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Lauren Tayla: The Unstoppable Force Behind the Wheel

Lauren Tayla has racing in her veins, and her eyes on the prize in the world of MINI Challenge Clubsport Racing. In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom, Lauren discusses what really drives her.

Wade McElwain
Wade McElwain

Last Updated: 2024-03-13

Umaima Saeed

Image Credits: Lauren Tayla Racing

At just 29 years old, Lauren Tayla from Stockton on Tees has already carved out a remarkable path in the exhilarating world of MINI Challenge Clubsport auto racing. Her unwavering determination, coupled with an infectious passion for the sport, has propelled this young dynamo on a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and an unwavering spirit that refuses to be tamed by age or circumstance.
With her partner and son as her loving pit crew, Lauren has found a renewed passion for a sport she grew up dreaming about. In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom, Tayla discusses her incredible road to MINI racing from the kart circuit, and how her passion fuels every engine in her life. 

Revving Up the Racing Dream

It was a love affair that began with a simple introduction to the thrilling spectacle of the British Touring Cars. "I was always a Renault Sport girl, which I wouldn't get back in one now," Lauren confesses. "I own a Mini, we've got seven Minis at the minute, so they just keep re-spawning. Yeah, they're addictive. The fast, the fun – you point them, and that's where they go." Captivated by the speed and agility of the Mini racers, she set her sights on a seemingly impossible dream – to become a champion MINI Challenge racer herself. With the determination of someone far beyond her years, she embarked on a journey that would test her limits and push her boundaries.
Lucky number 33 had the love and the fire, now it was time to build the machine. 

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Building the Dream from Scratch

Lauren's journey has been far from a smooth ride. With limited resources and a tight budget, she has taken on the herculean task of building her race car from scratch – a feat that would daunt even the most experienced mechanics. "I have literally stripped the car, prepped it all for paint, had it painted, fitted the cage, started all the suspension, now done all the outside, and wrapping it, done all the engine work. So it's been a lot," she explains. Her hands-on approach has not only saved her precious resources but has also forged an unbreakable bond with her racing machines.

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He could probably tell you more components on a car than most adults

On her young son who spends a lot of time in the garage

The Racing Family Unit

At the heart of Lauren's journey is a family united by their shared passion for racing. Her partner and son have been by her side every step of the way, turning the garage into their second home. "My son, bless his heart, he's been in the garage since being about six months old. He has grown up in the garage. He could probably tell you more components on a car than most adults." Together, they form an unbreakable unit, a true racing family, united by their love for the sport and the thrill of the chase.
In an expensive sport with little financial yield, family is the bond that turns passion into profits through the time spent together doing something they all love, and makes them better for it. 

Overcoming Obstacles, Embracing the Challenge

The road to success in mini auto racing is paved with obstacles – from securing sponsorships to handling the physical and mental demands of the sport. Lauren has faced her fair share of challenges, from engine failures to devastating crashes that could have shattered her dreams. But her resilience and unwavering spirit, forged at such a young age, have carried her through. "If it was easy, everybody would be doing it," she acknowledges. "It's not easy, but it is doable. You have to be a strong-minded person and resilient, able to just plow on through it because it does get really draining." Every setback has become a learning experience, fuelling her determination to conquer the next hurdle.
Moving into bigger races means bigger expenses in a sport that pays zero in prize money to its winners. That’s right zero, MINI challenge racing is all about the competition for those who enter. 

The Future Awaits

As the 2024 season approaches, #33 Lauren Tayla stands poised to conquer new heights. With a faster car and a newfound confidence, she is ready to leave her mark on the mini racing circuit. "2024 is just, I really want to build confidence..." she shares. "I want to finish the season, and I intend on doing it on a high, not on any more lows. We've had enough of those and just want to do well this year." The future beckons, and Lauren is determined to answer its call, one race at a time, defying the odds and shattering expectations with every turn of the wheel.

Lauren Tayla's journey is a testament to the power of dreams and the indomitable human spirit, made all the more remarkable by her tender age. From the humble beginnings of a young racing enthusiast to becoming a force to be reckoned with on the track, her story inspires us to chase our passions relentlessly, embrace challenges head-on, and never lose sight of the finish line, no matter how young or old we may be. As the song sings, ‘life is a highway, I’m going to ride it all night long’. As she continues to blaze a trail in the world of Mini auto racing, one thing is certain – Lauren Tayla is an unstoppable force behind the wheel, and her journey, powered by the love and support of her racing family, is just beginning.
We look forward to following Lauren Tayla Racing as number 33 looks to challenge the MINI Challenge Clubsport in 2024 and beyond. 

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Wade McElwain
Wade McElwainSenior Sports Writer

Wade McElwain is our Mr. NFL, a bona fide North American sports nut who knows about NBA, NHL, MLB, PGA plus MMA boxing and more. Originally from Canada, Wade is also an international award-winning stand-up comedian; host of numerous TV game shows; and a TV producer & writer. He also runs NFL in London-the largest NFL fan group in Europe, and has hosted NFL events at Wembley and around the world. Yes, he lives alone and does nothing but watch sports.