Scott Taylor, a fan-favorite and frontrunner in No Prep Kings (NPK), has become one of the most popular faces in drag racing, capturing attention with his down-to-earth attitude, fierce work ethic, and relentless drive to compete. Known for his big-time showdowns on the NPK circuit, Taylor is now gearing up to bring his skills to the Drag Illustrated Winter Series, presented by J&A Service. With the Winter Series fast approaching, Taylor is primed to make a splash in the world of Pro Mod racing.
For Taylor, the thrill of moving into Pro Mod is driven by one thing: the scoreboard.
“I’ve been wanting to light the scoreboard for a long time,” Taylor shared. “We drive 30 hours to tracks, work non-stop, and no one really knows how fast these cars are. That’s a bummer. With Pro Mod, I want to go out, show a time, and put on a show for the fans.”
Although Taylor has been a frontrunner in No Prep Kings, he sees the leap into Pro Mod as a new challenge. He’s taking the same setup from his NPK car, including the ProCharger-equipped motor and drivetrain, and is working closely with tuner Craig Pachar of Triangle Speed Shop.
“I don’t expect to come out and be number one in a Pro Mod,” Taylor explained, “but we’re definitely coming out swinging. We’ve got great equipment, and we’re ready to compete.”
Reflecting on the success of No Prep Kings, Taylor sees a bright future for grassroots drag racing, where relatable characters and cars that look like real cars can thrive. He’s eager to bring that energy to the Winter Series, where Pro Mod represents the pinnacle of grassroots drag racing.
“People want to see us working on these hot rods, see what it takes to get to the track. They like to see us fighting, thrashing, and giving it everything we’ve got,” Taylor said. “I think fans love the people and the stories even more than they love the race cars.”
Joining the Winter Series isn’t just a new race to check off the list for Taylor; it’s an opportunity to be part of a series where the competition is ruthless and the battles are intense. The Drag Illustrated Winter Series is known for fields separated by mere hundredths of a second, requiring drivers to bring their absolute best to every round.
“We’re talking about 32 cars spread over just six-hundredths of a second. It’s some of the closest, toughest racing you’ll find anywhere, and I’m excited to be a part of it,” Taylor said.
As Taylor prepares for his debut at Bradenton Motorsports Park, he knows that a new wave of competition is on the horizon. He’s ready to put in the work and bring a new level of excitement to Pro Mod, with the same determination that’s made him a powerhouse on the No Prep Kings scene.
The Winter Series begins on December 6, with Taylor and other top drivers battling it out in one of the most highly anticipated events of the drag racing season. Fans can expect to see Taylor’s new Pro Mod, aptly named “Chee Doe,” going head-to-head with the best in the business, setting the stage for an unforgettable winter of racing.
This story was originally published on October 31, 2024.