Taylor Racing Takes WSORR PRO-2WD Championship

Belvidere, IL (September 26, 2007) - Taylor Racing headed to the “Showdown in the Show-Me State,” with a thirteen point lead over his closest rival. Even though it was the biggest lead of the year, for any of the top PRO-2WD contenders, the PRO-2WD points championship would come down to the final round of racing.

The team entered the grounds of Lucas Oil Speedway, and was in awe of the facility named, ”The Diamond in the Dirt.” The race complex consisted of a ½ mile high bank dirt oval, set inside a stadium type atmosphere. The pit area was completely paved, and the race oval had permanent concrete grandstands, with two levels of skyboxes. Race fans are able to watch all the action, thanks to the Jumbotron and leader board, which the track operates for all events.

The off-road track, .8 mile in length, designed by Lucas Oil’s own Forrest Lucas, consisted of a sweeping run through the dirt oval area that exited over Turn 4, then looped around behind the stadium, and reentered the stadium in Turn 3. The course was very technical with big jumps, a couple of switchbacks, and a rhythm section that really challenged the WSORR competitors.

Saturday – Round 12
Scott Taylor brought his #8 Skyjacker Justice Brothers Roush Performance Miller Electric ATD BFGoodrich Tires Ford F150 to the starting grid, knowing that he must at least finish, to keep his points lead. (Mike Oberg was in a close second place, in the Championship standings.) The start saw Scott follow Oberg through the first turn, keeping out of any trouble.

By lap 2, Scott made his way around Oberg for third place.

Then Scott noticed a drop in fuel pressure, and the engine began to misfire. The truck had lost all electrical power. By lap 3, Scott’s day was done. Officially, he finished in last place. Meanwhile, Oberg was having problems of his own, which caused him to run at a slower pace. Mike’s finish allowed the gap to narrow between him and Scott, but it was a minimal gain.

Immediately, Scott along with his veteran race crew, Mike Kasch and Alan Brenner, went to work to trace the problem. Fortunately, the team was able to replace the alternator wiring harness and put the electrical system back in order.

Sunday – Round 13
Just like Saturday, Scott’s plan was to race smart, keep Oberg within reach, and stay clear of any potential trouble. The start saw the top three drivers, in the points chase, running up front. The running order was Kevin Probst in the lead, Mike Oberg in second, and Scott Taylor in third position. On lap 7, Scott put his #8 Skyjacker Ford F-150 into the lead, as Probst and Oberg dropped back with suspension problems. Scott finished the remainder of fourteen lap event in the lead. Officially, it was Scott Taylor-1st, Dan Vandenhuvel Sr.-2nd, and Rhonda Konitzer- 3rd.

The win gave Scott Taylor the Lucas Oil World Series of Off-Road Racing Tour 2007, PRO-2WD Championship.

“We got our championship back,” commented an elated Scott Taylor. “We worked really hard to get this new truck dialed in, and it paid off. Hats off to Mike Oberg and Kevin Probst, we raced each other hard and clean, all year, trying to win the championship. Thanks to everyone involved with the World Series of Off-Road Racing, including: Lucas Oil, Forest County Potowatomi, Doug Davis, Cliff Flannery, and everyone that made this series happen.”

“The support we get from Skyjacker Suspensions, BFGoodrich Tires, Justice Brothers, Miller Electric, Auto Trans Designs and Ford Trucks keeps our program running at the front. Thanks goes to my family, Kellie, Vonnie, Wayne, and my kids, Hanna and Karlie. Without them, this couldn’t be possible. Thanks to Russ Wernimont, who designed the truck, our race crew Mike Kasch and Alan Brenner, and the many people who have helped us, during the year. I can’t wait to watch it all, on SPEED.“