Wayne Taylor Racing Overview
Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) is a professional sports car racing team established in 2004 by racing driver Wayne Taylor. The team competes primarily in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, fielding entries such as the Cadillac V-Series.R and Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2. Known for its strong presence in North American endurance racing, WTR has secured multiple drivers’ championships in both the Rolex Sports Car Series and IMSA SportsCar Championship. The team is co-owned by Wayne Taylor and TWG Motorsports and operates with a focus on competitive excellence and technological advancement.
Founding and Organizational Origins
Wayne Taylor Racing was founded in 2004 as the factory team for Riley Technologies, initially sponsored by SunTrust bank. The team was created to compete in the Rolex Sports Car Series with the goal of establishing a dominant presence in prototype racing. Early operations were built around a strong driver lineup including Wayne Taylor himself and Max Angelelli, supported by Riley’s engineering expertise and SunTrust’s financial backing. This foundation allowed WTR to quickly become competitive, finishing second in the Daytona Prototype teams championship in its inaugural year.
Growth Into IMSA SportsCar Championship Competition
After separating from Riley Technologies in 2007, Wayne Taylor Racing began running independently with the #10 SunTrust Racing entry. The team transitioned through various chassis and engine suppliers, including a switch to Dallara chassis and Ford engines, before adopting Chevrolet powerplants in 2011. The addition of Wayne Taylor’s sons, Ricky and Jordan Taylor, helped solidify the team’s driver lineup. Following the merger of the Grand-Am and American Le Mans Series in 2014, WTR adapted to the newly formed IMSA SportsCar Championship, continuing its pursuit of endurance racing success. In 2023, WTR announced a strategic partnership with Andretti Autosport to enhance operational leadership and infrastructure, signaling a new phase of growth.
Wayne Taylor Racing Competitive Journey
Wayne Taylor Racing has progressed steadily from its early days in the Rolex Sports Car Series to becoming a leading contender in the IMSA SportsCar Championship. The team has demonstrated consistent performance improvements, championship victories, and adaptability to evolving racing regulations and technology.
Early Seasons and Development (2004–2010)
In its first seasons, WTR quickly established itself as a competitive force. The 2004 lineup of Wayne Taylor and Max Angelelli achieved a second-place finish in the Daytona Prototype teams championship. The following year, the team won both the Daytona Prototype team and drivers championships. After Wayne Taylor retired from driving in 2008, the team continued to evolve with new drivers and technical changes, including adopting a Dallara chassis and Ford engines. By 2010, the team featured Ricky Taylor alongside Angelelli, securing a race win and multiple podiums, finishing as runners-up in the championship.
Breakthrough in Rolex Sports Car Series (2011–2013)
The team’s switch to Chevrolet engines in 2011 marked a period of strong results, including three wins and eight podium finishes, again finishing as runners-up. In 2012, with the Corvette DP3 chassis, WTR achieved three wins, though the drivers finished sixth in the standings. The 2013 season was a breakthrough year; despite losing the SunTrust sponsorship and Ricky Taylor leaving, Jordan Taylor joined the team. Angelelli and Jordan Taylor won the final Daytona Prototype championship before the series merger, securing five wins including the last three races.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2014–Present)
Since 2014, WTR has competed in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, with Wayne Taylor transitioning to a semi-retired role focused on endurance events. Ricky and Jordan Taylor have been key drivers, maintaining the team’s competitive edge. In 2023, the partnership with Andretti Autosport brought new leadership and operational support, with plans to move into Andretti’s headquarters by 2025. The team fields multiple cars, including Cadillac V-Series.R entries in the GTP class and a Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 in the GTD class. The driver lineup features Filipe Albuquerque, Ricky Taylor, Jordan Taylor, Louis Delétraz, and others. WTR expanded its Acura GTP program in 2024 before switching to Cadillac in 2025, continuing its commitment to top-tier sports car racing.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
Wayne Taylor Racing emphasizes technical innovation, strategic race management, and driver development. The team excels in endurance racing formats, leveraging strong engineering partnerships and experienced drivers to maintain consistent performance across long-distance events.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key achievements include the team’s first Daytona Prototype championship in 2005, the final Rolex Sports Car Series championship in 2013, and the IMSA SportsCar Championship drivers’ title in 2017. The 2023 alliance with Andretti Autosport represents a significant organizational milestone, positioning WTR for sustained success in the evolving sports car racing landscape.
Wayne Taylor Racing Achievements and Results
Wayne Taylor Racing has secured three major drivers’ championships across its history, highlighting its status as a premier team in North American sports car racing. The team’s record includes multiple race wins, championship titles, and strong performances in marquee endurance events.
IMSA SportsCar Championship Achievements
WTR won the IMSA SportsCar Championship drivers’ championship in 2017, demonstrating competitive consistency and strategic excellence. The team fields multiple cars in the series, regularly contending for wins and podium finishes.
Rolex Sports Car Series Achievements
The team captured the Rolex Sports Car Series drivers’ championships twice, in 2005 and 2013. The 2013 title was particularly notable as it was the final championship before the series merged with the American Le Mans Series. These victories established WTR as a dominant force in prototype racing.
Series and Development Achievements
Beyond championships, WTR has developed several prominent drivers, including Wayne Taylor’s sons Ricky and Jordan Taylor, who have become key figures in sports car racing. The team’s ability to adapt to changing technical regulations and maintain competitive performance underscores its long-term success and influence in the sport.
