Zero to 80 in 8 seconds – Frankie is racing to success

Frankie Taylor Banshee Racing SQU

Drag racer Frankie Taylor has rapidly proved she has a talent for going very fast on four wheels – and she is just 14-years-old.

After her first season in the sport she was named Most Promising Newcomer in the Luas Oil Junior Dragster Class at Santa Pod Raceway.

Dad Joe, Planning Operations Manager at drainage and utilities specialist Lanes Group plc, has proved he is very generous indeed.

Because he agreed to fund Frankie’s foray into the frenetic sport.

Single parent Joe says: “I’m very proud of her. She’s done very well, and she received her best newcomer award as a result of a vote by all the racing teams.

“Her nephew, Freddie, started racing the year before, and Frankie asked if she could try. The financial investment is big, so I was a bit unsure.

“But she’s taken to it like a duck to water and has really excelled. Competing is an education in itself, so it’s good for Frankie to take part.”

Joe is part of the Lanes team delivering wastewater network maintenance services for Thames Water, based at the Customer Solutions Centre in Slough, Berkshire.

Lanes sponsors the family’s drag racing team, Banshee Racing, helping to fund a small part of the £3,000-per-year that Joe calculates it costs to keep Frankie on track.

On top of that, Joe has spent thousands of pounds more on a 480cc drag racing car, a trailer and safety equipment, including a flame-proof racing suit and specialist helmet.

Frankie went up against 30 other junior drivers in nine races across the season, over a straight track covering an eighth of a mile.

Joe says: “Reaction times at the start are crucial. They go from zero to over 80 miles per hour in eight seconds. That’s faster than any standard street car.

“Of course, there is the risk of being hurt in drag racing, but it’s very controlled, and Frankie is well protected.”

Frankie is in good company in her race class – half the drivers are teenage girls. Joe says: “Girls have been coming into the sport in large numbers, it’s a very positive sign.”

However, it is not the girls who Frankie has in her sights. She finished 18th last season, and cousin Freddie finished 17th.

Both are raring to renew their rivalries when the 2019 season starts at on 19th April at Santa Pod Raceway, in Northamptonshire, during the Festival of Power.

To see Frankie and Freddie racing follow the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjZ7zyCfu-k&t=0s&index=25&list=PLoxqWNwTqSpt72nOB0OkybMfUKw4RKJot

And for more information subscribe to the Banchee Racing YouTube channel for their latest videos:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6cJQ5ve8Y2dURf6nUjzHA?view_as=subscriber

Frankie Taylor with Award
Frankie Taylor with her, Most Promising Newcomer Award.

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