April 09
Spotlight on Andy Taylor
Andy Taylor, transport driver for Rusty Wallace Racing, has a few weeks at home to prepare for the next race in Bristol. He’s had a jam-packed road schedule that included the kick-off Nationwide Series race in Daytona followed by California, then Las Vegas.
He took a break from working on his truck to answer a few questions about the season so far.
Q: How did you think Daytona went?
A: Daytona went well. We were the ninth truck to park, based on owner’s points from last year. Parking was smooth, and we got the car unloaded, utility carts out and the garage set up. After the technical inspections were through, we got our NASCAR approval emblem, and we could relax a little bit.
Q: What was the mood of the team as you headed
toward California?
A: We were fired up. We got to Fontana, Calif., and unloaded rapidly. Everything went well with inspections. On race day, Steve drove a clean, smart race and finished in the top 10.
Q: What is everyone thinking about the No. 66 car now?
A: Everyone in the garage knows No. 66 is here to race!
Q: Where do you keep your secret stash of 5-hour Energy?
A: I keep it in the truck in my fridge even though it does not need to be refrigerated, but I keep a box of it out for the crew and for Steve Wallace. It’s amazing how it clears your head, gives you focus. This is a fast-paced business, and it really helps you stay on top of your game and gives you the energy boost you need.
Q: What are you working on in the truck on the downtime before Bristol?
A: I want to change the way I tie the cars down in the trailer, so I’m tinkering with the straps. I want to go inside the rim and tie it from the tire down. It’s a lot easier than going through the sway bar.
Q: When do you take care of truck maintenance?
A: During the off weeks, the truck gets a complete preventative maintenance check including tires, brakes and regular wear and tear. We take meticulous care of the truck and trailer inside and outside.
Q: When is the most stressful time in your job?
A: When I’m getting the truck ready for the next race, it’s really important to make sure everything is on board. There are a lot of details, and it’s very important to have every single item accounted for. If you forget something, it could really be detrimental during the race. I go over my check list multiple times.
Q: You drive the truck but are also a part of the crew. What is your job on the crew?
A: During practice and before the race, I help out with the racecar. If they need any parts from the truck, I get them. I’m on deck to help in any capacity. When we make the run and the car comes back, I help with fueling the car and weighing the fuel cans. That’s how we calculate the mileage.
Q: What do you do during the race?
A: I am in charge of the catch can. When we go over the wall, I place the catch can into the overflow so we can fuel the car. I set the wrench for adjustments on the right side of the car. I am one of seven guys that go over the wall, also known as the Catch Can man.
Q: What’s the most exciting part of your job?
A: Definitely during the race. The adrenaline really flows because everything happens so quickly. You have to know what you are doing and be very precise. It’s important to stay calm and to not let emotion get in the way of your job. Still, when I look out at the crowds from pit row, it’s a great feeling to be part of such a great team.
Q: Are you excited about going to Bristol?
A: Bristol is awesome! It’s a short-track race, and it’s also one of Steve Wallace’s favorite tracks. The fans are great, and the atmosphere is really charged up. Anything can happen in Bristol, and there’s action all over the track!
Q: Any predictions?
A: Based on the last three races, I predict we’ll be in the top 10
or win it!n
