Former Chatham, La., track champ dies
Longtime Louisiana racer Raymond Taylor of Ball, La., whose No. T49 Dirt Late Model was frequently in action at the dirt track in Chatham, La., where he was a division champion, died Tuesday at Legacy Nursing in Pollock, La. He was 77.
Taylor, who in 1974 partnered with his brother Kenny to own and operate TWM Racing Products, was a dirt racer for more than 50 seasons mostly at tracks in Louisiana and Arkansas and finished second in Crate Late Model points last season at Chatham’s Super Bee Speedway with four top-five finishes.
Kenny’s daughter Angie Lemoine, who reported her uncle’s passing to Super Bee promoters, said Saturday nights at the dirt track was a way of life for the family as she grew up.
"Family is what built it, and family kept it together,” she said. “They raced all the way up till the end.”
Among Taylor’s career highlights was a 2009 Late Model title in Chatham (the track was then called Jones Motor Speedway). He won a pair of features that season. He also finished third in Louisiana Late Model Series points in 2019.
Along with his brother and niece among others, John Raymond Taylor is survived by his wife of 42 years, Nancy. Visitation is 9-11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at Gallagher Funeral in Pineville, La. with a service at 11; burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
