Saturday September 16, 2000
Ventura Raceway

The racetrack on Saturday was unbelievable. It was heavy and sticky which is often hard to come by. These conditions were in favor of the #7 sprint car driven by Greg Taylor.

Greg was on the pole in Heat race #3. As the green flag waved Greg took off and lead the pack all the way to the checkered. A couple of laps before the finish, a rocker arm broke in the engine causing the car to perform roughly. Greg still managed to take the win, but there was a lot of work to do before the main.

The Taylor Motorsports crew worked fast to replace the rocker arm and prepare the car for the main event. The crew chief, Rick Taylor, went with the tight set up for the car, preparing for the track to dry out as it usually does during the main.

The #7 car was front row outside next to the #47 car driven by Tony Dighera. The point leaders, #9 of Chris Wakim, and #20 of Gary Howard were in the second row. This was a prescription for a fiercely competitive race.

The green flag came out and the race was underway. Greg quickly gained the lead, but two cars tangled in the pack causing a yellow. The start was now a single file line with Greg leading and Howard right behind. The green flag waved and a spinout caused another yellow. It was now green again and Greg gained a large margin between him and Howard. With the tight set up on the #7 car, Greg bumped the cushion, closing the gap between himself and Howard. They battled one and two for a couple of laps and Greg bumped the cushion again, and Howard used the mistake to his advantage and took over the lead. Another yellow came out and since Howard did not have the lead for a full lap, the officials gave the lead back to Greg. As soon as racing resumed Greg held off Howard but he managed to pass him. Lap traffic became a problem half way through the race, and a large gap between Greg and Howard took place. Wakim was in third place right behind Greg when Greg bumped the cushion again, and Wakim took over second. Greg quickly passed Wakim and took his position back.

The white flag came out and Gary Howard took the win, followed by Greg Taylor second and Chris Wakim third.

It was a great finish for the Taylor Motorsports team. Good job Greg, the Crew, and everyone else who made this possible. Keep it up!

Racing continues this Saturday night September 23, 2000 at Ventura Raceway