The second competitor among our Toyo Tires F1600 Championship drivers to get his racing start on two wheels, this week we feature David Taylor, who also happens to be the first profiled driver to have raced around a modern Formula 1 track in recent times! Which one? Read on race fans!
How long have you been racing?
My father put me on a motocross bike when I was 7 years old. I raced at national level in the UK until I was 17. Later in life, I started racing cars in Formula 1200 in 2011. I did that for 5 years before moving to Formula 1600. Last year was my rookie year in the F1600 class.
How long have you raced F1600?
1 year.
How many race cars have you owned?
Just 2: A Formula 1200, which was a 1976 Lynx, and a 1999 Van Diemen Honda 1600, which I have now.
What is your # and why did you choose it?
I have been #5 since I was 7 years old, so for me it was the only choice. My father told me that it wasn’t very lucky then, so maybe I should have tried a different number!
What other classes have you raced?
On four wheels I raced Formula 1200 for 5 years, but now I’m racing Formula 1600 and I can’t go back.
What track raced has been your favourite?
I was lucky enough to be invited to race Formula Vee 1600 at Interlagos in Brazil. It was quite an experience to race at the limit on an iconic F1 track.
What track would you love to race around?
I would love to race on the Monaco F1 circuit, but that seems pretty unlikely. Spa would be another favourite. I am looking forward to the opportunity of racing at the Montreal GP.
What is your greatest racing memory?
Despite my father’s comments, I do have some great motocross memories. In cars, racing at Interlagos is a great memory. Also, going around the outside of US driver Ray Carmody at turn 8 at Mosport on the last lap to win the CanAm Challenge Cup race in 2015 is also a highlight for me.
Favourite driver from any generation?
This is always difficult, being a Brit and now Canadian as well, I always like to support the British and Canadian drivers, but I think I admire Mika Häkkinen the most.
Do you plan to be on the grid in 2018?
Definitely!
Feature/Driver/Car photo by Richard Coburn