Sick Week 2026: Alex Taylor's Performance and Mechanical Challenges

Sick Week 2026 Kick-off & Early Challenges

• ❄️ The event began at Gainesville Raceway with record-cold temperatures, causing delays and track issues, with testing shut down due to the track not holding temperature.
• 🎯 Alex Taylor achieved a personal best 6.55-second pass on day one at Gainesville, despite personal difficulties and the challenging cold and windy conditions.

Mechanical Setbacks for Team Isky

• ⚠️ Day two at South Georgia Motorsports Park brought significant issues, including tire performance problems on Alex's heavy 3500lb car and a brand new water pump leaking due to a thermostat issue.
• ⚙️ Alex's car experienced transmission problems (low charge pressure, erratic line pressure, burnt clutches) and rear end issues (loose bearings, wobbling rotor) that required on-the-spot adjustments.
• 🛠️ Despite constant adjustments and fighting the car, Alex managed a 7.45-second pass by pedaling it, resulting in a 7.00-second average going into the drive day.

Competitor Struggles & Event Conditions

• ⚡ Many fast cars, including Jeff Lutz and Tom Bailey, faced severe mechanical failures like cracked blocks and torched heads, leading them to exit the event early.
• 🌧️ The event was marked by unpredictable weather, including heavy rain and strong winds at Bradington, which led to track closures and affected racing schedules.

Honoring Ed Iskenderian's Legacy

• 🕊️ During the event, Ed Iskenderian, the founder of Isky Cams, passed away at 104 years old, surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of innovation.

Final Standings & Future Outlook

• ✅ Alex Taylor successfully completed Sick Week 2026, achieving a 6.92-second average and finishing second in the Unlimited Iron class by a mere 0.00775 seconds, and fourth overall.
• 🚀 Post-event plans include a comprehensive rebuild and refresh of the car's suspension, four-link, sway bar, brakes, and engine components, along with considering a weight reduction.
• 💡 The team emphasized that despite the challenges, they learned a lot and were proud the car loaded into its trailer under its own power, unlike many other competitors.