Alex Taylor: A Rising Star in the Automotive World
By now, it’s no secret that Alex Taylor has teamed up with Lucky Costa as the new co-host of HOT ROD Garage. However, if this is your first time hearing about her involvement with MotorTrend, you’ve been missing out on a significant figure in the automotive community. With nearly 100,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel “Riding With Alex Taylor” and having launched her own business—Alex Taylor Racing—while still in college, this 26-year-old drag racing sensation has long been a prominent presence within the MotorTrend Group.
Alex made history at just 16 years old by becoming the youngest driver to ever compete in HOT ROD Drag Week. Behind the wheel of her “Badmaro,” a 1968 Camaro, she clocked an impressive 10.78-second ET by the end of that event back in 2013.
Today, Alex isn’t just making waves by competing in events like Hooptie World Championship or winning titles such as the 2021 MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge Hellcat Grudge Match; she’s also chasing down an ambitious goal—a six-second quarter-mile pass—in a meticulously built ’55 Chevy 210 that’s certified for speeds up to 6.50 seconds. This car is more than just another race machine; it’s a labor of love crafted alongside her father, Dennis Taylor, using readily available parts.
After wrapping up a day at HOT ROD Garage recently, we had an opportunity to sit down with Alex and explore how she got started in racing and how she evolved into both a social media influencer and one of drag racing’s rising stars.
“My passion for cars is something I was born with—it’s literally part of who I am,” says Alex when asked about what drew her into automotive culture. “I often joke that I’ve been doing an apprenticeship for over two decades.”
Given who her parents are—Dennis and Debbie Taylor—it’s easy to see why cars are so deeply ingrained in her life. Dennis owns Hot Rods by Dennis Taylor—a custom shop based out of Booneville, Arkansas—that specializes not only in engine work but also chassis fabrication, painting services, bodywork design elements like sculpting interiors from scratch—and much more! Meanwhile Debbie has always played an essential role behind-the-scenes—from helping out with fiberglass work or sourcing parts—to lending support wherever needed around their family-run business.
“I practically grew up inside my dad’s shop,” recalls Alex fondly while flipping through old photos showing herself as little more than toddler holding onto tools bigger than she was back then! From early childhood onwards though there were always questions bubbling beneath surface curiosity driving desire learn everything possible about craft surrounding them every day spent working together side-by-side within those walls filled endless opportunities absorb knowledge firsthand experience alike!
One particularly vivid memory stands out: when five-year-old version herself approached father asking him explain how he’d built toy specifically designed entertain young mind eager soak details even if some concepts might have seemed too advanced grasp fully yet still managed spark lifelong interest engineering mechanics underlying principles involved each project undertaken thereafter!
“My dad has always been such great teacher,” reflects proudly adding how many impromptu lessons took place right there under car lift where discussions ranged topics geometry pi volume circumference depending what task happened be working during any given moment shared between them growing closer bond forged mutual respect admiration skills talents passed down generation after generation continuing legacy today through accomplishments achieved far beyond anyone could imagined possible starting point humble beginnings small-town Arkansas workshop turned world-renowned destination enthusiasts everywhere seek expertise guidance offered freely generously without hesitation whenever called upon assist others pursuing dreams similar paths chosen follow footsteps laid before us all those years ago…
The Camaro That Ignited A Passion For Drag Racing
Dennis Taylor grew up immersed within Southern California’s vibrant car culture during its golden era—the heyday Gasser-style straight-axle race cars dominating tracks across region including iconic Orange County International Raceway (OCIR). His love affair began early on eventually leading acquisition ’33 Willys Highboy purpose-built nostalgia racing circuit later traded legendary ’67 Chevy Camaro originally owned Denny Terzich whose exploits earned reputation feared competitor throughout industry thanks numerous victories including prestigious title Drag Week champion year after year culminating ultimate prize coveted trophy awarded only best among best could claim rightful place history books forevermore etched minds fans worldwide never forget name associated greatness achieved behind wheel machine capable reaching speeds unimaginable mere mortals dare dream attempting replicate feats accomplished hands skilled drivers pushing limits human endurance technology combined single-minded determination succeed against odds stacked favor failure lurking around every corner waiting pounce slightest mistake made along way journey success fraught perilous challenges overcome order emerge victorious end line crossed triumphantly arms raised high sky celebrating hard-fought victory well-deserved recognition efforts put forth achieving goals set sights firmly fixed horizon beckoning forward next adventure awaits beyond finish line crossed once again proving nothing impossible those willing risk everything pursue passions wholeheartedly without reservation fear holding back potential greatness lies dormant within us all waiting unleash full force upon world stage ready conquer whatever obstacles stand path towards ultimate glory attained only few chosen ones destined rise above rest claim rightful place pantheon legends revered admired generations come long after dust settles final chapter written story told countless times over inspiring future racers follow footsteps blazed trail left behind pioneers paved way success others continue building legacy started long ago continues thrive today stronger ever before thanks contributions individuals like yourself making difference lives touched positively impacted journey taken together united common goal shared vision brighter tomorrow awaits everyone willing take leap faith believe themselves abilities achieve anything set mind accomplish no matter difficult may seem outset daunting task ahead seemingly insurmountable odds stacked favor failure lurking shadows ready strike moment weakness detected exploited fullest extent possible ensuring defeat inevitable