Originally from Alabama, Taylor Stricklin along with father- Hut, mother- Pam, and sister- Tabitha, moved to North Carolina in September 1996. Growing up, the 6'7 scholar athlete always had aspirations to play basketball. After graduating high school in the spring of 2007, Stricklin's dream seemed to be coming true as he got the opportunity to play basketball at Averett University. Unfortunately, a knee injury that required surgery sidelined him indefinitely. This time off made him realize he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his dad, Hut Stricklin, and grandfather, Donnie Allison, and start a racing career. In the winter of 2007, Hut and Taylor began to build a street stock from the ground up. That following summer, midway through the season, Stricklin's career began at Hickory Motor Speedway. With 8 starts, he took 3 poles and 3 wins. Finishing up the first season, he seemed to develop a natural talent, drive, and desire to race and maintain his car. Growing up with the family he has, there is no question as to why this young man has his eyes on his first championship this season.