Myers Motorsports finding success

Published 6:28 pm Thursday, September 20, 2012

Tony Myers of Myers Motorsports is currently seventh in NHRA’s top dragster division. (Leader photo/File)

Myers Motorsports base out of Dowagiac has found success in the world or drag racing.

“In 2007, Myers Motorsports made the move to drag racing,” Tony Myers said. “I had raced motocross on and off for about 20 years and decided to switch to four wheels. I got into Kart racing and was fortunate enough to do pretty good at it.

“We won a championship and the last year we did it, I think we won all but two races. My dream has always been to go drag racing.”

Myers said his father was a successful boat racer, finishing as high as third in the world, but he was also into drag racing.

In 2007, he had an opportunity to get into the sport as partners with a Turn Key dragster.

“It’s been full speed ahead ever since,” Myers said.

Myers Motorsports have won a pair of championships, both in IHRA and NHRA and has combined for over 15 event wins.

“I still remember my first win as if it were yesterday and it motivates me every time I get in the race car,” Myers said. “That feeling of accomplishment is the best feeling in racing. We won that first race and my whole family was there and it was really emotional for me because it was just really a dream come true to be drag racing and then to win, man that was cool.”

Myers said he hugged his father as soon as he got out of the car and told him “we did it.”

Taylor Myers, following in her father’s footsteps, has also found success running junior dragsters. (Leader photo/File)

In 2008, Myers Motorsports won their first championship and repeated the feat in 2010.

Also in 2008, Myers’ daughter Taylor got into a junior dragster.

“She was really a natural at it,” he said. “She won her first race the second time she ever stepped in the car Taylor has extreme focus and when she gets in the car she is all business.”

Last year, Taylor was honored at the Lynn St. James Foundation Banquet as she was one of the top 20 females in motorsports.

At only 14 years old, she has already accomplished a lot in drag racing and has set a goal of becoming a professional drag racer.

“Taylor and I have both been blessed to have the support of family, friends and marketing partners,” Myers said.

Tony and Taylor are both sponsored by the U.S. Army, Lucas Oil and Monster Energy Drink.

“I have to thank my mom and dad for all their help and support and for giving me the opportunity to live my dream,” Myers said. “Also my daughter Taylor for always keeping on my to practice my reaction times, my girlfriend Ashley for her support and my team for always making sure my car is prepped and ready to rock ‘n’ roll.

“It could not be possible to do this without all of you.”

Currently Myers is in seventh in the NHRA top dragster division in points, while Taylor has a runner-up finish in junior dragster competition this year.