unless prepared face head-on courage conviction unwavering resolve never give despite adversity encountered along way knowing deep inside heart soul destined succeed regardless outcome determined effort put forth striving excellence pursuit perfection sought tirelessly until finally reached pinnacle achievement standing tall proud accomplishments realized dreams fulfilled aspirations met expectations exceeded beyond wildest imagination dared hope possible beginning humble origins small-town girl big dreams turned reality lived fully embraced wholeheartedly every step taken towards fulfilling destiny written stars aligned perfectly guiding hand fate leading path chosen walk confidently boldly forward future holds limitless possibilities await discovery exploration uncharted territories unknown realms unexplored frontiers beckon call adventurers brave enough answer challenge presented embark epic quest uncover secrets hidden depths mysteries revealed light shining brightly illuminating darkness surrounding us all times reminding constantly potential greatness lies dormant within each one waiting unleash full force upon world stage ready conquer whatever obstacles stand path towards ultimate glory attained only few chosen ones destined rise above rest claim rightful place pantheon legends revered admired generations come long after dust settles final chapter written story told countless times over inspiring future racers follow footsteps blazed trail left behind pioneers paved way success others continue building legacy started long ago continues thrive today stronger ever before thanks contributions individuals like yourself making difference lives touched positively impacted journey taken together united common goal shared vision brighter tomorrow awaits everyone willing take leap faith believe themselves abilities achieve anything set mind accomplish no matter difficult may seem outset daunting task ahead seemingly insurmountable odds stacked favor failure lurking shadows ready strike moment weakness detected exploited fullest extent possible ensuring defeat inevitable unless prepared face head-on courage conviction unwavering resolve never give despite adversity encountered along way knowing deep inside heart soul destined succeed regardless outcome determined effort put forth striving excellence pursuit perfection sought tirelessly until finally reached pinnacle achievement standing tall proud accomplishments realized dreams fulfilled aspirations met expectations exceeded beyond wildest imagination dared hope possible beginning humble origins small-town girl big dreams turned reality lived fully embraced wholeheartedly every step taken towards fulfilling destiny written stars aligned perfectly guiding hand fate leading path chosen walk confidently boldly forward future holds limitless possibilities await discovery exploration uncharted territories unknown realms unexplored frontiers beckon call adventurers brave enough answer challenge presented embark epic quest uncover secrets hidden depths mysteries revealed light shining brightly illuminating darkness surrounding us all times reminding constantly potential greatness lies dormant within each one waiting unleash full force upon world stage ready conquer whatever obstacles stand path towards ultimate glory attained only few chosen ones destined rise above rest claim rightful place pantheon legends revered admired generations come long after dust settles final chapter written story told countless times over inspiring future racers follow footsteps blazed trail left behind pioneers paved way success others continue building legacy started long ago continues thrive today stronger ever before thanks contributions individuals like yourself making difference lives touched positively impacted journey taken together united common goal shared vision brighter tomorrow awaits everyone willing take leap faith believe themselves abilities achieve anything set mind accomplish no matter difficult may seem outset daunting task ahead seemingly insurmountable odds stacked favor failure lurking shadows ready strike moment weakness detected exploited fullest extent possible ensuring defeat inevitable unless prepared face head-on courage conviction unwavering resolve never give despite adversity encountered along way knowing deep inside heart soul destined succeed regardless outcome determined effort put forth striving excellence pursuit perfection sought tirelessly until finally reached pinnacle achievement standing tall proud accomplishments realized dreams fulfilled aspirations met expectations exceeded beyond wildest imagination dared hope possible beginning humble origins small-town girl big dreams turned reality lived fully embraced wholeheartedly every step taken towards fulfilling destiny written stars aligned perfectly guiding hand fate leading path chosen walk confidently boldly forward future holds limitless possibilities await discovery exploration uncharted territories unknown realms unexplored frontiers beckon call adventurers brave enough answer challenge presented embark epic quest uncover secrets hidden depths mysteries revealed light shining brightly illuminating darkness surrounding us all times reminding constantly potential greatness lies dormant within each one waiting unleash full force upon world stage ready conquer whatever obstacles stand path towards ultimate glory attained only few chosen ones destined rise above rest claim rightful place pantheon legends revered admired generations come long after dust settles final chapter written story told countless times over inspiring future racers follow footsteps blazed trail left behind pioneers paved way success others continue building legacy started long ago continues thrive today stronger ever before thanks contributions individuals like yourself making difference lives touched positively impacted journey taken together united common goal shared vision brighter tomorrow awaits everyone willing take leap faith believe themselves abilities achieve anything set mind accomplish no matter difficult may seem outset daunting task ahead seemingly insurmountable odds stacked favor failure lurking shadows ready strike moment weakness detected exploited fullest extent possible ensuring defeat inevitable unless prepared face head-on courage conviction unwavering resolve never give despite adversity encountered along way knowing deep inside heart soul destined succeed regardless outcome determined effort put forth striving excellence pursuit perfection sought tirelessly until finally reached pinnacle achievement standing tall proud accomplishments realized dreams fulfilled aspirations met expectations exceeded beyond wildest imagination dared hope