Wayne Taylor Racing’s new Cadillac DPi in action. [Joe Jennings Photo]
By Joe Jennings
Team owner Wayne Taylor, drivers Max Angelelli, brothers Jordan and Ricky Taylor and Jeff Gordon pose for media. [Joe Jennings Photo]
DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. – When NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon retired from stock-car competition, he didn’t say he was through with racing, only from the rigors of NASCAR action. And now he’s back, having entered the Rolex 24 at Daytona with Wayne Taylor Racing, the same group he raced to a third-place finish with in 2007.
After the 2007 endurance race, he advised Taylor he would like to try it again upon completion of his NASCAR career. True to their agreement, the pair resumed talking when Gordon announced his retirement plans.
For the 55th running of America’s premier endurance race, Gordon is co-driving a newly designed Cadillac DPi Prototype with Taylor’s sons, Ricky and Jordan, and seasoned veteran Max Angelelli, who is retiring after the Rolex 24.
Jeff Gordon discusses the upcoming Rolex 24 during a weekend press conference. [Joe Jennings Photo]
“It is a dream of mine to drive a car like this. It is fun for me and I treat this as if I am a rookie,” Gordon said during a press conference at Daytona during the three-day test dubbed “The Roar Before the Rolex 24.”
“It has been an amazing experience, getting behind the wheel with a car that brakes and corners like that. And it has been eye-opening, but at the same time so much fun,” Gordon added. “I can’t wait to get out there and nothing would make me feel prouder to be part of an effort that gives Wayne (Taylor) that win as a team owner and these guys that have put their hearts and souls into this.”
Seven DPi cars are entered in the grueling race, and being new and replacements for the venerable but outdated Daytona Prototypes, the new cars will likely have teething problems. One car chief called the cars fragile and speculated the race will be won in the garage.
Racing involves intensity and Gordon’s unexpected return to racing while filling in for Dale Earnhardt Jr. helped him prepare for the Rolex 24. “When I raced in the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis, I said to myself, ‘I am so glad I am doing this as it will help me prepare for the 24-hour race.’ I felt like if I came in (cold) without racing for a year, it would be too much (to ask). It helped me prepare. I’ve been in this car a lot during tests (on road course) at Charlotte and earlier there, which helps me get a feel for the car and figure out all the buttons, plus how to deal with traffic. There’s so much to take in.”
Gordon quickly realized the need to be in tip-top physical condition, and he’s been working with a noted fitness trainer. “The first time I tested I was taken back with the G-forces, and I knew I had to step up my training. I am running a lot, plus I have been skiing. These cars make you work hard.”
Should the NASCAR champion be fortunate enough to co-drive to victory, it will put him in select company, having won the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400 – the pinnacles of racing achievements.
Gordon indicated he would only think about such an accomplishment should the Taylor team reach victory lane on the last Sunday in January.
After the Rolex 24, Gordon has no future racing plans but will consider opportunities should they arise.
