ALLEN GREGORY Bristol Herald Courier
RURAL RETREAT, Virginia – Randy Taylor spends part of his weekdays earning a living as a truck driver on interstate highways.
But on Saturday night, the Chilhowie resident raced sideways at almost 160 km/h across an 800 m long oval track.
Meet one of the stars of the dirt drama at Wythe Raceway.
“My first race here was in 1988 in the Late Model class, so you could say I started at the top,” Taylor said. “It took me a while to adjust, but in 1991 I was able to win my first title on the track.”
Taylor estimates that he has won a total of six track championships in the Super Late Model, Late Model and Super Street divisions over the past 36 years.
“I’ve been competing against some of the same guys for years,” Tayor said.
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Like many other racers, Taylor became frustrated with the high costs and demands of Late Model racing.
“It got to a point where I didn’t have much help, so I decided to take a step back and find another division,” Taylor said. “Super Street is a tough class with a lot of good riders.”
With their small tires and high power, the heavy Super Street machines pose a challenge on the steep banks of Wythe.
“You really have to pay attention to your tires and focus on handling,” Taylor said.
The current Super Street Gang includes Keith Griffitts (Sugar Grove), Michael Deskins (Tazewell) and Jerry Dillow from Bluefield, West Virginia.
Racetrack legends Mike Keith (Rich Valley) and Duke Bare (Meadowview) were also important parts of the Super Street spectacle before their deaths.
“It’s hard to have friends when you’re a competitor fighting to win, but I’ve always been friends with Mike and Duke and get along well with the other guys,” Taylor said.
Every driver at Wythe has a personal fan area and fans at the Rural Retreat facility have never been shy about voicing their opinions.
“I’ve been on both sides,” Taylor said. “I’ve heard a few boos, but now I mostly get applause.”
During the recent Fan Appreciation Night at the racetrack, Taylor was surrounded by autograph hunters of all ages.
“You’ve got to love it,” Taylor said. “The drivers here don’t realize the impact they’re having on people.”
Taylor formerly competed in the FASTRAK Dirt Late Model series, which helped popularize Crate Late Models at facilities in South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. He also raced on asphalt at Lonesome Pine Motorsports Park and on concrete at Kingsport Speedway.
“I give (track owner) Fred Brown a lot of credit for the show here at Wythe Raceway,” Taylor said. “The track surface is always smooth and well maintained. You don’t see that in many places.”
Taylor’s famous machine No. 94 bears a sticker with a picture of his father Carl, who died in 2019.
“Dad worked with me on the car every week and helped me in many ways,” Taylor said. “I really miss my dad and try to dedicate my success to him.”
Taylor’s current crew includes his 12-year-old son Isaiah and his friend Elgin Brooks, a second-grader at Chilhowie High School.
“Randy is a pretty good guy,” Brooks said. “One day I’m going to try to compete against him like he did.”
Taylor has done a lot for workers as a racing driver.
In addition to his duties as a truck driver, Taylor worked as a machinist and taught machine shop operations to students at Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon in the late 1990s.
“I don’t really tell anyone my age,” Taylor said. “I’ve just always loved the speed and excitement of racing here at Wythe. The thrill never gets old.”
MUDDY CREEK RACE TRACK: The 40th annual AMA Tennessee State Motocross Championship will be held July 12-14.
Defending champions include Adam Britt (Johnson City) in the 450 Pro class and Jacob Rose (Summersville, W.Va.) in the 250 Pro class.
LONESOME PINE MOTORSPORTS PARK: Chase Dixon of Abingdon won both 40-lap Late Model races on the June 22 schedule.
Chase Dixon Motorsports drivers Colby Higgins (Valdosta, Georgia) and Jamie Stanley (Coeburn) finished second behind Dixon.
Terry Smith (Barbourville, Kentucky) won the two 30-lap Sportsman races, while Greg Story (Wytheville) took his first victory in Super Street.
Doug Austin (Castlewood) took the trophy in the Street Stock class, Jesee Amburgey Jr. (Hiltons) won in Mod 4 and Frank Womack (Kingsport) secured his third victory in Pure 4.
Also on the winners list were Mason Roberts (Church Hill) in Bandoleros, Aidan Walker in Legends and Tyler Swecker (Gate City) in Beginner 4.
