Former Champion Taylor Wason Took Time To Talk CDRA Racing, Title Defenses, and Favorite Hobbies

Story By: ROB HAZER / CDRA – MIDDLEGROVE, NY – Naysayers in motorsports are quick to judge these days, especially if a driver punches a ticket to title town without a trip to victory lane. Season One JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA series presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply champion Taylor Wason knows this all too well, but it was his title defense in Season Two that grew his fan base.

With CDRA series buzz growing, Wason knew defending his title would be no easy task with more Capital District racers joining the championship chase. He did, however, have a few goals to achieve in his title defense. Going Hoosier-to-Hoosier in a point tussle with a Sportsman Modified titan Tim Hartman Jr. was the story he needed for his growth as a competitor, a team, and a man.

Here’s a chat we had with Taylor about his Sophomore campaign on tour, his first series win, and just how he feels about those who throw shade at the ‘Middlegrove Missile’.

CDRA: Taylor, let’s start by reflecting on your Season Two efforts. Can you reflect a little on how you feel you and your team defended your title?

TW: “I feel we did alright defending our Season One title during Season Two (2025). We just didn’t execute a few nights when we needed to, and it hurt us.”

CDRA: Since you touched on what you feel hurt your title defense efforts, what part of the season stood out to you? Either good or bad.

TW: “I’d say our first race stood out to me. The way we overcame adversity from a bad pill draw, to running the LCQ, to climbing through the field to finish 14th after starting 22nd showed the strength of our team. Of course, on the good side our win at Glen Ridge stood out. Those are the results we expect at this point.”

CDRA: Getting that first tour win took a bit of time, but it had to feel good. Tell us, what did you learn while defending your title that helped you grow as a driver?

TW: “Honestly this past season taught me patience and overcoming adversity. It taught me no matter what, keep my nose to the grindstone. Keep working, and keep grinding on and off track. It’s a lesson you can apply to racing, and in life.”

CDRA: Since we’re talking about growth, maybe elaborate for us a little on how you’ve grown since you started racing open wheel Sportsman Modified back in 2019? We can imagine you’ve grown on and off the track acquiring knowledge and honing skills?

TW: “Absolutely. Since we started back then (2019) we’ve come a long way as a team. We’ve consumed a lot of knowledge to apply to the racecar that I can use to help me on the track. That and seat time. And it was a huge learning curve switching to coils. Just learning what all the adjustments mean and how they’ll effect the car all plays into making my job behind the wheel easier.”

CDRA: It’s fantastic to hear young racers learning and learning the right way. Which brings us to the question, as one of CDRA’s top performing racers over two seasons with a title and a win under your belt and now a three-time Honors award winner, what goals have you and the team set for Season Three in 2026?

TW: “We’re going to keep grinding. Keep learning. We want to continue learning and growing as a team and myself as a driver. This will make sure we’re competitive every time we unload at the tracks.”

CDRA: And to the naysayers? The ones who said you couldn’t do it, won’t do it, or shouldn’t do it? How does Taylor Wason shut that noise out? It can get overwhelming at times for racers, especially young guys.

TW: “Truthfully, the opportunity to prove them wrong motivates me. Anyone who has ever thought less of me as a racer, or put me down drives me to succeed. From teachers, to classmates, to peers, just any doubters really. Keep telling me I can’t, and I will show that I can.”

CDRA: That’s deep thinking, but enough ‘shop talk’ tell us what entertains Taylor Wason off track when he’s not slapping clay in the Capital District?

TW: “When I’m not in the shop or racing, I enjoy some I-Racing. There’s also work. That never stops.”

Wason has the tools, skillset, and support through family and fans to continue his drive towards the level of success that creates envy in others. He defended his championship valiantly before ultimately ended up 2nd in final points to multi-time feature winner and track champion Tim Hartman Jr. Watch for the Lenihan Paving Bicknell Racing Chassis 07w during Season Three.

UP NEXT FOR CDRA: Coming soon we have a special chat with CDRA Season Two (2025) champion Tim Hartman Jr. Also, fans should eagerly await the release of Season Three points paying schedule.