Mackenzie Taylor - Drive out the Stigma

Every so often, I’ll come across someone who, in their own way, is cut from a different cloth than everyone else. Defying norms, carving their own style or blazing a trail, and every now and then, someone who is trying to change the world for the better. Step forward, 16 year old Mackenzie Taylor.

The young Brit has launched ‘Drive out the Stigma’ - aimed at improving men’s mental health, on and off the race track - a move inspired by the passing of his older brother.

About Mackenzie

Alex: Could you tell us a little about your career?

Mackenzie: This season, I’ve completed two rounds of the Mini Challenge Cup with EXCELR8 Motorsport, including one at Brands Hatch. We were due to compete the whole season, but unfortunately lost a major sponsor and it was a huge setback.

📸 Mackenzie on track.

I have to say a huge thanks to everyone who managed to get me there, especially Justina Williams. The Brands Hatch weekend was great!

A: What’s your first memory of racing?

M: Just being at racetracks. My mum and dad raced, my sister…all my early memories are just being at tracks. Daytona Milton Keynes is a standout as we were there a lot.

A: What pushed you to race yourself?

Just the family connection. A hobby turned into what I want to do in life. Being around cars and tracks just made me want to stay around them.

A: Your goal long term is to race in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), why?

M: It’s great. It’s the pinnacle of British car racing and I want to be a part of that.

A: Who’s your racing hero?

M: There’s no standout for me. Again, the family connection is big here, my mum, my sister, they’re the ones that made me want to race.

Drive out the Stigma

A: What made you want to start this?

M: I guess the biggest thing was my brother passing away, but there’s a few things. I struggled with anxiety and saw a counsellor from about Year 7 to help with that.

Trying to be strong with other things going on and bottling things up, it taught me that that’s not always the best thing and opening up is so important.

A: What are your long term goals for Drive out the Stigma?

M: Events, just getting the name out there. Maybe something like a fundraiser, it could be on iRacing or at a venue with lots of people, something like that. Having ambassadors too would be great, people who can do talks at different places up and down the country to raise awareness.

A: Finally, what’s one important message you’d like to say?

M: Oh…I don’t know? Just to take life one lap at a time. If you’ve got a problem, nurse it home, don’t be a hero and take it easy.

Ends.

Great stuff, and an incredible mature 16 year old with huge plans and very bright future!

📸 Image credits: Mackenzie Taylor.