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| July 09, 2009 News |
| eKartingNews.com Driver of the Month - Taylor Miinch - June 2009 |
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 | Taylor Miinch backed up his two wins at the IKF Region 7 event at CalSpeed with two victories at the CKI Grand Prix of New Jersey
(Photo: On Track Promotions - otp.ca) |
In a continued effort to highlight the many outstanding performances by drivers around the country, eKartingNews.com is proud to introduce the ‘Driver of the Month’ program. Each month, the staff at EKN will determine the one driver who stood out above the rest and give the viewers a chance to know exactly what they accomplished and who they are.
Similar to last month’s EKN Driver of the Month recipient, this month’s honoree is another name that has been in the karting limelight for a number of year’s despite his young age. Honing his craft in the Cadet division, Taylor Miinch is into his fourth season nationally in the Junior ranks after moving up early. Consistently among the front runners year after year, Miinch’s performances in June could help him garner his first national title as it earned him the honor of the June Driver of the Month.
The opening weekend of the month of June saw the fifth round of the IKF Region 7 Championship Series take place at the CalSpeed Karting circuit in Fontana, California. Contesting the HPV 2 division, Miinch began the Saturday action scoring the outside pole. From there, he and the pole sitter went head to head in the Prefinal with Miinch prevailing while the two were joined by a number of others in the Feature. The race came down to the final lap and was able to sneak away to score the win. The next day, Miinch would have to fight strong again against a solid field but was able to break away in the end to score his second victory of the weekend. Miinch also added a two runner-up finishes in the Junior Super Sportsman category.
The final weekend of the month sent Miinch across the country to New Jersey for the second round of the Championship Karting International series at the New Jersey Motorsports Park. Contesting the KF3 and IAME Junior divisions, Miinch was kept busy and fighting hard to run at the front.
Making the switch to the Vortex engine in KF3, Miinch’s pace was a bit quicker than what was previously seen. After a win and two second place runs in the heat races, Miinch started second for the Prefinal, where he would stay hooked to the bumper of the pole sitter. In the feature, the field was shuffled up with the pole sitter having mechanical issues in the opening lap. Miinch would find himself in second after the field sorted itself out. With two to go, Miinch made his move and was able to slide through for the lead for his first checkered flag of the event.
Miinch put his Top Kart on the pole in the IAME Junior and ended up second overall after the heat races. After mixing it up in the early stages of the Prefinal, Miinch was able to escape from the shuffling with the lead and put in solid laps to pull out to a two-second win. From the pole position, Miinch led all 14 laps of the main event to score his second victory of the weekend.
After moving up from the Cadet ranks in 2006 at the age of 11, Miinch has slowly matured into the racer he has become today. One of the front runners every weekend in his Southern California stomping grounds, Miinch has accumulated numerous victories in IKF and Gatorz Karting Cup competition. The 2008 season was his breakout year as a Junior driver. Miinch grabbed his first national victory at the Stars of Karting Shawano event in July before earning three IKF Grand National Duffy victory trophies. He returned to Shawano in September to earn a spot on Team America to represent his country at the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals in La Conca, Italy. With more races left on the 2009 calendar, Miinch is sure to be among the favorites no matter where he travels.
 | Taylor Miinch - EKN Driver of the Month - June 2009
(Photo: On Track Promotions - otp.ca) |
June 2009 EKN Driver of the Month -
Bio
Date of Birth: September 3, 1994
Hometown: Alpine, CA
Parents: Chuck & Kimi
Siblings: Tannah (12) Tarah (25) Kristi (35)
Height/Weight: 5’7-150lbs.
Education: Christian High School (entering 10th grade)
Job: Student
Racing Resume
Chassis: Top Kart
Engine/Engine Builder: P1 Engines
Sponsors: Grand Products, Top Kart, Jondell Construction, Holeshot Drive Systems, Douglas Wheel Technology, P1 Engines, Race Tech Development, Leatt Brace, Wrangler BBQ, Whisler Racing Services, Crystal Cleaners, Image On Trak, Charlie's Hub Caps, Ocala Gran Prix, PKS Kart Supply
Series You Compete In: IKF Region 7, Championship Karting International, Gatorz Karting Cup
Years Karting: 10
How did you get started in karting? My Dad used to race so we went to our local kart track and I took lessons
What has been the high point in your racing career? Winning 4 IKF Grand Nationals (3 in 2008)
What are your goals in racing? Make it to NASCAR and win the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona
In a few words, how would you describe your driving style? I turn my head going into a corner a ton, and smooth and consistent
Funniest moment at the race track? Giving Lynn Haddock a huge chuck of wasabi and telling him it was guacamole
Likes
Favorite Track: La Conca, Italy
Favorite form of professional motorsports: NASCAR
Favorite karting driver: Cory Pollock, Wesley Boswell
Favorite professional driver: Jimmie Johnson
Favorite website: eKartingNews.com
Favorite movie: Meet the Fockers
Favorite actor/actress: Selena Gomez
Favorite music/group: Jackson 5, Elvis Presley
Favorite vacation/activity spot: Yuma, AZ - The River
Favorite food: Green Spaghetti
The Real Deal
What do you do when not at the track? Play with RC CARS and go to school
What are your goals outside of karting? To get A’s in school
What type of street car do you drive? BMW 550i
What type of street car would you like to drive? BMW M5
What are your pet peeves or things that irritate you? Not getting a good start
What do you think could be done to improve the sport of karting? Sanction bodies need to get together
What are your favorite aspects about the sport of karting? Meeting new people and going to new race tracks.
June Driver of the Month - Honorable Mention:
- Bobby Kelley: IKF Region 7 - 3 wins
- Courtney Atkinson: WKA Road Race Grand Nationals - 3 wins
- Jacob Neal: ProKart Challenge North and South - 2-S3 wins 1-S1 win |
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