Story by Chris Roy
Taylor Martin is one of the new drivers racing in NELCAR this season. Racing in the legends season opener at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS), Taylor finished the race in 15th place but she did make history as the very 1st female driver in NELCAR history and at age 13 to boot.
The NELCAR rules on age “The minimum age for Legends competition is fourteen (14). Twelve-year-olds and thirteen-year-olds may be allowed to compete if they have completed 18 months of documented, INEX Sanctioned, Bandolero racing, with a minimum of forty five (45) races total over this 18-month period.”
Taylors dad and crew chief released this press information.
“This is Taylors 3rd year of Bando’s. Inex issued her a Legends license this season. She has competed in 3 Legends races at Waterford this season so far and has not finished out of the top 15. Best was 11th so far. Also won both Bando races at Waterford this year on the Saturday schedule. Got up as high as 8th at Loudon after starting 21st and finished 15th. Won the Bandolero Championship last season at Waterford as a 12 year old Outlaw running against boys as old as 16 years old.
She is Waterford’s first and only female Champion in 60 years. She is also the only driver to never finish outside of the top ten in every race with 6 wins, 19 top 5’s and one top 10. Raced 131 races last season including 3 divisions or Quarter Midgets. 4 top 5’s at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Bando Outlaw class. Also came in fourth is points at Orlando Speedbowl at the Winter Series. Current points leader at Waterford for the Saturday Bandolero Series and 10th in Legends points. She raced 3 divisions of Quarter Midgets last weekend on Saturday & Sunday at Silver City Meriden, CT. and won 7 out of 11 races. Taylor will compete in 180 races this season with heats and features and most of the Loudon Legends schedule.”
RPM. How do you spend your time when you are not racing?
Taylor. Homework, school, sports and hanging out with my friends.
RPM. How do the Legend cars compare to racing Bandolero’s?
Taylor. Legends and Bandolero’s are nothing a like, the legends are much more fun to race.
RPM. Are you all set for this weekends NELCAR race at NHMS?
Taylor. I don’t think I’m going to be able to make it I’m running points at Waterford. I’m leading the bando championship and if I miss a race it might screw up all the points but, ill defiantly be there soon
RPM. What is it like being the only female in the NELCAR Series?
Taylor. Its fun I like being able to hangout with all the guys, they’re way less dramatic!
RPM. What is the key to getting around NHMS?
Taylor. The key is to know your lifting points, the first time I went on the track I lifted way to late and almost hit the wall, also you need to know your line, focus on that before speed
RPM. What is you favorite track to race at?
Taylor. For legends my favorite has to be between Waterford and NHMS, they’re both really fun but, for the Bando my favorite is defiantly the road course at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
RPM. Safety always an issue whether in the car on the track or in the pits, any changes or improvement in safety you would like to see?
Taylor. Nope, I think they pretty much covered everything.
RPM. Do you work on the car as well as drive?
Taylor. I do all the easy stuff like taking tires off and on the quarter midgets I clean the tires, but my dad definitely likes being the crew chief.
RPM. Where do you see your racing career in the next 5 years?
Taylor. My daddy wants to get me into a late model as soon as I’m ready, but this is going to be my last year of quarter midgets so I’m hoping to do whatever I can.
RPM. Do you have you drivers license?
Taylor. Nope not yet, I’m only 13.