Bold move helps Taylor grab first career win

Waterford, CT — There’s one game Mini-Stock driver Nate Taylor refuses to play — Follow the Leader.

So when he had an opportunity to grab the lead from reigning champion Charles Canfield in the opening race of the season at the New London Waterford Speedbowl, he pounced on it.

“Either the car was going to stick, or I was going to wind up in the no-go zone and hit the wall,” Taylor said. “I wasn’t going to just wait in line.”

His first option took place. He was able to make the move against Canfield en route to his first Mini-Stock win in his 10-year career.

“I almost wanted to cry, it was so long in the making,” Taylor said. “When you can get a win racing against last year’s champion, Charles Canfield, and a five-time champion, Ken Cassidy, it doesn’t get any better. I wanted to start deep in the pack and get to the front and I did.”

It was the way he got to the front that made him the most proud.

“I went through the field cleanly; I didn’t touch a car,” Taylor said. “I can’t ask for a better finish than that. The car was awesome.”

Taylor was introduced to racing by watching his dad, Tim “the Toolman” Taylor dominate the Mini-Stocks at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park. 

“When he decided to get out, he put me in the car,” Taylor said. “I think he gets more joy watching me run than he did when he was racing. He’s won a lot of championships and had as many as 10 wins in a season. He has taught me a lot.”

Taylor, a Thompson regular, has decided to run part-time this year at the Speedbowl.

“I went to the Speedbowl a few years back and I always had a good time there,” Taylor said. “At Waterford, the difference between the first place car and the last place car is not that great. Everyone has a chance to win. At Thompson, it’s more of a motor game.”

Taylor’s sponsor list includes BMS Auto Sales of Brooklyn, Jolly Johns, HD Trucking and Heavy Equipment from Moosup and Serios Pizza. Joe Brockett is Taylor’s chassis man.

“I also have to thank my crew,” said Taylor, who will be competing at Claremont Speedway in New Hampshire Friday in the Northeast Mini-Stock Tour.

He’ll be heading to New Hampshire, however, as a first-time winner. Until Sunday, he had more second-place finishes than the Coyote in those Roadrunner cartoons.

“I was waiting for this moment throughout my entire career,” Taylor said. “I think I finished second more times than anyone who didn’t have a win. I had seven last year in 11 races. But I knew a win was coming eventually.”

After all, if you give digging, eventually you’ll find some gold.

Press release from the New London Waterford Speedbowl

Contact Mike Serluca at 860-442-7223 or mikes@speedbowlct.com