Taylor views changing role with series

(Jack Kessler photo)

By Ken de la Bastide

A glimpse at the record book for the Kenyon Midget Series shows that Indianapolis veteran Dameron Taylor has set the bar of accomplishments high. Taylor was the 2012 series rookie of the year and has won three championships in 2017, 2018 and last year. He is the only driver with more than one title and is the all-time feature win leader with 27.

“I want to make more friends this year and have fun doing it,” Taylor said. “Just be more relaxed.”

Taylor and his father, Tim, a former modified champion and competitor with the original American Speed Association are working on getting the sprint car together and that will be more of their focus in 2023.

He has one Lucas Oil Little 500 start at Anderson Speedway.

“I may run the full season in the midget and winning a fourth championship would be nice,” he said. “My goal is to help people that need help, because it's a good stepping stone series, so I want to be there to help out.”

With the series visiting new tracks this year at Berlin, Loraine, Paragon and Circle City, Taylor falls back on his experience at racing at any new oval.

“My goal at the new tracks is going to be like the first time we went to Columbus Speedway and pick up the new track after a few laps and set a track record,” he laughs.

Being a three-time champion and a driver to beat at any race he has thought about his records with the series.

“I've thought about my legacy because I don't think the series is going to go anywhere since it's in pretty good hands with Brad (Hayes),” Taylor said. “Any record can be broken, but I believe as long as the Kenyon Series is around I will be involved with it in some form. No matter where else I'm racing, I will always come and run a Kenyon Series race because of the atmosphere,” he said.

Taylor is married and the father of four children. He operates his own mechanic’s service business, Autotastic Service and Fleet in Indianapolis.