Renee with her first Quarter Midget.
Renee began her racing career, at four and a half years of age, in the Quarter Midget ranks. During ten impressive years, she collected countless victories, set six track records and was the recipient of five ‘Driver of the Year’ awards. At the age of 15, Renee moved into a Pro Four Modified. In her six years in Pro Fours, she secured several feature wins and a Series Championship.
Next, Renee advanced to the NASCAR Modified division at the now defunct Riverside Park Speedway. To her credit, she earned the ‘Rookie of the Year’ award, as well as seven ‘Most Popular Driver’ honors. On April 24, 1999 Renee became the first and only female in Riverside’s 51-year history to record a NASCAR Modified feature event victory. The following year, Renee was inducted into two separate sports exhibits in ‘The Women’s Museum: An Institute for the Future’ – an official Smithsonian Institution affiliate.
In early 2001, Renee was sidelined for several months with injuries sustained in a violent SK Modified accident. After a lengthy recovery, in what was her only NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series appearance of that season, Renee came back by qualifying to the outside pole position – bested only by the defending Series Champion.
Renee is the first and only woman to capture a Modified feature win at the now defunct Riverside Park Speedway.
The following season, she competed with the NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series (now Whelen Modified Tour) in the No. 25 cars fielded by owners William Woodman and Gary Cretty. In her first full year with the Series, Dupuis earned the 21st position in the points battle – out of 99 drivers. More telling, she finished second in the highly-competitive ‘Rookie of the Year’ battle. The following year, Dupuis showed improvement and became the first female to ever record a top-ten finish in the 19-year history of the Series.
Looking forward, Renee has continued to compete – as the lone female – on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour with owner William Woodman. Dupuis campaigns the number 90 machine – a number she has competed with since the age of five. In the 26-year history of the Series she is the only female to earn a front row starting position and top-ten finishes.
A native of Connecticut (born and raised in Glastonbury), Renee is currently a resident of Hebron. She graduated, with honors, from the University of Connecticut. Away from the track, Renee enjoys horseback riding.
Renee at speed at NHMS. Hodge Photo.
Reality TV Show Competitor, 2007
Renee participated in a racing-related reality TV show. ‘Setup’ aired in six primetime episodes on SPEED beginning in April, 2007
NASCAR Modified racecar driver, 1996 – Present
Renee is recognized as the first female to ever record
top-ten finishes and front-row starting positions in the 26-year history of the Series
Featured In the Women’s Museum:
An Institute for the Future, 2000 – Present
Located In Dallas, Texas the official Smithsonian Institution Affiliate Museum includes Renee in two separate exhibits: Breaking The Boundaries, Women in Sports
Riverside Park Speedway feature event winner
On April 23, 1999 Renee became the first and only female to capture a NASCAR Modified feature event victory in the 51-year history of the now defunct speedway
Seven-time recipient of the Riverside Park Speedway
“Most Popular Driver” award, 1992, ‘93, ‘94, ‘95, ‘96, ’97, ‘99
Conducts Advanced Driving Seminars, 2003 – Present
Renee is under contract with several leading automotive industry marketing firms. She conduct testing and driving programs for consumers, dealers and manufacturers
Featured in ‘Women in Motorsport from 1945’ hardcover book, 2003
Renee is included as one of just 21 drivers from the western hemisphere – she is listed with the likes of Lyn. St. James, Janet Guthrie, Shirley Muldowney, Sarah Fisher and Shawna Robinson
Featured on live, national MSNBC and ESPN2 television broadcast segments
Recipient of the Riverside Park Speedway NASCAR Winston Racing Series
Modified division “Rookie of the Year” award, 1996
Pro Four Modified Tour Champion, 1994
Recipient of “Most Improved Driver” awards
Riverside Park Speedway, 1992, ‘97; Speedway Scene, 1989; New England Mini Modified Association, 1989
Quarter Midgets of America driver, 1978 – 1988
During her impressive tenure Renee amassed countless victories, set six track records and was awarded five “Driver of the Year” awards
Graduate of the
Lyn St. James Driver Development Program, 1994; Buck Baker Racing School, 1994;
Human Performance International, 1993
Member of the Lyn St. James Automotive Team, 1996 – Present
The LSJ Automotive Team is comprised of professional women drivers who broaden public awareness of automobile operation, maintenance and safety through instructional and entertaining events
Trackside Magazine columnist, 1994 – 2001
University of Connecticut honors graduate, 1995
Renee’s concentration was in the advertising, marketing and public relations fields
