Taylor rolls into Sebring after huge breakthrough
So Taylor found himself with one small opening for a victory, and as he dove around the leader on the inside as they entered a turn, he made a move few thought he had in him. Why? Because Ricky Taylor is “the nice one” of Wayne Taylor's two sons. Jordan is “the funny one,” he's fast, and he gets a lot of opportunities that his older brother doesn't land. Now 27 and in his 10th season racing at the top American level of sports cars, he understands the perception but believes people underestimate his aggression.
“I don't like people not to like me. I am a people pleaser and outside the car, I love racing and I love the relationships in the paddock,” Taylor said. “I love everything about motorsports. I just want everybody to be happy, but I also know it's big business, and it can't always be fun and games. If I never raced a car, I think I might be mistaken for weak or people would think I'm a pushover. But when I'm in that car, it's the one time for me to go for what I want.”
Taylor made that very clear at Daytona, and the perception in the paddock may be far different at Sebring International Raceway as Wayne Taylor Racing prepares for Saturday's prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring. It's the first IMSA SportsCar race since the team won at Daytona, and much has changed for Taylor in the two months since.
Ricky Taylor cemented his name at Daytona, and people are now taking notice. Among those who wanted a closer look was Team Penske, which took Taylor to Homestead Speedway in Florida to help reigning IndyCar champion Simon Pagenaud test.
“We don't give tests out of generosity,” said Penske, who will know within months if he'll enter the SportsCar Series next year.