Mooresville, N.C. (September 8, 2010)-South Boston (Va.) Speedway is where it all began for Activ8 Development driver Taylor Doggett. It’s where this story begins, at least.
Labor Day weekend brings forth gorgeous weather, a Virginia blue sky, and temperatures in the 80s-it is what can be deemed a perfect day for most. It was also a perfect day for Doggett, as it was smooth sailing for the 17-year-old driver as he took home the checkered flag in the 50-lap Limited Sportsman Division race at South Boston Speedway on Saturday, September 4.
Contending for the Limited Sportsman track’s Rookie of the Year title, Doggett entered the race at his home track, with one win at the .4-mile bullring earlier this season, heralded as one of the sport’s young phenoms.
On Saturday evening, on South Boston Speedway’s asphalt quad-oval, Doggett backed up all the hype. Despite the inherent dangers of “SoBo” and short-track racing – having nowhere to go when someone wrecks in front of you – the No. 24 I’m Lovin’ It team showed no fear. Instead, they marched into the short track located in South Boston and led 14 laps en-route to victory.
“I have not seen my attitude change, but really my outlook,” said Doggett of his final race at South Boston of the 2010 season. “Knowing that I can do this, and that carries over through the winter which can only lead to good things for next year. If I can hold on to this feeling into next season, I really feel like we might have something noteworthy.”
As Doggett primed himself for another run at “America’s Hometown Track”, he hoped this 50-lap race would again serve as the beginning of a story he will want to tell again and again. The momentum and confidence the team gained from a solid second place at Virginia Motor Speedway the previous weekend served as a springboard for Doggett for the Labor Day Weekend event.
Doggett led the single-car DA Motorsports contingent in time trials at South Boston Speedway by qualifying fifth for Saturday’s Limited Sportsman Division race. Doggett overcame a loose-handling racecar throughout practice and qualifying as he was trying something new for race-trim. Despite qualifying fifth, deeper in the field than the McDonald’s team had hoped, Doggett was confident in his team’s solid short-track program.
Once the Green Flag fell, the 17-year old Doggett quickly went to work charging towards the front by jumping into forth position. After finding his line on the track, he held his position logging laps as he slowly moved his way up through the field.
“It was starting to get down towards the end (of the race) and we finally started making our marks forward and running down the leaders,” said Doggett.
Running in the third position, the Ruther Glen native took the lead after race leaders Tommy Peregoy and Danny Willis Jr. were involved in a mid-race incident on lap 36. After the caution, Doggett restarted the race and quickly set sail leading the 14-car field. Doggett held off his fellow competitors for the final 14 lap battle, leading by .858 seconds at the checkered.
“We had a really fast car and it showed,” added Doggett. “It was a pretty fun night to be fast and notice you have something good to work with. Without our guys at McDonalds and WW Inc. we defiantly would not be doing what we are doing today. They are really what make this thing happen.”
Doggett finished first, scoring his second victory of the 2010 season at South Boston Speedway.
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About Activ8 Driver Development
Based in Mooresville, N.C., Activ8 Development works with talented young drivers in their career development through consultation, on-track coaching, media training and a hard-hitting branding and public relations program. The company is owned by NASCAR Spotter and driver development coach, Mike Calinoff and is supported by a staff of high-level motorsports professionals and Activ8 Communciations. For more information visit www.WeCreateChamps.com or call 704-664-5900.
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