INTERVIEW: Jordan Taylor talks adapting to GTP, returning to IMSA's top class, and title target
Days from his long-awaited prototype return the three-time IMSA champion speaks to Only Endurance about joining GTP in 2024.
There’s no doubting Jordan Taylor’s speed, natural talent, and fan-favourite personality, but in 2024, Taylor faces his biggest challenge in sportscars.
The 32-year old will make his debut in IMSA’s ferocious GTP class at this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, but the Florida native is far from a rookie in prototype machinery – in fact, he’s a two-time Daytona winner and champion in DPi.
In 2024, Taylor will race the full IMSA season in the #40 Wayne Taylor Racing Andretti Acura ARX-06 alongside WEC LMP2 champion Louis Deletraz; some five years since he last raced a non-GT car, and a lot has changed since then.
But before he makes that hotly anticipated return to the top class, Taylor spoke to OE Founder Tim Fullbrook about adapting to life in prototypes after his factory role at Corvette, and what to expect from his homecoming in 2024.
Jordan, you’ve had your first couple of tests in the Acura LMDh now, how has it been being back in a top class prototype?
“It’s been a lot of fun learning how to drive a prototype again. It’s been a big challenge, but a fun one.
“The first time I released the pit speed limiter at our Sebring test, I was like ‘wow, ok’ this is quicker than I expected. But once I got settled in, it just felt like another race car, just with a lot more buttons on the steering wheel.
“Thankfully I’ve got lots of good teammates who have been in this car for a year now, so I’ve been able to rely on them with all of my questions.”
How long did it take for you to feel up to speed?
“I think it probably took a day to get comfortable in the car. I was happily surprised that my pace was close to the regular guys after a few outings, but it took me a little longer to actually feel confident and comfortable to be able to do the laps over and over.
“There’s so much going on in the car with the systems that just driving the car was one part of the puzzle.
“Learning how to use those systems to help myself is a whole extra piece that I’m still adapting to.”
What’s the biggest characteristic about the GTP that you have to drive to/manage from behind the wheel?
“I think having all the adjustability inside the cockpit is a whole different world from what I’m used to.
“In the old DPi class, GTLM, and more recently GT3 cars, you had pretty basic adjustments in the car. Roll bars, traction control, brake bias, and some engine mapping. Now you have so many electronics on the car to adjust the diff, the braking system, traction control, and more.
”It’s a lot of information that you need to be processing while you drive and adjusting through a stint.
“That has been a fun part to learn. I’ve spent more time studying steering wheel manuals this off season than I have my whole career combined.”
There’s a load of drivers coming from GT cars to GTP/Hypercar, you’re coming directly from GT but are a champion in prototypes, do you think the mix of both in your career will help be quick in the new top class?
“I think it definitely helped having a background in prototypes.
“The GTP car feels like a cross between our old DPi cars and a big GT car. It has less downforce and more power than the DPi, so jumping back in, I really only had to get used to the big horsepower.
“My neck definitely needs some extra training again, but it’s not as bad as when I was racing the DPI.
“I think my years of GTLM will help a lot with understanding the tire management side. That was always a big aspect of our races and seems just as critical in the GTP class.
“I feel like combining my past few years racing GT cars with Corvette and my prior years at WTR, I’m a much more rounded driver coming back into prototype racing.”
What was it that drew you back to the top class?
“When I left WTR at the end of 2019 I was very excited to join Corvette in GTLM. I had spent many years with them as a third driver and it was always a class I had huge respect for.
“When the GTLM class died off and transitioned to GT3 cars, I felt like we lost a bit of that purity in the top level of GT racing. The style of racing changed and I missed that pure driving feel that you get from a GTLM car or prototype.
“When the GTP class came out and all the top level manufacturers were joining, I was a little jealous watching that unfold the first year. We now have a car and a class that can race in IMSA and go over and compete for the overall win at Le Mans. As a driver, that’s very exciting.”
What do you think you and Louis Deletraz can achieve this season?
“I don’t see why we can’t be competing for race wins and the championship this year.
“Louis has been one of the top prototype drivers around the world the past few years, so I’m very excited to have him as my teammate. It’s always nice when you have someone so quick and experienced like that. Someone you can always rely on and trust when they’re in the car.
“Personally it’s nice for me to have races like Daytona and Sebring to start my year. You get lots of time in the car to get comfortable before the action really starts late in those events. When we get to Long Beach I’ll feel right at home in the car.
“We know the Acura is competitive and WTR is a championship contender year in and year out.
It all starts with Daytona, a race you’ve had so much success at, what’s it going to take to pick up your fourth Rolex, and can you do it?
“It’s going to be a tough race, it always is. The race is so much down to execution by everyone involved.
“From the pit lane, to the timing stand, to the guys behind the wheel. We have an amazing crew and an incredible driver lineup that can definitely get the job done. Hopefully we can have a clean run through the night and be ready to go racing in those last six hours.
“This race has turned into what feels like a Tour de France stage. You spend most of the race trying to stay out of trouble and set yourself up for the sprint finish.
“Those last few hours are so insanely stressful and intense, but it makes the win that much more special. We have all the ingredients to battle for the win.”