The transition of Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) to the Cadillac program marks a significant shift for the team as they aim to reclaim their dominance in the IMSA GTP class. After four years with Acura, WTR has joined forces with General Motors, bringing fresh energy and talent to the Indiana-based squad. This move is part of Cadillac's renewed focus on North American racing, and the team is set to field two cars with an impressive lineup of drivers. Despite limited testing time, the proven success of Cadillac's V-Series.R and the team's adaptability offer promising prospects for the upcoming season.
The partnership between WTR and Cadillac brings together a powerhouse of talent and experience. The No. 10 car will be driven by Ricky Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque, while the No. 40 will feature Louis Deletraz and Jordan Taylor. Additional support from experienced endurance racers like Will Stevens and Alex Lynn, along with Toyota Hypercar drivers Brendon Hartley and Kamui Kobayashi, adds further depth to the roster. While the team faces challenges in adapting to new working relationships, the strong collaboration between WTR and Action Express could accelerate their progress. Both teams are committed to fostering a cooperative environment to ensure Cadillac's success in the competitive GTP class.
After four successful years with Acura, Wayne Taylor Racing made the bold decision to switch allegiances and return to General Motors. This change signifies a new chapter for the team, which has always been known for its adaptability and pursuit of excellence. The move was prompted by Chip Ganassi Racing's split with GM, creating an opportunity for WTR to rejoin forces with Cadillac. The team's history with Cadillac dates back to 2021 when they successfully debuted the ARX-05 at the Rolex 24. Now, with the V-Series.R, they are ready to build on that momentum.
The transition to Cadillac comes with both excitement and challenges. The V-Series.R is a proven winner, having claimed the 2023 IMSA GTP titles with Action Express. However, the team must quickly adapt to the nuances of the new car and develop a seamless working relationship with Cadillac and chassis supplier Dallara. The off-season was short, limiting testing opportunities, but the familiarity with the vehicle offers some reassurance. Ricky Taylor, who last drove a Cadillac in 2017, noted that the car's simplicity and adaptability make it ideal for endurance racing. "The Cadillac does all the little things right," he said, highlighting its responsiveness to setup changes. This adaptability could prove crucial as the team aims to hit the ground running in the early part of 2025.
The return of Wayne Taylor Racing to the Cadillac fold means GM now has two formidable teams in its arsenal. Action Express, a longtime partner, remains committed to supporting WTR's integration into the Cadillac family. Full-season driver Jack Aitken emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two teams. With over 100 people involved across different companies, fostering a collaborative environment is essential for success. Action Express is ready to help WTR acclimate to the new setup, sharing data and insights to enhance performance.
The cooperative approach extends beyond just the teams; it involves Cadillac drivers and staff working closely together. Jack Aitken explained that this level of collaboration is not just a response to the recent changes but a long-standing goal for Cadillac. "We’re trying to make it all even more cooperative at Cadillac than it was before," he said. The challenge lies in balancing competition with collaboration, especially on race day. However, the shared goal of putting Cadillac on top provides a unifying force. As the teams prepare for the upcoming season, the positive atmosphere and willingness to share knowledge bode well for Cadillac's ambitions in the IMSA GTP class. With the combined strength of WTR and Action Express, Cadillac is poised to make a strong impact in 2025.