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Taylor Hoar is a Vermont racer making history as the first woman to podium at Thunder Road International Speedbowl in over a decade and the first Vermont resident ever selected for the prestigious Kulwicki Driver Development Program.

EARLY YEARS

Growing up in South Hero, Vermont, Taylor Hoar practically lived at Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre—but not because she was dying to race. Her father, Brian Hoar, is the most decorated American-Canadian Tour champion in history with eight titles and 43 wins on the international circuit. Racing royalty surrounded her, yet as a kid, she showed little interest in following the family business. Her grandfather even attended her 80th birthday party, cementing the multigenerational racing ties that define the track. It wasn’t until later that something clicked, and Taylor decided she wanted in on the action.

OTHER INTERESTS

Before fully committing to racing, Taylor was a competitive gymnast. She competed for Regal-VT at the XD level and earned solid finishes in all-around competitions, including a fourth-place showing alongside teammates at CVU, where she also won the vault. Balancing athleticism with academics, she’s currently a sophomore at Champlain College, pursuing her degree through their online program—a setup that allows her to chase checkered flags without sacrificing her education. Beyond the track, she’s shown a commitment to community service, taking her race car to Camp Ta-Kum-Ta with her brother Justin for the camp’s “Rev Your Engines” day, bringing joy to kids who needed it.

EARLY SUCCESS

Taylor made her Late Model debut in 2024 at Thunder Road, and she didn’t waste time proving she belonged. In her rookie season, she racked up five top-five finishes and 10 top-10s, including a third-place podium finish in the Squier Cup 100-lap race—making her the first female to stand on the podium at Thunder Road in more than a decade. She also won two heat races and led 18 laps throughout the season, showcasing her ability to run up front against seasoned competition. At just 20 years old when she started, she became one of the track’s only female drivers and quickly earned respect in a division known for its steep learning curve.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2024: Made Late Model debut at Thunder Road International Speedbowl with five top-five and 10 top-10 finishes[1].
• 2024: Became the first female to record a podium finish at Thunder Road in over a decade[2].
• 2024: Finished third in the Squier Cup 100-lap race at Thunder Road[3].
• 2024: Won two heat races and led 18 laps during rookie Late Model season[4].
• 2025: Selected as a finalist in the Kulwicki Driver Development Program, becoming the first Vermont resident ever chosen[5].
• 2025: Named the first female KDDP finalist since Kate Re in 2022[6].
• 2025: Earned $500 top prize in Thunder Road’s Social Media Challenge[7].
• 2025: Recorded four consecutive top-10 finishes and eight heat race victories through mid-season[8].

INSPIRATIONS

With a father like Brian Hoar—eight-time ACT champion—the bar was set impossibly high from the start. But rather than shrink from the legacy, Taylor has embraced it, carving out her own path while honoring the family name. Her involvement in the Kulwicki Driver Development Program connects her to the legacy of Alan Kulwicki, the 1992 NASCAR Cup champion known for his underdog spirit and determination. Her mentor in the program is Joe Covington, a member of Kulwicki’s 1992 championship team, who has guided her through the competitive “Underbirds” program. The multigenerational ties at Thunder Road—where families like the Hoars have raced for decades—fuel her drive to succeed and represent Vermont racing on a national stage.

REPUTATION

Taylor has quickly earned a reputation as a serious competitor who’s breaking barriers without making excuses. She’s not just “a female racer”—she’s a racer who happens to be female, and one who’s consistently running up front. Her podium finish at Thunder Road in 2024 made headlines not because it was a novelty, but because she genuinely earned it against a tough field. The racing community at Thunder Road has watched her grow from a kid at the track to a driver who can wheel a Late Model with confidence and skill. She’s known for her willingness to give back, whether that’s spotting for other drivers during Kulwicki program events or bringing her race car to kids at Camp Ta-Kum-Ta. Her presence in the Kulwicki Driver Development Program—one of only five finalists—underscores her potential to compete at higher levels of motorsports.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

For 2025 and beyond, Taylor is laser-focused on representing Vermont as the first-ever state representative in the Kulwicki Driver Development Program. She’s competing weekly in the Late Model division at Thunder Road, continuing to refine her craft on one of the most challenging short tracks in the Northeast. Her partnership with NEFCU/VSECU supports her pursuit of long-term success in Late Model racing, and she’s made it clear that she’s aiming for wins, not just participation. With mentorship from Joe Covington and the backing of Kulwicki’s 1992 championship team members, she’s positioned to take the next step in her career—whether that means dominating at Thunder Road or eventually moving up to regional and national touring series.

REFERENCES

[1] Hoar Becomes First Vermont Resident Ever Selected For Kulwicki Driver Development Program
[2] Meet the next generation of Vermont race car drivers at Thunder Road
[3] Taylor Hoar Segment II
[4] Hoar Within Striking Distance of First After Opening Segment
[5] At Barre’s Thunder Road, Racing Runs in the Family
[6] Taylor Hoar Partners with NEFCU/VSECU to Chase Late Model Rookie of the Year Honors
[7] 2025 Social Media Challenge Winners Announced
[8] Kulwicki Spotlight: Hoar Ready to Go Racing, Represent KDDP in 2025