By Megan Sprague

He may only be 8 years old, but Mooresville’s Pierson Taylor is already becoming a force to be reckoned with on the race track.

“Since the age of 4, he’s tried to drive anything on wheels,” said Pierson’s dad, Eric, with a laugh. “We knew when he was about to turn 8, he would want to give racing a whirl, so we took it up as a hobby.”

Pierson Taylor, 8, poses with his Bandolero race car, which is sponsored by Mooresville’s Philly Pretzel Factory. Megan Sprague photo

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That hobby has quickly become a passion for Pierson.

“It feels pretty good to go that fast,” said Pierson with a shy smile. “I like going fast, and I like to pass everyone.”

Bandoleros are pint-sized cars specifically designed to be raced by beginners. Race tracks such as Lowe’s Motor Speedway and Bristol have kid’s divisions for anyone above the age of 8 who has an interest in speed.

“I’m thrilled with it, because everyone who races at this level has the exact same stock model,” Eric said. “Racing was getting to be all about who has the flashiest car and the most money to spend on it. With everyone having the same starting point, it becomes about skill and gives an opportunity to kids who just love to drive.”

Plus, he added, the car has a complete roll cage, which makes him feel like it’s safer than other racing vehicles for kids, like a go-kart.

Pierson just started last year, but has already competed in eight races during Lowe’s Winter Heat.

“He finished fourth in his beginner’s division,” said Eric. “He has also been pretty good on old Dad, and hasn’t torn up his car. All it needs is air in the tires and some gas, and it’s good to go.”

Helping Pierson stay behind the wheel is George Heck, owner of the new Philly Pretzel Factory in Mooresville.

“It’s really cool to watch a bunch of 8-year-olds zip around you on a race track,” Heck said.

George and co-owners Gary, Suzanne and Jill Heck, along with Bill and Diane Pisel, sponsor Pierson’s car in the Bandit’s division for drivers age 8 to 11.

“We saw a great marriage of different things,” said Gary Heck. “There’s a lot going on in Race City USA and we love getting our brand out there.”

The Philly Pretzel Company owners have been to several of Pierson’s races and admire his tenacity.

“He’s so quick,” George marvelled. “And to compete against children that are older than he is, it’s amazing.”

Pierson is going to continue with his love of racing this year by traveling to Atlanta and Kentucky this summer after school lets out.

“These cars are raced in all 50 states,” Eric said. “I think we’ll also do the Summer Shoot-Out at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, which happens Tuesday evenings and always has a pretty good turn-out.”

This is only the beginning for the eight-year-old, according to him. When asked if he wanted to make his need for speed into a career, Pierson paused, and then nodded his blond head vigorously.
“Oh, yeah!” he said.

Very good article.  Great to see kids have interests like this.

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