Ricky Scott Taylor Bio
Ricky Scott Taylor (born August 3, 1989) is an American professional racing driver best known for his success in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. He has achieved significant milestones including winning the IMSA Series Championship in 2017 and securing victories at prestigious endurance races such as the Daytona 24, 12 Hours of Sebring, and Petit Le Mans.
Early Life and Background
Ricky Taylor was born in Surrey, England, United Kingdom, but grew up in Florida, United States, where he was exposed to racing from an early age. His father, Wayne Taylor, was a notable driver in the IMSA GT Championship during the 1990s, which influenced Ricky and his brother Jordan to pursue careers in motorsports. Ricky began his racing journey in karting before progressing to single-seater competitions, winning the Skip Barber Southern Series championship in 2006 and finishing runner-up in the Skip Barber National Series in 2007.
In 2008, Taylor made his debut in the 24 Hours of Daytona competing in the Grand-Am series with Wayne Taylor Racing. He quickly established himself in the Daytona Prototype class, gaining valuable experience and achieving strong finishes early in his career. His education background is not publicly detailed, but his formative years were clearly shaped by his family’s racing heritage and early competitive success.
Path to IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Ricky Taylor’s path to prominence in IMSA began with his participation in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, where he was runner-up in the Daytona Prototype class in both 2010 and 2011. During this time, he earned seven wins and 20 podium finishes, showcasing his growing talent and consistency. He also recorded notable results in the 24 Hours of Daytona, finishing second in 2014 and placing fifth in 2008, 2011, and 2013.
His early career included stints with teams such as Beyer Racing and Spirit of Daytona Racing, where he refined his skills and gained experience in endurance racing. In 2012, Taylor also competed in the V8 Supercars Gold Coast 600 event as an international co-driver, although that outing was marked by a significant crash. His steady progression through these series set the stage for his breakthrough in the top prototype categories of sports car racing.
Ricky Scott Taylor Career
Early Career (2008–2013)
Taylor’s early career was highlighted by his debut in the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2008 and his rise through the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. Driving for Wayne Taylor Racing and other teams, he earned multiple wins and podiums in the Daytona Prototype class. His 2010 and 2011 seasons were particularly successful, finishing as runner-up in the championship both years and capturing several victories including a win at the 6 Hours of Watkins Glen in 2011.
Throughout these years, Taylor drove a variety of prototype cars including the Riley-Pontiac, Dallara-Ford, and Chevrolet Corvette DP. His consistent performances helped establish him as a top contender in endurance racing, and he gained valuable experience competing alongside seasoned drivers such as Max Angelelli and his father Wayne Taylor.
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Breakthrough (2014–2017)
With the formation of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Taylor continued to build his reputation. In 2017, he achieved a career-defining milestone by winning the IMSA Series Championship in the Prototype class alongside his brother Jordan Taylor. The duo secured five wins that season, including marquee endurance events like the Daytona 24, 12 Hours of Sebring, and Petit Le Mans, cementing their status among the sport’s elite.
This period marked Taylor’s emergence as a leading figure in sports car racing, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest level in endurance events. His success was driven by strong teamwork, strategic acumen, and consistent speed across diverse circuits and conditions.
Acura Team Penske Era (2018–2020)
In 2018, Ricky Taylor made a significant career move by joining the newly formed Acura Team Penske Prototype squad. Partnering with veteran driver Hélio Castroneves, Taylor competed in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship driving the Acura ARX-05. This partnership proved fruitful, culminating in winning the 2020 WeatherTech SportsCar DPi Drivers’ Championship. Their championship run was highlighted by consistent podium finishes and strong performances throughout the season, including an eighth-place finish at the 12 Hours of Sebring finale.
Taylor’s time with Acura Team Penske allowed him to develop his skills further in a highly competitive environment, working with one of the top teams in North American sports car racing. His collaboration with Castroneves and the team’s engineering staff contributed to multiple race wins and a championship title.
Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing Era (2021–Present)
Returning to his family’s team, Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing, in 2021, Ricky Taylor continues to compete at the forefront of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Driving the No. 10 Cadillac prototype powered by an AR35TT 3.5 L Turbo V6 engine, Taylor remains a key contender in endurance racing. His experience and familiarity with the team have helped maintain strong performances and podium finishes in recent seasons.
Under the Wayne Taylor Racing banner, Ricky continues to build on his legacy, combining his driving talent with the team’s rich history and technical expertise. His ongoing partnership with his father’s team underscores a family tradition of excellence in motorsports.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ricky Taylor is known for his precise racecraft, adaptability across different track types, and strategic approach to endurance racing. His strengths include managing tire wear, maintaining consistent lap times, and executing effective pit strategies. Taylor’s ability to work closely with his crew chief and teammates enhances his performance, making him a formidable competitor in prototype racing.
Notable Races and Milestones
Taylor’s career features signature victories at endurance classics such as the Daytona 24, 12 Hours of Sebring, and Petit Le Mans. His 2017 IMSA Series Championship win alongside his brother Jordan stands out as a defining achievement. Additionally, his 2020 WeatherTech SportsCar DPi Drivers’ Championship with Acura Team Penske highlights his sustained success at the highest levels of sports car racing.
Ricky Scott Taylor Career Wins
Ricky Taylor’s career includes multiple wins across top-level sports car racing series. His victories span marquee endurance races and championship events, reflecting his skill and consistency as a prototype driver.
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Highlights
Taylor has secured numerous wins in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, including five victories during the 2017 championship-winning season. His first major win came early in his IMSA career, and he has continued to add to his tally with strong performances in endurance races such as the Daytona 24 and Petit Le Mans. His most recent championship came in 2020 with Acura Team Penske, underscoring his competitive longevity.
Other Wins & Performances
Before IMSA, Taylor achieved seven wins and 20 podiums in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Daytona Prototype class. He also earned notable finishes in the 24 Hours of Daytona, including second place in 2014 and multiple top-five results. His experience extends to international events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the V8 Supercars Gold Coast 600.
Ricky Scott Taylor Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ricky Taylor is the son of Wayne Taylor, a respected IMSA GT Championship driver from the 1990s. This family connection has deeply influenced Ricky’s racing career, providing early exposure to motorsports and opportunities to develop his talent. The Taylor family is well-known in American sports car racing, with Ricky and his brother Jordan continuing the legacy.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Ricky Taylor is expected to continue competing with Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. His experience, combined with the team’s strong engineering and strategic capabilities, positions him as a contender for further victories and championship success. Taylor’s ongoing focus will be on maintaining consistency, adapting to evolving competition, and leveraging his endurance racing expertise to secure top results.