Wellsville’s Kate Martelle returns to the “Glen” for epic performance
By Andrew Harris
The Martelle Family has long been known for strong ties to Watkins Glen International Speedway. Multiple generations, including Kate, have been part of the emergency services crew at the track, a tradition started by her late father Dan Martelle. Kate describes her history at Watkins Glen:
“I’ve spent more than half my life at Watkins Glen International. 24 years to be exact. We were there every weekend for 6 months out of the year. As a child I roamed the grounds finding adventure. At 16 I started volunteering in timing and scoring. At 18 I began working in the infield care center. At 23 I moved to North Carolina to work for the Petty Family at Victory Junction. After which I returned to WGI race medical. I have had so many amazing experiences there. But yesterday was definitely one of my most favorite of 24 years. I missed my Dad but felt him there at the same time. I was afraid to “go home” without him but wasn’t thinking about how comforting “home” would feel. Yesterday will forever hold a special place in my heart and I couldn’t have done it without my incredible dance family and race family! I love you all more than you know. 
#martelledanceacademy#MDAPerformsAtNascar#GriefIsHard“
The performance and trip to Watkins Glen was a dream come true for more than Martelle. Rachel Sexton, had this to say about Kate and the big show:
“Thank you Kate Martelle for being the human you are! You made some dreams we didn’t even know we had come true. And to the wellsville community, the sponsors and the families behind it all thank you for making this a possibility! #NASCAR #martelledanceacademy #dancingandracing“
To learn more about the Martelle Dance Academy and Kate’s next big project visit them online. In case you missed it, check out Kate’s award winning dance routine, “Again, We Rise,” which was performed in Wellsville at the Fassett Greenspace and won awards all over the world. She collaborated with Wellsville filmmaker Nick Davis, who also earned awards for the short film.
