Team Top Kart USA driver Taylor Miinch scored a victory as well as a second place result this past weekend at the Gatorz Challenge of the Americas event held at the Willow Springs Raceway facility in Rosamond, California. Competing in the ultra competitive Rotax Junior class, Miinch battled tooth and nail to a second place result in Saturday’s action and improved on Sunday to take the win.
Saturday morning provided an exciting qualifying session that saw Minch claim the pole position and an inside front row starting spot for the prefinal. Always a threat for victory, Miinch jumped out to an early lead but fell short when the checkered flag flew coming home P2.
The main event would be an exciting one as Miinch stalked the eventual race winner as the two traded fast laps throughout the event. Closing the gap late in the 28 lap event Miinch and his Top Kart came up a few laps short as he managed to claim the second step on the podium. Though the talented junior did not score the victory, he did manage to claim the event’s fastest race lap as well as the five bonus points that come with it.
Looking for redemption on Sunday, Miinch looked to repeat Saturday’s qualifying effort and again came out on top scoring the pole position. The Top Kart pilot’s weekend success would not stop there as Miinch dominated both the prefinal and main event to take his first career Rotax victory and lock the second position in the overall series point standings. Along the way, Miinch was able to solidify the fastest race lap yet again as he led flag to flag.
“We had a very good weekend,” stated Taylor Miinch after the event was over. “The Top Kart package ran strong all weekend and we were in the hunt for the victory both days. I’d like to thank my tuner Wesley Boswell for all his hard work as well as Mike Maurini for lending his hand throughout the weekend.”
Taylor will be back in action next weekend at the International Karting Federation Region 7 event in Grange, California. Competing in both the HPV and Yamaha divisions, Miinch will look to continue his podium streak and fight for the victories in both classes.
Taylor would like to thank his current sponsors: Grand Products, Top Kart, PKS Kart Supply, Douglas Wheel, Bridgestone, Leatt-Brace, Crystal Cleaners, Jon Dell Construction, Charlie's Hub Caps, Go Racing Magazine, Image On Trak, Race Tech Development and Wrangler BBQ.
For sponsorship opportunities and more information on Taylor Miinch and Miinch Motorsports, please visit his personal racing website at www.TaylorMiinch.com or contact Race Tech Development at 317.270.8723 or via e-mail at Info@RaceTechDevelopment.com
