Jordan Taylor has hailed the significance of Corvette’s GTLM victory at last weekend’s Weathertech 240 at Daytona, which was the American manufacturer’s 100th win in IMSA competition.
Taylor and team-mate Antonio Garcia took the maiden win for the Corvette C8.R, which made its debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January. The pairing outpaced both Porsches to take the victory for Corvette on Independence Day.
The 29-year-old explained after the race how significant the maiden win was for Corvette, and how much work the team had done since the season opener in January.
“It is definitely a big day overall,” Taylor said. “We came to the Rolex 24 with a new car in the Corvette C8.R. The team did a lot of development, and we came out very strong there to come out with a fourth-place finish and no issues.
“Once we had the big break, it gave the team to go through data and understand what worked and what didn’t. For us, we rolled off the truck this week very strong, which was good with the limited track time.
“The guys did a great job with pit stop execution and reading the strategy well from the beginning. It was a perfect day for the Corvette C8.R.
“It’s extra special to win today at Daytona, to get the 100th IMSA win for Corvette and my first win as a full-season teammate with Antonio.”
Taylor underlined that the work the team was able to do during the quarantine period was key to the success at Daytona.
“It is amazing. I think the off time gave the Corvette Racing guys some decent time to make some headway with our new C8.R.
“Our fuel mileage, engine and drivability at the beginning of the race was much better than the first race. Pit stops were improved as the guys were training through the quarantine once they could get back in the shop.
“I’m very proud to be here with Antonio for the first win for the C8.R and the 100th win for the team. It is a very special day.”
