Ricky Taylor has been winning races and championships for years and is well known in the IMSA paddock. At the 2023 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach media luncheon, he happened to be sitting next to me at the lunch table. After lunch, he was gracious enough to spend some time answering multiple questions and filling us in on how he prepares for winning races – mentally, physically, and with specialized nutrition. He also lets us know about how the team uses the Honda driver-in-the-loop simulator to enhance performance. Incredibly detailed information that most people don’t know about, he makes you an insider in the exciting world of IMSA GTP racing. Enjoy!
Note: Taylor was running second at Long Beach with an opportunity to win with just two laps remaining. He made the pass on the Porsche going into Turn 1 but couldn’t hang on and ended up in the tire barrier. He and teammate Felipe Albuquerque were classified in 7th place. Although the team surprisingly went winless in 2023, they still ended up 2nd in the championship. You can see Taylor in action at the Rolex 24 at Daytona January 27-28, 2024 where he’s qualified sixth. Go to: IMSA.com for more information and air times.
By Larry Mason
Copyright © 2024 Larry Mason
Ricky Taylor has a lot to smile about as he’s been on a winning team all his life!–(Photo courtesy of John Grafman)
Ricky Taylor enjoys a light hearted moment during this raceschool.com interview.–(Photo courtesy of John Grafman)
Ricky Taylor explains how the drivers and team prepare for every race while his teammate (and simulator specialist and multi-time championship winner) Felipe Albuquerque looks on and listens in.–(Photo courtesy of John Grafman)
Late in the race at Long Beach, Taylor pushes his Acura ARX-06 GTP car hard through Turn 10 trying to make up time from a long pit stop.
Slight damage to the right rear diffuser blanking plate didn’t slow the charge of Taylor in his quest to get to the lead of the race at Long Beach.
Konica Minolta and Wayne Taylor Racing have enjoyed a long sponsorship/partnership together in IMSA and the cars are resplendent in black and blue. Here, Taylor looks for just the right line through the iconic Turn 11 hairpin at Long Beach to maximize his speed down Shoreline Drive.
It’s now or never. Exiting the hairpin with two laps to go and a throng of fans looking on, Taylor has a run on the leading Porsche and the long front straight beckons to make a move for the lead. In front of the hometown Acura crowd, Taylor went for the move and passed into Turn 1, but alas, didn’t make it out of Turn 1. . .
Interview and photos Copyright © by Larry Mason (unless otherwise noted)