IMSA | Ricky Taylor: “Acura is very competitive, but in sprints everything can change”

In the paddock of Monza, during the tests organized by Kateyama, we should exchange a few words Ricky Taylor. The American was present at the Lombard factory to prepare 24 Hours of Le Mansan event that will take place in LMP2 and colors of TDS Racing (Tower Motorsport).

The 33-year-old will share the cockpit with the German René Rast and Canada John Farano, boss of the Canadian team that won last year’s LMP2 classIMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (WTSC). The success secured him an invitation to the 100th anniversary of the French marathon, the fourth act of the FIA ​​World Endurance Championship that we will have in June.

After the endurance race we check out Long Beach

Taylor, a driver who has never climbed into the temple of speed, is also one of the main protagonists of the premier IMSA WTSC class, America’s most important division reserved for covered wheels.

The former champion of the series has been shown all the time by the Portuguese Filipe Albuquerque, they share two l’Acura #10 del Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport. The pair are currently second in the overall standings after the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Sebring 12h, which took place in mid-March.

After the first events, Acura’s #10 reported to our microphones: “What has happened so far is very positive, we have been competing with Acura in both races. Several times we have been better on the track, it was not obvious with a brand new car. Next week there will be the Long Beach race, in the Sprint challenges everything can change”.

In just over a week, IMSA pilots will gather on stage between the walls of the California facility, the only city course of IMSA WTSC 2023. The length of the race will be 1:40 in the morning an unusual time compared to other championships which usually consist of races of 2 hours and 40 minutes. “I think everyone can do well. BMW has taken a big step forward, everyone still understands that the car is very difficult compared to the DPi. The test is going on with Acura in Indianapolis, Filipe Albuquerque is in the race these days. I am happy that this year we will also be back in Indiana tournament, it’s our home track. Of course, I’m sorry I don’t have the Belle Isle stage, I have great memories at that track.”

Ricky Taylor: from DPi to GTP, going through LMP2

Former Rolex 24 winner at Daytona and 12 hours at Sebring he also gave his thoughts on the many differences between the LMDh (GTP), the old DPi and the LMP2 that he will drive at Le Mans. “They are three different concepts of the car. In a straight line the hybrid gives you something more, the weight on the other hand is higher for the current Acura. The LMP2 is a good car, it is closer to the DPi than the GTP which I usually use in IMSA” .

The selection is now for Saturday April 15 while GTP, GTD PRO and GTD will participate in Long Beach for the third round of the IMSA WTSC. Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06 #10 First Hot Chase of 2023 After Second Place at Daytonabrother of Jordan Taylor and the aforementioned Albuquerque currently racing the #31 Cadillac for Whelen Engineering Racing (Action Express).

From Monza – Luca Pellegrini