Hoar Within Striking Distance of First After Opening Segment of Kulwicki Driver Development Program

After the first segment of competition in this year’s Kulwicki Driver Development Program, only 24 points separate the five “Underbirds”, making the competition for the Kulwicki Cup the closest in the program’s 10-year history.

Currently in fifth place with 78.2 points is Vermont native Taylor Hoar.

The first Vermont resident in the competition and the daughter of eight-time American- Canadian Tour champion Brian Hoar, her racing efforts this year have been plagued by rain. Despite the inclement weather in the KDDP’s first segment, she has competed in five races – two Late Model events at her home track Thunder Road in Barre, Vermont, and three in the American-Canadian Tour. She has one top-five, which she acquired by defeating her brother for fourth at Thunder Road.

“We’ve won two heat races this year (at Thunder Road) which is great for points purposes,” she said.

Hoar also has led 18 laps this season and hasn’t had to use a provisional to get into a race.

While weather has adversely affected many of Hoar’s races, it hasn’t slowed her community service.

This year she has:

■ Taken her race car to East Montpelier Elementary School.
■ Created a book drive for Thunder Road’s Race to Read program that netted 487 books.
■ Scheduled food drives for the Vermont Food Bank.
■ Planned a visit with her race car to Camp Ta Kum Ta, which is for children with cancer.

Hoar also has started a program called “Giving Back At The Track.” This program includes her working with Bella Hamel, who is competing in the Kids Division at White Mountain Motorsports Park in North Woodstock, New Hampshire.

“I’ve had so much fun getting to coach her, especially with simple little things like how to lay vinyl,” Hoar said. “I’ve also worked on a hero card for her. It’s been very rewarding.”

Recently, Hoar conducted a track walk with the six girls competing in White Mountain’s Kids Division and showed them the racing line.

For the rest of the season, Hoar plans to compete in the Late Model races every Thursday night at Thunder Road and challenge for rookie honors on the American-Canadian Tour. She currently is second in rookie points.

This year, members of Alan Kulwicki’s 1992 NASCAR Cup championship team are mentoring the “Underbirds.” Hoar’s mentor is Joe Covington.

The driver occupying fourth in the standings after the first segment will be announced Tuesday.

-Kulwicki Driver Development Program Press Release