a competitive year so far in the points. What do you think you need to do to compete for the state and national title at the end of the year?
Consistency for sure. I would also say that I can improve on my qualifying. I think I can compete for titles this year, I am doing well in points, but I just need to stay consistent.
10. If you could race at any track in the world, what would it be?
Bristol, it’s my favorite NASCAR tracks to watch, and I think it’s a neat track.
11. What's the biggest lesson that racing has taught you in life?
Keep working, if you dedicate time to it, you will see improvement. Before I was with MPM I was not as good as I am now. The more I got in the car at different tracks, I saw a lot of improvement.
12. As someone who has raced both Legend Cars and Bandoleros, what is the biggest difference between the two?
Bandos really helped me learn to race on bigger tracks compared to quarter midgets. The jump to Legends was a big difference because I had to learn things like the clutch and shifting. In Bandos, I didn’t have a lot of aggression, but I have gotten more aggressive over time in the car.