Dennis Taylor Dallas wrap up

Breakage Hampers Taylor’s Efforts

ANAHEIM, CA — Dennis Taylor rolled into the O’Reilly Auto Parts Fall Nationals with a carefully-prepared race car that was up to the challenge. His last few outings served as this season’s highlights, as the latest parts available began to yield impressive performances. So much so, three consecutive races saw the Plumbing Concepts team re-set their own career-best numbers.

Friday’s first qualifying session saw competitors being called to the staging lanes an hour and a half earlier than the schedule called for. That’s very unusual, as their sessions are often postponed, or canceled all together. The result was a safe 5.69-second run at 253.47 mph. Dennis noted, “We should have leaned on it some more, as it was on the rich side, but it was good enough to put us sixth.” However, Taylor found uncharacteristic parts failure during pre-round servicing. The camshaft and two lifters were damaged, causing them to skip the second qualifier in order to complete repairs without having to watch the clock.

With 22 racers on hand battling for the 16-car field, Taylor was left with only one more chance to improve. Repairs completed, Taylor was prepared and up for the challenge. His opponent was not, as staging problems in the next lane kept Dennis waiting. When the other driver did stage, he left before the lights were activated and was disqualified. Taylor was distracted by all that and ended up reacting to his opponent’s launch, which ultimately disqualified Dennis, as well. With only one run in the books, the previous 5.69 caused the Plumbing Concepts car to slip from sixth to thirteenth. Taylor added, “Although we didn’t receive a timeslip on that run, our computer showed it was quick enough to land us in the top five, but it just wasn’t meant to be.”

That set up a round one encounter with recent U.S. Nationals winner, Von Smith. Dennis launched hard but slowed by half-track, victimized by another set of unforeseen mechanical circumstances. Taylor closed saying, “It looks like we broke two connecting rods on the 1-2 shift. We’ve done our best to race smart this year as costs have increased on everything. We sure didn’t expect this, as nothing was compromised in our preparation. We don’t take shortcuts and we don’t use suspect pieces. However, to run these cars as hard as we do, even the best equipment can let you down.”

For more information on Dennis Taylor’s marketing partners, please use the following links, or call the phone numbers below.

PlumbingConcepts.com — Southern California’s most progressive contactor and private-party services provider.

DeltaFaucet.com — America’s largest manufacturer of residential and commercial faucets, with 55 years of product innovation, Delta’s motto is “We work wonders with water.”

RentonCoilSpring.com – Learn how to lower your racing costs with longer lasting valve springs. RCS has been in business for 50 years, using premium materials and technology to achieve extended product life in severe-duty applications.

LucasOil.com – See why professional and sportsman competitors in all racing disciplines worldwide rely on the superior protection of Lucas Oil Products. Choose Lucas Oil Products for your street car, truck, boat, or off-road vehicle.

Taylorfreezers.com — Since 1965, Taylor Freezers (no relation) of Southern California has been distributing and maintaining a complete line of quality food service equipment. Its professional staff can assist with selection and supply, installation, store design, training, and after-sale service. Financing and lease options are available for a variety of profitable equipment. Call (800) 927-7704.

AdamsPolishes.com — Discriminating gearheads use the complete line of premium car care products from Adam's Polishes.

TaylorMotorsports.com — Serving your racing safety and crew apparel needs, Taylor Motorsports is drag racing’s most knowledgeable Hans® supplier.

MetroMMP.com — For the best in weatherstripping, seals, and moldings, look to Metro Moulded Parts to “Seal the Deal” and help bring your automotive project back to “like-new” condition. Call (800) 878-2237, or click for free catalog. Metro can also serve your industrial weather-sealing needs.

Moroso.com – Forty years ago, Moroso Performance pioneered the development of unique racing products, and that commitment continues today.

Shaker Shirts — Specializing in personal, team, or business-related screen printing, Shaker Shirts offers premium graphics design and top-quality, brand name apparel. Call (626) 960-3333 for your screen printing needs.

Bear State Heating & Air Conditioning — Serving Southern California’s HVAC needs for residential and commercial properties. Call (714) 237-1740.

Contact: Randy Fish
Email: zoomrf@att.net