Tate Branch

Born February 12, 1962.  At an early age, Tate’s dream was to become a professional race car driver.  

  •  1980 Graduated from Artesia High School

  •  1980-1984 Attended college at Lubbock Christian University and ENMU in Portales.

  •  1984 Started working at Navajo Refining Company along with following his racing dream

  •  1992 Became a professional race car driver in the NHRA Funny Car Division

  •  2000, 2002, 2003-Three time Funny Car Division 4 Champion, 2002 Driver of the Year Award 

  •  2002 opened Quarter Mile Service Center in Artesia

  •  2005 sold Quarter Mile Service Center

 After Tate’s successful racing career, he became a prominent businessman.  

  •  2006 bought first dealership located in Artesia, known now as Tate Branch Dodge 

  •  2008 purchased second dealership in Hobbs, New Mexico 

  •  2011 purchased third dealership in Carlsbad, New Mexico 

  •  2017 NMBSA Excellence in Student Achievement Award from the Artesia Public Schools 

  •  2019 Trustee of Free Enterprise of Lea County Award from the University of the Southwest.

     Serves on several boards, including University of the Southwest, Artesia Economic Development

     Committee, Lea County Economic Development Committee, President of Changing Lives Coalition,

     President of Artesia Rural Water Coop, past President of Artesia Chamber of Commerce 

Tate feels his success in both racing and business have all been blessings from God.  There have been many people who have touched Tate’s life and helped him to be the successful businessman he is today.  At this point in Tate’s life, his Christian values have led him to focus on giving back to the community and others. He stands by the belief that it is better to be a giver rather than a taker. 

Jesus said: “for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.  Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Matthew 25: 35-36; 40. 

The spoken words of Jesus are printed in red in the Bible which inspired the naming and formation of The Written In Red Foundation.   It is Tate’s wish to help others by continuing to give through The Written In Red Foundation.  

Tate is married to wife Kandi and they have three children: Houston, Kassidy, and Marleigh. 

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