Since he was 6 years old, Zac Taylor has been a dirt-track racer.
The Green River resident, is the son of Terry and Candie Taylor. His grandparents are Gary and Bobbi Bailiff of Green River and Les Taylor of Vidor, Texas. While still in high school, has had an impressive string of wins and accolades during his 11 years in racing. Some of those accolades include being named the United Rebel Sprint Series Rookie of the year in 2013, the Colorado Outlaw 270 Micro Sprints Winter Series Champion during the 2012-2013 season and being the 2010 Rocky Mountain Quarter Midget Association Light World Formula Champion.
For the 17-year-old Taylor, racing was an addition that started with his first chance behind the wheel.
"Once you go and race, it's just in your blood for the rest of your life," Taylor said.
While he's a first generation racer, his fascination with the sport started with his father, Terry, who enjoyed watching the races in Rock Springs. After going into the pits one evening, the two looked at a quarter midget car Zac could drive. Four months later, they went to a beginner-level track day fourth and shortly after, Terry purchased the same quarter midget car they looked at in Rock Springs earlier. By the time he was eight years old, Zac decided he wanted to be involved in racing for the rest of his life. He ultimately wants to be involved in the World of Outlaws and NASCAR.
Zac is pursuing a career as a racer and often travels throughout the region to compete. He attends online high school through Liberty University, studying in the mornings and doing his marketing work for his sponsors in the afternoons. Zac's marketing includes posting videos to Youtube that show him on and off the track.
Zac has had to deal with a number things regular high school students don't typically experience, such as having groupies. Zac's mother, Candie, said it isn't uncommon for girls to go into the pits after a race and ask for autographs from their favorite racers. She said when Zac was younger, she could tell he was uncomfortable with the requests, often looking embarrassed when asked. He's since gotten better at handling autograph requests, she said.
For Zac, many of the racers and spectators are like a second family for him. Candie said some families attend many of the same races, Zac competes in.
"You meet people form all walks of life in racing," Candie said. "You meet really neat people.
Tuesday, Zac competed in the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Okla. Tuesday, he competed in the "C" Main, where he qualified in the third position. Unfortunately, he got caught up in a spin a few laps into the race and went to the back of the pack. From 14th place, he worked his way up to seventh place at the end of the race.
"I felt pretty good with my finishes for this being the first time that I have ever raced in a midget," Zac wrote on his website, Zactaylorracing.com.
Residents can follow Zac on his website, on Youtube, Facebook and Google Plus.
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