CONCORD, N.C. – Drivers are not the only ones with a need for speed.
Taylor Moyer, race engineer at Hendrick Motorsports, plays a vital role in contributing to speed on the track. He's also one of three engineers on the No. 5 team, working directly with Kasey Kahne each week.
Here are five fun facts on Moyer and his engineering duties:
1) Moyer has worked in many areas at Hendrick Motorsports. He got his foot in the door at Hendrick Motorsports on a developmental pit crew while studying mechanical engineering at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Since then, he has moved through several positions at the organization.
“I have worked in every department at Hendrick Motorsports other than the engine shop,” Moyer said. “I have worked in body, chassis, parts, pit crew, 48/88 shop, 5/24 shop, I’ve done pretty much every job there is.”
2) As the driver engineer for the No. 5 team, Moyer is in close communication with Kahne. There are various meetings throughout the week that Moyer attends alongside Kahne. When they are not in the same room Moyer has the ability to share information digitally.
“He (Kahne) has a tablet and I can send stuff to his tablet so he can see it wherever he is,” Moyer explained. “I write reports for him and push him notes and we stay in communication pretty constantly.”
3) Moyer is one of three teammates who works on top of the pit box each race. Moyer spends the race listening to the team radio as well as monitoring the car. He calculates how far the car can go on fuel and shares that information with the team. Moyer is able to make recommendations to crew chief Keith Rodden based on the information he gathers.
“The final say is the crew chief’s call,” Moyer shared. “We all have a part in it. Everyone helps with decision making.”
4) The work is fast paced. A 36-race schedule does not allow for much downtime for race teams. Moyer spend most of his time each week working in the shop or at the track.
“The pace of work in racing is normal to me, but to other people is mind blowing how fast we get things done,” Moyer said. “The schedule and the life is very demanding. It is long work hours and intensive travel.”
5) Moyer’s favorite part of his job is connecting with fans at the track.
“If I can give a kid a lug nut or a fan a hat and make someone smile, that’s the best part,” Moyer said.
Moyer enjoys sharing his story in hopes of inspiring others young people. He remembers growing up on the farm working on his friend’s race car and credits his success to hard work.
“If you are a hard worker you set yourself apart,” Moyer shared. “If I can do it, anyone can do it.”