Taylor targets 12-hour seat

TEAMS searching a world-class co-driver for the 2018 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour may need look no further.

Current WeatherTech IMSA Sports Car Series champion and 2017 Daytona 24 Hour winner Jordan Taylor has placed himself on the market for a drive in Australia’s around-the-clock enduro next February.

The 26-year-old has forged an enviable career in top-flight sports car racing in both the US and Europe, with success at Daytona paired with victories in the Sebring 12 Hour, Petit LeMans and multiple IMSA and Grand-Am events in recent years.

With older brother Ricky, Taylor won the first six-straight races in this year’s IMSA series en route to a maiden championship.

The son of Sports Car great Wayne, Taylor also won the LM GTE Pro Class at the 2015 LeMans 24 Hour as a factory driver for Corvette Racing.

He was in Australia last weekend visiting the Coates Hire Newcastle 500 in an effort to secure a potential Supercars Championship enduro seat next year.

However, he says a Bathurst 12-Hour start is high on the agenda for 2018.

“It’s been on the radar the last couple of years,” he said.

“I emailed a couple of teams last year and didn’t hear anything back! So I’ve been talking to some people for next year but at this point there’s nothing too much in the works.

“I think that’s a race that is definitely on my bucket list. It’s important to do that race to prove to Supercar teams that I’ve got experience at Bathurst and in that type of racing.

“It’s a stepping stone and the first step to take.”

Despite his young age, Taylor has forged an enviable endurance record in top-flight Sports Car racing, as well as significant experience in GT3 cars racing in the Pirelli World Challenge.

He paired with Michael Cooper in a factory Cadillac to win the Sprint X championship this year.

“I’ve done almost 20, 24-hour races between LeMans and Daytona, and raced the Sebring 12hr many times,” he said.

“We’ve won all the big ones like Daytona, Sebring, Petit, so I think I have got a good understanding of what it takes in those kinds of races.

“I’ve been in a co-driver position in World Challenge this year where we won the championship in Sprint X. I’ve got a lot of experience to bring to the table.”

Taylor said he was keen to experience different forms of racing – hence his visit to Australia on the weekend.

“It’s a very different form of racing and you can be closed off in your own championship and not see what’s on the outside,” he explained.

“That’s why I’m here to put my face in front of people, let them know I’m interested and hopefully open some doors.”

The 2018 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour will be held on 2-4 February.

Photo: Wayne Taylor Racing