CALGARY, AB (October 3, 2019)- Calgary, Alberta racer Brett Taylor and the #46 Wing ‘n it Restaurants/CanTorque Dodge team experienced quite a journey during the 2019 NASCAR Pinty’s Series racing season. Following up a Rookie of the Year campaign can be challenging for a driver and team. Yet the belief in purpose and determination to overcome obstacles paid off with podium finishes and the first race victory for Taylor at the final race of the year.
The first half of the season showed glimmers promise but the results weren’t there. Taylor knew that something was missing for the #46 Wing ‘n it Restaurants/CanTorque Dodge team to progress. With that he made the bold decision to form a new partnership with team with Jason Hathaway at Ed Hakonson Racing (EHR).
“After assessing where we were and talking with Jason, it just felt like the right move” explained Taylor. “We got along great, he’s helped me improve as a driver and having the fresh eyes and a different perspective I thought we’d be able to take the next step forward as a team” he added.
Progress for Taylor and the #46 Wing ‘n it Restaurants/CanTorque Dodge team would come during the Pinty’s Series swing through Western Canada at Wyant Group Raceway in Saskatoon, SK. Taylor and the #46 Wing ‘n it Restaurants/CanTorque Dodge team finished sixth in the first half of the double-header and upped their game in the night cap with a third-place result.
“It’s tough having two races on the same day” said Taylor. “But we worked hard to be prepared for it and you could feel the confidence grow after the first race. I’m so proud of how we all came together so quickly to take our first podium finish”.
In the remaining events Taylor and the #46 Wing ‘n it Restaurants/CanTorque Dodge team participated there were some frustrations with mechanical failures. These two are part of the growing process for successful drivers. Even with some disappointing results, Taylor knew the team was moving in the right direction.
“We were fast at every race, running lap times as fast or faster than the race leaders, I knew we could compete with anyone” stated Taylor.
At the series finale at Jukasa Motor Speedway near Hamilton, ON it all came together for the #46 Wing ‘n it Restaurants/CanTorque Dodge team. Taylor was second quickest during the afternoon practice and when qualifying was cancelled due to rain, Taylor began the 200-lap feature event on the outside of the front row. He did fall back a few positions in the early going but as the race progressed, he was back in the hunt.
Taylor ran down the leaders in his #46 Wing ‘n it Restaurants/CanTorque Dodge and in the closing laps was chasing his teammate looking for a way to take over the lead. After trying numerous moves, it was on the final lap that Taylor muscled his way in front through the final corner and took the checkered flag for his first Pinty’s Series victory.
“I can’t believe it. I feel like a million dollars” Taylor said afterwards. “My car was fast, but I was having trouble finding a way around. So, I just had to back off, reset myself and then I was able to nudge my way by in the final corner. What a way to end the season” said Taylor.
Closing out the season with his first series win is an enormous to the confidence of the team, the driver and will also help propel them forward into the 2020 campaign.
“This win is about teamwork” stated Taylor. “I can’t thank everyone enough. My beautiful wife and four kids for their support. My mentor Jason Hathaway and the whole EHR team and what they’ve done to help us grow and get better. This is such a competitive and quality series, I’m so happy and so proud of everyone and all the time and hard work invested. And a huge thank you to the many fans that have reached out on social media, thank you so much for your support, we can’t wait to put on a show for you next year”.
With competition complete, the busy off season is already underway for Taylor and the #46 Wing ‘n it Restaurants/CanTorque Dodge team.
“We’re already working on next year” said Taylor. “We’re assessing our cars and equipment, where we can improve. And it’s also important to work with our partners to make plans for sponsorships and activation for next year, that’s already underway too” he added.
Brett Taylor and the entire team wish to thank the many fans for the tremendous support they received this past year. They’ll be busy during the off season preparing for even greater achievements in the 2020 season.
All NASCAR Pinty’s Series races are streamed live on TSN.ca, the TSN App and at fanschoice.tv
Fans should follow Brett Taylor on social media for the latest info. Brett Taylor on Twitter @brett_taylor46 & @bretttaylorracing on Instagram
Prepared by, Todd Lewis, TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com (239) 961-2618
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